In Mercedes land, the initials AMG after the brand name means a giant performance spin, plus a different styling premise.

The most striking difference is the grille. Instead of the classic Mercedes circle with a star and horizontal bars toward the headlights, the circle with the star has multiple vertical chrome bars stretching clear across the rounded grille opening.

But, it’s what’s found under the hood that makes the AMG stand out. The AMG division of Mercedes hand-builds super-high performance powerplants and combines that with suspension reworking for better handling.

The GT63 is described as a four-door coupe. Essentially, Mercedes takes the coupe’s low, smooth roofline and stretches it to accommodate the two extra rear doors. Added is a medium-sized wing/spoiler atop the trunk. To enhance the performance spin are sticky 21-inch tires on light alloy wheels with well-spaced spikes that show off the large colorful brake calipers and big brake discs. Four large rear-exhaust pipes pop out from under the rear bumper. Overall, the result is a good looking and unusual appearance.

Back under the hood, the largest powerplant available on this model is a biturbo 4.0 liter V-8, developing a stout 630 horsepower. Like the rest of the automotive world, the transmission is not a manual shifter, but an automatic, with this model having nine forward gears. All-wheel-drive keeps the power on the ground. Its performance is truly breathtaking, with a zero-to-60 time of 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 195 mph.

In keeping with the coupe look theme, the interior can accommodate four passengers in their own bucket seats. All of them are comfortable with high bolstering to hold you in place. Our test model had striking super bright red leather spread around the interior and seats.

The days of mechanical instruments have disappeared. Two giant 12.3-inch-long video screens stretch across the dash. With the push of
some buttons, switch the interface to super sport mode, and the screen behind the steering wheel changes from general information to a huge video tachometer. Navigation and maps can be shown, including a 3D map that highlights buildings in the surrounding area and a view from outer space. Likewise, the suspension and handling can be changed by a touch of a button to turn the ride and cornering from comfortable and absorbing to racetrack handling. And, as one would expect, the automatic transmission gears can be changed with large paddles behind the steering wheel

Rather surprising given the low roofline, the rear two seats are accommodating with more than enough headroom and legroom, Air vents are available, as well as two cup holders for the rear-seat passengers. For storage, there are two large pockets built into the front seat backs. Interestingly, the trunk is equipped for hands-free usage and can be opened and closed by sim- ply having the key on you and swinging your foot under the rear bumper. Once opened, the trunk storage area is medium-sized and nicely lined.

If there is one takeaway from this Mercedes, it is not only its styling and overall look, but its velocity. There’s nothing like its initial acceleration, with its super road grip and throw-you-back-into-the-seat thrust. The rest of the ride is needed just to return to your normal breathing pattern.

MERCEDES AMG GT63C4S MODEL: FOUR-DOOR COUPE DESIGN, FOUR PASSENGERS

POWERTRAIN: 4.0 LITER, BITURBO V-8, 630 HORSEPOWER, 9-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION, ALL WHEEL DRIVE

PERFORMANCE: 0-60 TIME: 2.9 SECONDS, TOP SPEED 195 MPH

PRICE: BASE PRICE $161,200, AS TESTED $180,670