Mercedes-AMG GT 43 arrives in Korea as an everyday sports car with F1-derived tech

Mercedes-Benz Korea has added a new entry model to its AMG GT high-performance sports car lineup. The company officially launched the Mercedes-AMG GT 43 in South Korea on Wednesday, positioning it as a rear-wheel-drive performance coupe that balances sharp driving dynamics with everyday usability.

The AMG GT sits at the top of Mercedes-AMG's lineup, combining motorsport technology with sports car design. Last year, Korea received the AMG GT 55 4MATIC+ and the high-performance plug-in hybrid AMG GT 63 S E Performance.

The GT 43 broadens the range with a greater emphasis on daily practicality. While retaining the rear-wheel-drive character of its siblings, it is designed to be driven comfortably on a regular basis — what the brand calls a "daily sports car."

Power comes from an inline four-cylinder 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline engine producing 421 horsepower and 51 kgf·m of torque. The engine features an electrically assisted exhaust-gas turbocharger derived from technology used by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 team, improving throttle response across the rev range and boosting acceleration from a standstill.

A 48V onboard electrical system adds further capability. A belt-driven starter-generator provides up to 10 kW of supplemental power and supports coasting and regenerative braking. Drive goes through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission.

The performance figures are suitably sports car-like: the GT 43 reaches 100 km/h from rest in 4.6 seconds, tops out at 280 km/h and returns a combined fuel economy of 9.3 kilometers per liter.

Handling hardware comes standard. The AMG suspension is tuned to minimize body roll in corners and maintain stability at high speeds and at the limit. Rear-axle steering with up to 2.5 degrees of articulation sharpens agility at low speeds and improves stability at higher ones.

The exterior refines the AMG sports car's characteristically low, wide proportions with a modern touch. The GT 43 receives a newly designed front apron, front fender trim and rear apron. At the back, circular dual tailpipe trims flank each side, while silver brake calipers engraved with AMG lettering reinforce the high-performance look from the flanks.

The cabin balances sports car intent with practicality. A folding 2+2 seat configuration and a trunk that expands to 675 liters make it viable for long trips and everyday use.

Korean-market customers get a tailored infotainment experience. The third-generation MBUX system integrates TMap Auto, with compatibility for the head-up display and augmented-reality navigation. A valid TMap online navigation service license is required.

Standard equipment also includes AMG Track Pace, a driving assistance package, multi-contour seats, heated and ventilated front seats, a panoramic roof and a 360-degree camera. AMG Track Pace records and analyzes vehicle speed, steering angle, acceleration and braking to help drivers improve their performance on track.

Korea-specific digital services and everyday convenience features have become increasingly important competitive factors even in the high-performance import segment. Porsche Korea has also announced it will apply TMap Auto-based Korean navigation to key 2027 model-year vehicles, signaling that competition among premium performance imports now extends beyond driving dynamics to localized usability.

To mark the launch, Mercedes-Benz Korea is also releasing a limited 10-unit Launch Edition. It pairs a High-Tech Silver Metallic exterior with a Red Pepper and Black Nappa leather interior, and adds the AMG Night Package and Manufaktur Black Chrome trim.

The Launch Edition also comes with AMG Ride Control suspension, which independently adjusts the damping at each wheel according to road conditions to accentuate the GT's sporty character.

The AMG GT 43 is priced at 149.5 million won ($102,000), while the AMG GT 43 Launch Edition is priced at 160.5 million won.