The Definitive Mercedes AMG GT R Buying Guide

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is, without a doubt, one of the best supercars available around the £100k mark (but can rise to the £239k mark, depending on the version). If you’re in the market for a high-performance machine that delivers brutal speed, track-ready handling, and everyday usability, the AMG GT R should be at the top of your list.

But with so many spec choices, making the right decision can be tricky. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about the AMG GT R’s colours, wheels, brakes, carbon fibre options, seats, and interior packs, so you can find the perfect spec for you.

The History

Released in 2017, the AMG GT R was introduced as the hardcore, track-focused variant of the AMG GT and GT S. But this wasn’t just a slightly tweaked version of the standard car;  the AMG GT R took things to the next level.

Under the bonnet sits a 4.0-litre V8 biturbo engine, delivering an aggressive punch with 577bhp and 700Nm of torque, sending all its power to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result? A car that can rocket from 0-62mph in just 3.6 seconds.

What truly sets the GT R apart is its motorsport-inspired technology. It features an active aerodynamic system, a wider track for better grip, and rear-wheel steering to improve cornering agility. But perhaps its most unique feature is the nine-stage adjustable traction control dial, positioned right in the centre of the dashboard. This allows you to fine-tune the level of slip permitted, giving you full control over how much the rear end can step out on track.

This car wasn’t just built for the road. It was designed to dominate the track.

The Colours

Choosing the right colour is one of the first and most exciting decisions when buying an AMG GT R. Mercedes offers a wide range of colour options, from classic metallics to striking matte finishes and bold, head-turning shades, giving buyers a solid range of choices. While some premium paints cost a lot from new, they don’t hold much extra value when it comes to resale. 

The standard is a flat black paint, and they did a Jupiter red as a no-cost option at launch, but it’s sadly not available anymore.

The most popular paints are the metallic upgraded paints, which cost £945. The options are:

• Selenite Grey – A sleek, modern look that enhances the car’s aggressive lines.
• Iridium Silver – A timeless Mercedes colour that exudes class.
• Brilliant Blue – A rare, deep blue.
• Magnetite Black – A darker shade with subtle grey undertones, adding depth and elegance.

A step up in quality are the following options of Designo paints:

• Hyacinth Red – A deep, sophisticated red with a rich finish (rare choice).
• Diamond White – A pearlescent white that glows beautifully under sunlight.

For a premium finish that enhances the car’s aggressive styling, you have the Magno matte paints:

• Designo Selenite Grey Magno – A satin-like grey and the top pick for many buyers.
• Brilliant Blue Magno - A deep, bold matte blue that enhances the car’s sculpted lines.
• Designo Iridium Silver Magno – A sleek, matte silver that gives the car a futuristic edge.

Then you have the top-of-the-range colours. They are rare, expensive, and guaranteed to make a statement on the road:

• Solar Beam (£7.5K) – A triple-layer pearlescent yellow that is incredibly rare and eye-catching.
• Magno Hell Green – The signature launch colour. A matte, ultra-bright green, paying homage to the Nürburgring.

The Wheels

Choosing the right wheels can make a big impact on the look and feel of your AMG GT R. As standard, you get a solid setup with 19-inch front & 20-inch rear wheels and forged alloys in titanium grey, but there are a few upgrade options worth considering.

• Black-painted alloys are available for +£500, giving the car a sleeker, more aggressive stance.
• Performance Alloys (+£1,500) – These are 5KG lighter and feature a thicker silver rim with a totally different design, adding a more track-ready aesthetic.

While the standard alloys look great, the Performance Alloys give the AMG GT R a sharper look and a slight weight advantage, so they’re a solid upgrade for those who want a performance edge.

The Brakes

Yellow brake calipers come standard, but you can choose red calipers as a no-cost option.

Ceramic Brakes (£6K) come with gold brake calipers, better stopping power, and no brake dust.

While the ceramics don’t wear as quickly, they’re expensive to replace. You’d expect to pay an extra £3-4K on a used car with ceramics, but for regular road use, steel brakes may be the better option.

The Carbon Fibre

As standard, the AMG GT R comes with a full carbon fibre roof, but there’s no panoramic sunroof option. If you want a sunroof, you’ll need to look at the GT R Roadster.

There are two main carbon fibre packs:

Carbon Pack 1 (£4K):

• Carbon Fibre Front Splitter
• Carbon Fibre Side Fin
• Carbon Fibre Side Skirts
• Carbon Fibre Rear Diffuser (a large part and covers the whole exhaust)

Carbon Pack 2 (£3K):

• Carbon Fibre Rear Wing (a standout feature)
• Carbon Fibre Wing Nose

Cars with both packs are rare, but if you had to choose one, go for Carbon Pack 2 for the rear wing.

The Seats

One of the most important decisions when speccing an AMG GT R is choosing the right seats. The choice between track-focused bucket seats and road-friendly performance seats will dramatically affect your driving experience.

As standard, the GT R comes with sports bucket seats, designed for maximum support on track. These seats lock you in place, offering minimal movement to keep you planted through corners. They add a real sense of occasion every time you get behind the wheel, making the GT R feel like a proper race car. 

For those after something a bit more road-friendly but still sporty, the AMG Performance Seats are the way to go. They offer more padding, a little extra movement, and a more relaxed fit, making them ideal for everyday driving. They still have a race-inspired design, but with better long-distance usability.

An optional Memory Package (+£1,500) is also available with the Performance Seats. This includes memory settings for the seats, mirrors, and steering column, which best suits shared ownership or anyone who wants instant comfort adjustments.

Interior Options

The AMG GT R isn’t just about performance. You can also get a range of interior packs to personalise the cabin to your preference. Whether you want carbon fibre details, luxury stitching, or premium sound, there are plenty of customisation options.

Matte Carbon Fibre Interior Pack (£3K)

If you want to enhance the sportiness of the cabin, this is a great option. This pack includes carbon fibre on the centre console, the top of the dash trim, a strip on the door panel, and the luggage compartment brace. It adds a premium motorsport feel, giving the GT R’s cabin a true supercar look.

Exclusive Dynamica Pack

From new, you could get the Exclusive Dynamica Pack. It offers a more visual enhancement rather than a performance upgrade and includes contrast stitching throughout the cabin, with yellow stitching being a popular choice. It also adds extra detailing on the doors and Alcantara elements, giving the interior a more high-end look.

Premium Pack

If there’s one interior pack worth prioritising, it’s the Premium Pack. This £3K option is available from new and adds several convenience and luxury features that make daily driving far more enjoyable.

• Burmester Surround Sound System – A high-quality speaker system with a subwoofer in the back for immersive sound (which can be upgraded further)
• Mirror Package – Includes automatic folding mirrors when parked and auto-dimming mirrors to reduce glare at night.
• Illuminated Door Sills – A small but stylish touch that adds a premium feel when stepping into the car.
• Keyless Go – Allows you to unlock, lock, and start the engine with the key still in your pocket.
• Reverse Camera – A highly useful feature that makes parking easier, especially given the GT R’s wide stance.

This pack is highly recommended for resale value. GT Rs without the Premium Pack tend to be less desirable, as buyers expect these features to be standard in a car at this level.

The Driving Assistance Package

For those looking for extra tech and safety features, the Driving Assistance Package (£1,600+) is a worthwhile consideration. While this isn’t an essential pack, it’s a great option for those planning to daily drive their GT R or take long road trips.

It adds four key features that enhance everyday usability:

• Blind Spot Assist – Alerts you when a car is in your blind spot, making motorway driving safer.
• Lane Keeping Assist – If you start drifting out of your lane, the steering wheel vibrates to alert you.
• Distronic (Adaptive Cruise Control) – Maintains a safe distance from the car ahead by automatically adjusting speed, reducing the need for constant braking.
• Pre-Safe System – In critical driving situations, this tightens seatbelts and applies the brakes to help prevent accidents.

The Track Pack

The Track Pack (£1.7K) is a must-have upgrade for those who plan to take their GT R to the track. It transforms the car into a proper track-day weapon, adding racing-inspired features.

• Four-Point Safety Harnesses – These strap you in tightly, offering maximum security during aggressive driving.
• Fire Extinguisher – A track regulation requirement in many cases, adding extra safety.
• Roll Cage – Provides chassis reinforcement for improved rigidity and safety. Can be painted to match the exterior for an additional £300-£400.

If you’re serious about track days, this pack is the one. However, for road use, it’s probably not necessary, as the four-point harness can be restrictive for everyday driving.

Recap

The Mercedes-AMG GT R is one of the most exciting supercars available at the £100K mark. With its twin-turbo V8, motorsport-inspired aerodynamics, and high-performance tech, it combines thrilling performance and track-ready aggression with real-world usability for an unmistakable presence on the road.

When considering an AMG GT R, spec matters. Do you go for track-focused bucket seats or road-friendly performance seats? Steel brakes for affordability or ceramics for ultimate stopping power? Premium interior packs for added comfort or carbon fibre upgrades for a more aggressive look? These are all key decisions that shape your driving experience and potential resale value.

Whatever spec you choose, the AMG GT R is a proper driver’s car, offering brutal acceleration, razor-sharp handling, and an exhaust note that turns heads everywhere. 

If you’re looking to spec your own AMG GT R, check out our current stock. And don’t forget to share this guide with fellow enthusiasts!