Up to now, if you’ve been looking for a proper sports car that can handle your daily duties as well as some weekend fun, there’s really only been one option…

The Porsche 911

But this year, there’s a new contender, a car that puts livability on par with excitement – the Mercedes AMG GT S

Heralding a new focus for Mercedes’ performance arm – the GT coupe is officially a Mercedes-AMG, and not a Mercedes-Benz.

It replaces the gull-wing SLS AMG as the pinnacle sporting model available from the German marque.

One of the main requirements for a sports car – it has to look good, and well – look at this thing. It’s stunning.

It’s very much a modern take on the iconic 300SL gullwing. From that gaping front grille, over the long bonnet and low turret, to the slim line LED tail lamps it may be comparable in profile to the Porsche, but the AMG GT is every way a Mercedes.

Under the bonnet – is a newly developed 4-litre, twin turbo V8 – putting out 375kW/650Nm.

In a first for Mercedes, the turbos are mounted inside the V, rather than on the side, for better throttle response, and improved emissions.

What you will notice is just how far back the engine is mounted, the majority of weight is actually behind the front wheels.

This position, combined with the rear-transaxle mounting of the gearbox, gives the car a 47/53 front/rear weight distribution.

The lift back tailgate makes access easy, and there is 350-litres of space – more than enough room for the golf clubs (use prop) and substantially more practical than a 911 where the clubs have to fit behind the front seats.

So yes, unlike the Porsche, there are just two seats in the GT

It’s pretty sumptuous in here – exactly what you would expect from a car like this. Lots of leather, aluminum and carbon-fibre touches.

The Command infotainment system is common to other new Mercedes, and while not quite the best in the business, does the job well – it’s minor, but I like the representation of the car when adjusting settings – from lights, to suspension – it feels more like a computer game than a car.

And sure – the screen does look like a stuck on iPad… but – with that noise, I don’t really care.

So what’s it like on the road? Watch the clip and find out!

The 2015 Mercedes AMG GT S is the first in a line of new sports AMG models expected to land over the next few years.

We may see a paired back non-S model, or a more hardcore black series version – but for now, as an equally livable and head turning alternative to the staples, the Mercedes-AMG GT S is a pretty impressive starting point for the AMG branded performance arm.

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