The stunning machine you see before you is the Mercedes-AMG GT Coupe.

It looks great, but it’ll have to do better than that: its main rivals are the Porsche 911 Coupe, Audi R8 Coupe and the Jaguar F-Type Coupe – all incredibly capable and highly entertaining sports coupes.

There are four versions on offer – the regular GT, faster GT S, even quicker GT C and range-topping hardcore GT R.

Big engine, big power

The basic recipe looks great. Power comes from a 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine in all versions. It develops 476hp and 630Nm of torque in its lower GT state of tune, which means 0-62mph flashes by in four seconds flat. This version is electronically limited to 189mph.

If that’s not enough, the GT S uses the same engine turned up to 522bhp and 670Nm. That means 0-62mph in 3.8 seconds and a top speed limited to 193mph.

The GT C gets 577hp and 680Nm for 0-62mph in 3.7 seconds and capable of 197mph, while the GT R gets 585hp and 700Nm, hitting 62mph in 3.6 seconds with a top speed of 198mph.

Basically, this is one seriously fast car.

Focus on handling

For optimum handling balance the engine is situated behind the front axle, which technically makes it a mid-engine configuration. The weight distribution is ever-so-slightly rearward-balanced since at the rear of the car is the seven-speed twin-clutch semi-automatic gearbox, which sends power through to the rear wheels.

Making sure all the grunt gets down to the asphalt there’s a locking rear differential to ensure stable, predictable cornering and a three-stage stability control system which allows for varying levels of wheelspin before electronic intervention.

Mercedes has developed a highly sophisticated suspension set-up derived from its motorsport activities and – as is de rigeur these days – drive modes so you can instantly tweak the car’s characteristics to your requirements. It’s called AMG Dynamic Select and gives you the option of Controlled Efficiency, Sport, Sport+ and Individual.

There’s also a Manual function for the gearbox which allows the driver full control using the paddles mounted behind the steering wheel.

Upgrading to the Mercedes-AMG GT S Coupe

Customers plumping for the GT S model get their fair share of extra kit. The alloy wheels are slightly wider at the front and one inch bigger at the rear, measuring 20 inches in diameter.

There’s an electronically controlled differential for more accurate cornering, adaptive suspension to tune the car’s character more specifically to the task in hand and larger brakes. The brake calipers have red lettering on the GT S, and the other way to spot one is the black front spoiler; it’s body-coloured on the GT.

Faster and wider: the Mercedes-AMG GT C Coupe

Introduced in 2017, the GT C is 57mm wider than lesser models, making room for a wider track and wheels for better traction.

It also features rear-wheel steering as standard along with alloys that are 19 inches wide at the front and 20 inches at the rear.

We think this version is the best in the line-up for fast road driving. The GT R below is impressive on the race circuit, but a little too hard-edged for road use.

Ultimate performance: the Mercedes-AMG GT R

Available only as a Coupe (the other versions can be orders as a Roadster too), the GT R represents the best that AMG can offer for driving enthusiasts. It was introduced along with the C in 2017.

It uses technology borrowed from the firm’s racing cars, including active aerodynamics and wider-still front and rear track widths. You’ll also spot one in a crowd of GT Coupes by its carbonfibre roof, yellow brake calipers and AMG bucket seats.

Compact AMG interior

The cabin itself features a wide central console, but it isn’t cluttered. Rather there are selected buttons situated on the roof like an aircraft. The multimedia system is familiar from other Mercedes products and is based around the Comand system, using an 8.3-inch screen to display information.

As standard you also get sports seats and a sports steering wheel with a flat bottom. The paddles for shifting gears are made from aluminium, just to remind you this is a premium product. You’ll notice a liberal smattering of AMG badges for the same reason.

As is the norm with Mercedes vehicles, a suite of safety systems is also on board.