It seems counter-intuitive to use the word "stealth" in describing a six-figure sports car with 523 horsepower, but in language and automobiles, all things are relative. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Stealth Edition does keep a lower profile than the bright red 550-horsepower Mercedes-AMG GT C I reviewed in the fall of 2020.
Not only is the designo Graphite Grey Magno paint less likely to draw attention as you slink through the mean streets of Atherton or Hillsborough, this car comes in as-tested at $13,000 below the base price of that AMG GT-C from a year and a half ago, making a less-detectable ripple in your bank balance.
It's an only slightly less-powerful 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 under the GT's hood---523 horsepower and 494 pounds per foot of torque, compared to the GT C's 550/502. And that 27 horsepower is barely missed. Getting to 60 from a standing start takes a tenth of a second longer---3.7 vs. 3.6. Of course, all semblance of stealth vanishes when you put your foot in it, as the engine responds with an intoxicatingly throaty roar. The 7-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch automatic transmission snaps through the gears with authority. AMG Dynamic Select, an AMG Ride Control sport suspension, high braking system and limited-slip differential are all part of the package, as are high-performance summer tires. Handling is razor-sharp and fuel economy---well, no one buys one of these for that, but it's not scandalous---an EPA-estimated 15 city/20 highway.
Base price of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT is $118,600. That buys dual-zone automatic climate control, navigation, power heated AMG Performance seats, and a nice audio system.
There were roughly $17,000 in extra-cost options on our test car, and more than half of that is the Stealth Edition, a $9,150 package that adds a carbon fiber roof, AMG exterior Night Package, 19 and 20 inch AMG 10-spoke Y-Design wheels in black, an AMG interior Night Package, AMG Performance steering wheel in full Dinamica, Stealth Edition interior badging, black painted brake calipers and a black Dinamica headliner. The designo Graphite Grey Magno paint adds $3,950, an upgraded Burmester surround sound audio system an extra $1,300, Keyless-Go is $800, AMG black piano lacquer trim is $750 and heated and ventilated front seats (as opposed to the standard heated units) is $450.
With a $1,000 gas guzzler tax and $1,050 destination and delivery, the as-tested price of the 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Stealth Edition is $137,050.
Thirty-six grand less than the GT C we tested for similar performance. There are a lot less special, less compelling cars at the same price as the Mercedes-AMG GT Stealth Edition. This is the one you'll either remember wistfully or still have 25 years from now.
