Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe

Importing a used Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Coupe from the USA

The AMG GT is the front-mid-engine grand tourer that Affalterbach built to sit above the SLS and hunt the 911. American roads are full of them, because the US was one of the model's largest markets from launch. As an independent broker for used US vehicles, USCar Trader helps you find a well-kept GT Coupe stateside, verify what you are actually buying, and move it to Germany without the guesswork. This page walks through the generations, the drivetrain, the US used market and everything the import itself involves. If you want to import a used AMG GT from the USA, start with the facts below.

From launch to today

The first-generation coupe (internal code C190) arrived for the 2016 model year and ran through 2021. It launched as the GT and GT S, then gained the track-focused GT R (2018) and the road-and-track GT C. A mild facelift in 2017-2019 brought the AMG steering wheel with drive-mode dials and a revised center console. The line topped out with the limited GT Black Series in 2021, whose flat-plane-crank V8 made roughly 720 hp. A four-door "AMG GT 4-Door Coupe" exists on a different platform and should not be confused with the two-seat coupe. The second generation (C192) appeared for 2024, now sharing its architecture with the SL (R232), adding a small 2+2 rear bench and standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive.

Engines and drivetrain in detail

Every C190 uses the hand-built M178 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 with the turbochargers nestled inside the vee ("hot inside V"). Output climbs by trim: around 456 hp in the base GT, roughly 503 hp in the GT S, about 550 hp in the GT C and near 577 hp in the GT R. Drive goes rearward through a 7-speed AMG Speedshift dual-clutch transaxle mounted at the rear axle for near 47/53 weight distribution. This is a rear-wheel-drive car with an electronically controlled limited-slip differential; the GT R adds rear-wheel steering and nine-stage traction control. The newer C192 pairs the V8 (and, in the GT 63 S E Performance, a plug-in hybrid setup near 805 hp) with a 9-speed MCT and 4MATIC+.

Trim levels and variants

US cars come as the fixed-roof Coupe and, separately, the Roadster. Coupe trims you will encounter most are GT, GT S, GT C and GT R, with the Black Series being the rare halo. Options that matter for a European buyer include the AMG Dynamic Plus package, ceramic composite brakes, the Burmester sound system and carbon-fibre trim. Cars with the performance seats and the exterior carbon package tend to hold interest better.

Used availability in the USA

Supply is healthy. Because the AMG GT sold well in California, Florida and Texas, you will find low-mileage 2016-2019 GT and GT S cars, plus a steady trickle of GT C and GT R examples that were often garaged and lightly driven. Typical odometer readings sit well under average for the age, since many were weekend cars. Look for full Mercedes-Benz service history and, on track-optioned cars, evidence of how hard they were used. Rust is rarely an issue on Sun Belt cars, which is one reason importing from the USA can make sense for a specialist coupe like this.

When importing makes sense

This suits a buyer who wants a specific colour-and-spec combination that is scarce in Europe, or a GT R that commands a premium locally. It rewards someone comfortable with a low-slung, firm grand tourer and the running costs of a twin-turbo V8. If you simply want an open-top cruiser, look at the Roadster or a C-Class Cabriolet instead.

Facts and figures

Reliability and common problems

The M178 V8 is fundamentally robust, but there are known items. The dual-clutch transaxle can clunk or shudder when cold; that is largely normal DCT behaviour, though worn mounts amplify it. Watch for engine and transmission mount wear, minor coolant weeps, and the occasional turbo actuator or wastegate niggle on higher-mileage cars. Carbon-ceramic brakes and Michelin Cup tyres are costly to replace, so factor their condition into any deal. The early COMAND infotainment feels dated; check that the reversing camera and the retractable spoiler cycle correctly. Overall AMG GT reliability is good for a low-volume performance car, provided servicing was done on schedule.

How US versions differ

US cars carry a mph-dominant instrument cluster, amber side marker lights and US federal lighting. They lack a rear fog lamp, which German registration requires, and the headlights are aimed to US standards. Emissions hardware is US-spec but the mechanicals are identical to the European car. Telematics and some connected features may differ by region.

From US purchase to registration

Selection of a car that matches your spec and budget; VIN and plant/origin check to confirm build details and history; secure payment via escrow so funds release only against documents; ocean freight (container is preferable for a low car like this) from a US port to Bremerhaven or Rotterdam; customs clearance on arrival; TÜV and individual approval (Einzelabnahme) where needed; then German registration.

Costs, duty and taxes at a glance

In short: the 0% duty rate applies only with documented US origin (VIN/plant) – German import VAT of 19% is always due.

The AMG GT is built in Affalterbach, Germany, so its origin is European, not American. That means the 0% EU import-duty preference for US-origin vehicles under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 generally does not apply here; the standard third-country passenger-car customs rate (currently 10%) applies instead, always confirmed against the VIN and plant. On top of the customs duty, the 19% German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies and is calculated separately. We never add a hidden margin — you see duty and VAT as their own line items.

TÜV, approval and license plates

Typical work includes fitting or activating a rear fog lamp, adapting headlights to European aiming (or fitting EU units), and converting the speedometer display to km/h where required. The odometer must read in kilometres for registration. A COC or an individual approval documents compliance; once TÜV signs off, you register the car locally.

Pre-purchase checklist

Verify the VIN matches title and body; pull a Carfax or AutoCheck history for accidents, title brands and odometer consistency; inspect for track use (brake, tyre and underbody wear); confirm full Mercedes-Benz service records; check the title status is clean, not salvage or rebuilt; inspect ceramic brakes and tyres for remaining life; and have a specialist verify the transmission behaves correctly when hot and cold.

Import FAQ

Can I import a used AMG GT Coupe from the USA to Germany?

Yes. As a broker we source the car, verify it and manage freight, customs and the paperwork so it can pass TÜV and be registered in Germany.

Is the AMG GT duty-free because it is a Mercedes?

No. It is built in Germany, so the US-origin 0% preference normally does not apply; the standard car customs rate plus 19% import VAT applies. We confirm the rate from the VIN.

What are common AMG GT problems?

Cold-start DCT clunk, mount wear, minor coolant weeps and costly ceramic-brake and tyre replacement. A pre-purchase inspection catches most issues.

Which engine does it use?

The hand-built 4.0-litre M178 twin-turbo V8, producing roughly 456 to 577 hp depending on trim.

Is a US AMG GT hard to register in Germany?

No, but it needs a rear fog lamp, European headlight aiming and a km/h odometer, plus TÜV/individual approval.

Coupe or Roadster — which imports better?

Both import the same way. The fixed-roof Coupe is stiffer and often cheaper; the Roadster suits open-top buyers.

Does the 19% import VAT always apply?

Yes. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer of 19% always applies on import and is shown separately from any customs duty.

Ready to look? Browse Mercedes-Benz in the Carhub, compare it with the SL-Class, the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe and the C-Class Coupe, or view current AMG GT Coupe listings.