Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Importing a used Mercedes-AMG GT from the USA

The AMG GT is Affalterbach's front-mid-engine V8 sports car, and the American market is a rich hunting ground for it: strong demand meant high sales, so used examples across the range turn up regularly and often in vivid colour and option combinations. USCar Trader is an independent broker for used US vehicles; we locate the exact AMG GT you want, then handle purchase, freight, customs and German approval without adding margin to the car. If you are researching how to import a used AMG GT from the USA, note that this is a hand-built performance car, so history and specification matter as much as price.

Model history: years and generations

The first-generation AMG GT (C190, 2015-2021) is the two-seat coupe and roadster that replaced the SLS. It arrived as the GT and GT S, then expanded with the track-focused GT R (2017), the road-and-track GT C, the GT R Pro and the extreme Black Series (2020). A four-door "GT 4-Door Coupe" shares the name but is a different car sold separately. The second-generation AMG GT (C192, 2024 on) moves to the SL platform, adds a 2+2 layout and standard 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive. For classic sports-car importers, the C190 coupe and roadster are the heart of the range.

Engines, transmissions and drive

The C190 is defined by the hand-assembled 4.0-litre M178 twin-turbo V8, mounted low and far back with a dry-sump system. Output climbs with the variant: roughly 456 hp in the GT, 503 hp in the GT S, around 550 hp in the GT C and 577 hp in the GT R, rising to 720 hp in the Black Series with its flat-plane crankshaft. Drive goes through a rear-mounted seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transaxle to the rear wheels, giving near-ideal weight distribution. The current C192 uses an updated 4.0 V8 biturbo with the nine-speed AMG MCT and all-wheel drive.

Equipment lines and body styles

US buyers chose between coupe and roadster bodies and a clear performance ladder: GT, GT S, GT C, GT R and the halo Black Series. Options that matter secondhand include the AMG carbon-ceramic brakes, the Dynamic Plus package, carbon-fibre trim, the AMG Performance seats, the Burmester audio and the exposed carbon aero on GT R and Pro cars. Colour, especially the AMG signature hues, strongly affects desirability.

The US used market

The US bought these cars in numbers, so GT S and GT C coupes appear regularly, and GT R and roadster variants surface more often than on the German market. Many are low-mileage weekend cars with full history; some track-used examples exist, which a service record and inspection will reveal. Southern and western cars avoid road salt entirely.

Is an import right for you?

Import a used AMG GT from the USA if you want a specific variant, colour or option set that is scarce here, a low-mileage GT R or roadster, or simply the transparency of a broker purchase on a car this valuable. Enthusiasts who plan to keep the car and value provenance benefit most.

Specs at a glance

Common issues buyers should know

The M178 V8 is robust and hand-built, and the AMG GT is generally dependable for a car of this performance, but there are points to check. The seven-speed dual-clutch transaxle is strong yet expensive if neglected, so confirm the transmission fluid service history and feel for clean low-speed engagement. Carbon-ceramic brakes are superb but replacement discs are costly, so inspect disc wear and look for cracking on track cars. Watch for tyre and suspension wear on hard-driven examples, minor electronic gremlins in the COMAND system on early cars, and evidence of paint or aero damage typical of low, wide sports cars. Most AMG GT reliability and common problems come down to maintenance discipline and how the car was driven, both of which a Carfax and a specialist inspection reveal.

Differences from the European version

US cars run amber rear indicators, usually lack the separate rear fog lamp Germany requires, and use US-spec headlights. The cluster reads in mph and DAB is typically absent. Mechanically the car is identical to European examples, which keeps individual approval straightforward for a homologated model. Some US cars carry different exhaust or emissions calibrations worth noting.

Import step by step

Selection: we agree the exact AMG GT and budget. VIN and origin check: we decode the VIN to confirm variant, build and options. Escrow: funds are held until the car is confirmed. Ocean freight: enclosed container is recommended for a car of this value, to a German or Dutch port. Customs clearance: import declaration on arrival. TUEV/individual approval: inspection and lighting work. Registration: German plates once documents are complete.

Customs and taxes: what applies

Remember: no origin proof, no 0% duty – and 19% German import VAT is due on every import.

Two separate charges. The EU car import duty is normally 10 percent, but a 0 percent rate can apply where US origin is provable under Regulations (EU) 2026/1455 and 2026/1461 (in force since 1 July 2026, direct transport, until 31 December 2029). The AMG GT is built in Germany, so the VIN and plant code decide eligibility and we do not promise a duty-free result. The 19 percent German import VAT (Einfuhrumsatzsteuer) always applies, calculated on customs value plus duty and freight. On a high-value car both lines are significant, so we quote them transparently with no margin added.

Modifications and single-vehicle approval

Typical pre-approval work: fit a rear fog lamp and adapt rear lighting, correct or replace headlights for the German beam pattern, and document the odometer in kilometres. Any aftermarket exhaust or aero must be checked for approval. The TUEV inspects brakes, emissions and identity before registration on German plates.

What to verify before buying

Confirm the full VIN and decode the exact variant and options. Order a Carfax or AutoCheck report for accidents, title and mileage. Verify a clean, non-salvage title. Review the DCT and brake service history in detail. Inspect carbon-ceramic discs and tyres for track wear. Check underbody and front splitter for damage. Match interior and seat wear to the stated low mileage.

Common questions

Which AMG GT variants can I import?

Any road-legal variant, from GT and GT S to GT C, GT R and roadster, can be imported as a used car.

Will I pay import duty on an AMG GT?

The standard rate is 10 percent; 0 percent applies only with provable US origin. As a German-built car, the VIN decides, so we verify first.

Does the 19 percent import VAT apply?

Yes, always. The German Einfuhrumsatzsteuer is charged on every import, separate from duty.

How should such a valuable car be shipped?

We recommend an enclosed container for the AMG GT to protect the paint and low bodywork in transit.

Are US GT R and roadster models easier to find?

Often yes, because US sales volume makes these variants more available than on the German used market.

Is the dual-clutch transmission a concern?

It is strong but costly if neglected, so we prioritise the fluid service history and a careful test of low-speed shifts.

Does the mph cluster stay in the car?

Yes, the US cluster remains; the reading is documented and a kilometre display arranged where required.

Do you inspect before I pay?

Yes. We review the VIN and a Carfax or AutoCheck report and can arrange a specialist inspection, with funds held in escrow.

Get started: explore the Mercedes-Benz in the Carhub, compare related models such as the AMG GT Coupe, the SL-Class and the AMG GT 4-Door Coupe, or view the current AMG GT listings.