2021 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT

Most Mercedes-Benzes give their owners industry-leading comfort and technology. The cost of that experience is an expensive base price with expensive options and below-average reliability. The brand produces a wide variety of vehicles for the U.S., including coupes, station wagons, sedans, convertibles, and even two-seat sports cars. Its two- and three-row SUVs that we’ve tested have powerful engines and interiors that are roomy and quiet. Generally, Mercedes-Benz fit and finish, inside and out, is exceptional and helps justify prices. Mercedes-Benz’s EVs range from compact to large three-row SUVs. Across the lineup, controls for the complex climate and infotainment systems aren’t as intuitive as we find in other luxury vehicles. Like most European luxury brands, used Mercedes-Benzes can have expensive out-of-warranty repairs, although Consumer Reports has found used models with above-average reliability.

Low, wide, and brawny, the Mercedes-AMG GT S turns heads even before its V8 rumble sparks to life. The second sports car developed inhouse by Mercedes-AMG, following the gullwinged SLS AMG, the GT is a German take on the overlap between a sports car and a muscle car. The model line launched as the GT S, boasting a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 that churns out 503 horsepower, with an accompanying exhaust soundtrack full of rumble and fireworks. The line expands with an AMG GT in mid 2016, adding a slightly more affordable variant with the same engine, detuned to 456 hp--still more than enough.