It’s been about a year since the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG was retired from our collection. The SLS was a great car, with an iconic look. From the gull-wing doors, 6.2L V8 with an aggressive exhaust note, and comfort levels unheard of from such a powerful sports coupe.

In December, the AMG GT S was added to the collection and with a smaller 4.0L BiTurbo V8, we expected the sound to be much tamer. But we are so happy about how wrong we were. The 503hp GT S sounds fantastic. Let off the pedal or hit the paddle for a quick downshift and the backfire will give you a quick jolt! Take a listen:

We could spend hours writing about how the GT S is a worthy successor to the SLS, and how the lack of gullwing doors is made up for with performance and the comfortable futuristic cabin, but we rather let the pros do the talking.

Here’s what some of our favorite reviewers had to say about the GT S.

“Silly car really, but HUGE amounts of fun” – Henry Catchpole – EVO reviews

“The exhaust note just crackles away, it’s fantastic! Traction is really really good given the power output, and this motor, the 4 liter BiTurbo V8, this is the best turbocharged (regular) performance car motor I’ve driven. It’s just goes, it’s instant!” – Chris Harris

“The 2016 Mercedes-AMG GT S is an extraordinary car both in looks and performance, a rewarding high-level sport driver” – Wayne Cunningham – CNET on Cars

To learn more about our GT S click here.