STARTING a family can be a daunting task, but not it would seem for Mercedes-AMG. Only its second bespoke sportscar breed, the GT range has more than tripled in size within three years.

From the original GT S, to the addition of the entry GT, focused GT C and hardcore GT R, with coupe or roadster body styles available, this AMG cohort has grown to number seven. Soon a Benz Valente eight-seater will be called to lug this family around, because a GT four-door is imminent.

The least-changed among all this expansion is the originally available GT S, that launched Down Under in early 2015. Identified only by a new ‘Pan Americana’ multi-vertical-slat grille and boasting a minor power and torque increase, even pricing and equipment has remained virtually unchanged.

Family expansion could also create a family feud, though – and this middle-tier GT S is now placed under a harsher spotlight with more affordable, or more hardcore siblings giving it the squeeze.