2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Review: A Serious 911 Turbo Alternative

Birthed from what was rumored to be a new Dodge Viper, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG reintroduced Mercedes to the supercar market. Now, the Mercedes-AMG GT is a type of SLS-successor. For 2020's roadster version, two models are available: the GT and the GT C. Each is powered by a twin-turbo 4.0-liter V8, with 469 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque in the regular version and 550 hp and 502 lb-ft in the GT C. Each can do 60 mph in under four seconds, but some rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo and Audi R8 are even quicker. However, is the AMG GT still a relative newcomer or is it worth choosing over the other two German super sportscar stalwarts?

AMG GT Roadster Exterior

Intricately detailed LED headlights and taillights define the front and rear of the GT respectively, the latter also featuring a prominent diffuser and quad-exit exhaust tips. The front sees the Panamerica grille dominate the front, while each of the front fenders has large vent-like accents. 19-inch wheels are standard on the base model, but a staggered fitment setup is available with 20s on the rear axle.

Dimensions

The AMG GT is a pretty wide roadster, measuring 81.7 inches across. Height is just 49.6 inches with the folding soft-top in place while the length is measured at 179.4 inches (179.7 for the GT C). The wheelbase measures 103.5 inches. Curb weight starts at 3,763 pounds, while the GT C weighs at least 3,838 lbs. Coupe versions are naturally lighter, starting at 3,666 lbs for the GT and 3,792 on the GT C.

Exterior Colors

A large selection of colors is available for the GT Roadster, two of which won't cost you anything. These are Black and Jupiter Red. If you're happy to spend extra, you can have Selenite Grey metallic, Brilliant Blue metallic, or Magnetite Black metallic for $720. The Designo range includes metallic colors like Diamond White and Cardinal Red for $1,515 and $1,080 respectively. Magno (matte) finishes include Selenite Grey, Iridium Silver, and the new Brilliant Blue Magno options. These cost $3,950 each. Color options for the soft-top are not charged and include Black, Beige, and Red. Gloss black accents are available for the exterior trims too, as part of the AMG Exterior Night package, which adds $750 to your bill. On the GT C model, the AMG signature shade of Solarbeam Yellow metallic is available for $9,900, and carbon exterior accents are also available.

AMG GT Roadster Performance

Two variations of the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster are available, but the one you want for ultimate performance ability is the GT C. This model's 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 produces a total of 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque, all of which is directed to the rear wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. This model has a claimed 0-60 mph time of 3.6 seconds, although some real-world tests have shown that this estimate is fairly conservative. Top speed is capped at 196 mph, but numerous handling enhancements make this more than just a straight-line missile. Rear-wheel-steering, adaptive suspension damping, and active aerodynamics all combine to make the GT C Roadster one of the most capable and one of the fastest convertibles on the road. In the regular model, you still get active aerodynamic aids, but the engine 'only' produces 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. This is still good enough to get from 0-60 mph in just 3.9 seconds, while top speed here is limited to 189 mph.

Engine and Transmission

The base Merc-AMG GT Roadster is fitted with a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 that produces 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The engine features a number of race-inspired advances, including dry-sump lubrication and hot-vee turbocharging that improves response. The result is a vehicle that never feels short on power, regardless of what rpm level you're at. A Race Start launch control function is standard too, making it possible for you to rocket away from the line with ease. Throttle response is excellent and relatively linear and although we miss the sound of naturally-aspirated AMG V8s, this one doesn't sound half bad either. The GT C features the modified version of the same engine producing 550 horses and 502 lb-ft of torque. Whichever version you opt for, the power plant is fully exploitable, provided you have a long enough and safe enough stretch of tarmac. Each model is fitted with AMG's seven-speed SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch automatic. Although it is not as brilliant as the transmission in a Porsche 911 Turbo, it is still remarkably quick and responsive. However, at lower speeds, the Porsche's PDK is far more agreeable and civilized, while the GT's unit can be clunky and jerky.

Handling and Driving Impressions

More than just a sports car with a big engine, the Mercedes-AMG GT employs active aerodynamic aids and advances like a carbon fiber driveshaft to help improve handling and reduce weight. The steering is astonishingly sharp yet doesn't feel twitchy. This is a car that you can take to the racetrack and still drive home in comfort. This is thanks in part to the variable drive modes that you control via a selector on the steering wheel. Individual mode also allows you to tailor various calibrations to your personal taste, allowing you to pick the perfect setup for the road you're on. The massively wide tires on the GT help it grip with ferocious tenacity, but you can engage in some tail-happy hooliganism too. The suspension keeps the body flat and level through hard corners, but although the GT C gets adaptive dampers as standard, there is no setting that makes this a grand tourer. Small bumps and corrugations are more than noticeable, making this more of a racer than a cruiser. While that's okay for the coupe version that is expected to be better at taking corners, a roadster such as this one ought to be able to manage comfortable road trips with ease too. Fortunately, the brakes are easy enough to live with, although the GT C again gains extra optional equipment - in this case, carbon composite brake discs that are a little less easy to modulate until temps come up.

AMG GT Roadster Gas Mileage

The Merc-AMG GT Roadster scores official EPA figures of 16/22/18 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles. The GT C is a little less efficient, returning figures of 15/20/17 mpg on the same cycles. Each model is fitted with a 19.8-gallon gas tank, giving the roadsters an expected range of around 356 and 336 miles respectively. Although not exemplary, these figures are better than those of the Audi R8 V10 Spyder, which achieved scores of 13/20/16 mpg on the city/highway/combined cycles.

AMG GT Roadster Interior

The interior of the GT roadster is a case study in build quality, not to mention style. A mix of high-quality materials and a bold design combine to make the interior a beautiful place. The center console has been redesigned for the 2020 model, replacing buttons with touch-sensitive panels that make the area look sleeker. Heated and ventilated seats are available, and the AIRSCARF system wafts warm air down the back of your neck when you want to cruise with the top down. The steering wheel features a drive mode selector, and behind the wheel is a newly-standard 12.3-inch configurable driver info display while a new 10.25-inch dashtop screen handles infotainment.

Seating and Interior Space

The GT convertible is capable of seating just two individuals. Those people are housed in a pair of racing bucket seats that do an excellent job of reducing the effect of lateral forces in fast corners. However, those same aggressive bolsters become a little confining on longer drives and they can be tricky to avoid scraping when getting in and out of the car. Fortunately, the driving position is spot-on, and the driver gets a good view of everything around the car when the top is down. With it in place, you'll need the optional blind-spot monitor to confidently execute lane changes.

Interior Colors and Materials

As standard, the GT Roadster comes with black MB-Tex synthetic leather and DINAMICA faux-suede, but you can opt for genuine Nappa leather at a cost of $1,900. Your color choices here are Black, Auburn Brown, Red Pepper/Black, and Silver Pearl/Black. The standard interior trim is Silver Chrome, or you can have Piano Black lacquer for 750 bucks. Red or silver seatbelts can also be added for $500, and your steering wheel can be trimmed with carbon fiber highlights for $900. The GT C model opens up more choice with the availability of quilted Nappa leather in colors like Saddle Brown as well as the option of carbon trim accents, with the former available at no cost and the latter priced as much as $3,150.

AMG GT Roadster Trunk and Cargo Space

As you'd expect for a super sports car, and particularly one with a retractable roof, cargo volume is not the GT roadster's strong suit, with just 5.8 cubic feet of volume allowing you to squeeze an overnight bag or two in the trunk. The coupe version, on the other hand, manages 10.1 cubic feet of volume in the back.

In the cabin, you get a pair of cupholders, a spot for your phone, and narrow door pockets, as well as a glove box that can hold a surplus wallet or two.

Features

The AMG-GT is impressively well-equipped in standard form, boasting an active rear spoiler, LED headlights with automatic high beams, front and rear parking cameras, heated power-folding mirrors, a 12.3-inch digital driver info display, parking sensors, heated seats, AIRSCARF neck warmers, dual-zone automatic climate control, a drowsy driver alert, and a switchable active exhaust system. Available features include illuminated door sills, ventilated seats, keyless entry & ignition, rear-wheel steering, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, adaptive dampers, and adaptive cruise control. Launch control is standard on both variants, along with a lap timer.

Infotainment

The infotainment system in the base GT Roadster features a lightweight four-speaker setup connected to a dash-mounted 10.25-inch infotainment display. This works off a rotary knob as standard, but can be supplemented by a touchpad controller as part of the available extras. The system boasts Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, voice control, navigation with live traffic updates, Bluetooth, HD Radio, SiriusXM satellite radio, a pair of USB ports, and an SD card slot. The GT C gets an upgraded ten-speaker Burmester sound system as standard, but an 11-speaker Burmester surround sound setup is available too. Overall, the features are good but the system itself is slow to respond and tricky to get used to. We look forward to this system being updated sometime in the near future because as is, it's frustrating to live with.

AMG GT Roadster Problems and Reliability

Thus far, both the 2020 and 2019 iterations of the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster have been completely recall-free.

Coverage on the roadster comprises a limited and a powertrain warranty, each of which is in effect for the first four years or 50,000 miles of ownership, whichever comes first.

Warranty

AMG GT Roadster Safety

Vehicles with six-figure price tags are generally not crash-tested, but Mercedes has a good record when it comes to building safe cars and we doubt that the AMG GT Roadster would be any different.

Key Safety Features

As standard, the AMG GT Roadster features a drowsy driver alert, LED headlights with adaptive high beams, dual roll bars, front and rear cameras, PRE-SAFE collision preparation, and parking sensors. Available safety features include blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, and adaptive cruise control. Each GT convertible also comes with eight airbags, with frontal, side-impact, curtain, and knee protection.

Verdict: Is the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster A Good car?

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster is very much a true AMG product. It's fast, raw, loud, and highly capable on track. It also looks absolutely stunning, even with the top up. It handles like a dream and is relatively spacious in terms of trunk space when compared to rivals like the Audi R8 Spyder. The sound system too is excellent, and the engine is comparable to the kind found in thoroughbred race cars. However, the ride quality is too harsh to use the GT as a roadster should be used - for long, relaxing drives along the coastline. The GT is entertaining, no doubt, but all that racing expertise has made a car that is too harsh and uncomfortable to live with daily. In addition, the infotainment system is unfortunately still a little outdated and frustrating to use, requiring you to take your eyes off the road far too often. As much as rivals like the 911 Turbo and R8 Spyder also have their flaws, the GT has too many in key areas. Thus, we'd skip this one.

What's the Price of the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster?

The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster starts at a base price of $127,900 before a $995 destination charge. The higher-performance GT C model starts at $162,400. Fully loaded, this top trim will set you back just under $203,000, before any additional fees and taxes.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Models

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster is available in two variants: GT and GT C.

The GT features a twin-turbo V8 engine with 469 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It can get from 0-60 mph in 3.9 seconds and tops out at a maximum speed of 189 mph. 19-inch wheels are fitted all-round, and standard equipment includes an active rear spoiler, LED headlights and taillights, front and rear parking cameras, heated and power-folding wing mirrors, a 12.3-inch digital driver info display, heated seats, and neck-warmers. You also get the Track Pace app with its lap-timer as standard, along with an infotainment system that is comprised of a 10.25-inch display and a four-speaker sound system. This features SiriusXM satellite radio, HD Radio, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and navigation with real-time traffic updates.

The GT C builds on the regular model and adds more power. In this version, the 4.0-liter power plant produces 550 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 3.6 seconds and on to a top speed of 196 mph. In addition, this model features adaptive suspension dampers as standard, along with rear-axle steering, blind-spot monitoring, and lane keep assist. You also get ventilated front seats and a ten-speaker Burmester sound system. This model also has access to carbon composite brakes and an 11-speaker 3D surround sound system.

Additional Packages

The base GT Roadster can be upgraded significantly. Among the available features are illuminated door sills that add $700 to your build price, or you can be really extravagant and get your door sills in carbon fiber for $1,200. Ventilated seats (standard on the GT C) cost $450 while keyless entry and ignition costs $800. A touchpad controller for the infotainment system is, fortunately, a no-cost option on either model. The Lane Tracking package on the GT adds blind-spot monitoring and lane keep assist for $875, while adaptive dampers and adaptive cruise control cost $1,500 and $2,250 respectively. The GT C can be fitted with carbon ceramic brakes too, and this costs a whopping $8,950.

What Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Model Should I Buy?

The regular AMG GT is a decent vehicle, but we would go for the GT C if given the option. A number of additional standard features is one reason to go for the GT C, but the enhanced handling that comes with rear-axle steering and bigger rear tires are also notable reasons to go for the top spec. In addition, you get ventilated seats, blind-spot monitoring, lane keep assist, keyless entry, and a better Burmester sound system. What's more, you have greater option availability on the GT C. The added power and improved acceleration also help it stick with rivals better. Go for broke on this one.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster Comparisons

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster vs Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

Perhaps you've looked at the AMG GT C and felt that it's still a little too soft, but you still crave open skies above your head as you tear through canyons. In that case, Mercedes-AMG has engineered the GT R Roadster. This model starts at $189,750, almost 30 grand more than the GT C. It uses the same sort of engine and transmission, but produces a whopping 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to get to 60 mph marginally quicker than the GT C, managing the sprint in 3.5 seconds. The top speed is also improved fractionally with a limit of 197 mph compared to 196 in the GT C. However, for all its cost and more aggressive styling, the GT R is not greatly changed over the GT C. In addition, to save weight, the regular GT's four-speaker sound system is fitted. Again, we have to question the rationale behind a hardcore car with a folding roof. Thus, we'd opt for the regular GT C here.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster vs Audi R8 Spyder

Another expensive German drop-top is the Audi R8 Spyder. A 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 sits mid-ships in the R8, and while this means cargo space is under five cubic feet, the sound of an unrestricted V10 wailing just behind your head makes the R8 Spyder a highly attractive option. That engine generates 562 hp and 406 lb-ft of torque, and thanks to all-wheel-drive, this convertible gets from 0-60 mph in just 3.5 seconds. A Performance model is available too, with 602 hp and 413 lb-ft of torque. This model manages the benchmark sprint in just 3.3 seconds. In addition, the infotainment system actually works properly, and the suspension is supple enough for daily use. The interior also appears arguably more modern and feels incredible. For us, the R8 Spyder is worth the premium, even if you get the base model.

2020 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster vs Mercedes-AMG GT R Roadster

Perhaps you've looked at the AMG GT C and felt that it's still a little too soft, but you still crave open skies above your head as you tear through canyons. In that case, Mercedes-AMG has engineered the GT R Roadster. This model starts at $189,750, almost 30 grand more than the GT C. It uses the same sort of engine and transmission, but produces a whopping 577 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque. This allows it to get to 60 mph marginally quicker than the GT C, managing the sprint in 3.5 seconds. The top speed is also improved fractionally with a limit of 197 mph compared to 196 in the GT C. However, for all its cost and more aggressive styling, the GT R is not greatly changed over the GT C. In addition, to save weight, the regular GT's four-speaker sound system is fitted. Again, we have to question the rationale behind a hardcore car with a folding roof. Thus, we'd opt for the regular GT C here.