Practicality and high-performance sports cars aren’t often mentioned in the same breath, but the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT expertly blends these worlds. While owning a sleek, powerful machine might not be everyone’s priority, those who choose the GT for everyday use will find it surprisingly accommodating. The refreshed 2020 AMG GT is designed to impress, regardless of how you intend to use it.
Everyday Commute with a Sports Car
The Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is undeniably a premium vehicle, and its price reflects that luxury. Owners in this segment often have multiple cars, typically opting for something more conventional for daily commutes. However, the GT challenges this norm, proving itself as a true seven-day sports car. To test its everyday usability, I treated the base model GT like any regular car, such as a Corolla or an E-Class, in daily driving scenarios.
Starting the day with the AMG GT is an experience in itself. While coffee helps, the 4.0-liter V8 engine under the hood is truly effective at awakening the senses. Upon pressing the start button, the eight-cylinder engine roars to life with an invigorating sound. Hopefully, your neighbors appreciate a good engine note, as it’s not exactly quiet, even without engaging the louder setting of the dual-mode exhaust. (Apologies to Stephen if he doesn’t!).
Despite some minor adjustments to the center console during its mid-cycle refresh, the AMG GT’s shifter remains awkwardly placed and sized, feeling far from ergonomic. My test vehicle lacked a nose lift, requiring careful maneuvering down steep driveways to avoid scraping the low front lip. Reaching for the seat heating controls located above the rearview mirror – a unique and somewhat unusual placement – I set off for the morning commute.
In the often-dreary routine of a morning commute, the AMG GT reveals its versatility, functioning more like a Swiss Army Knife than a single-purpose sports car. The adaptive suspension, a $1,500 option with three modes, effectively absorbs most road imperfections. In its softest setting, it provides considerable comfort at both low and high speeds. The $2,250 full-speed adaptive cruise control is also a valuable feature, reducing the monotony of traffic by maintaining distance and even stopping when necessary. Visibility through the short windows is limited, particularly for taller traffic lights, but it’s manageable.
Despite its long hood, parking is surprisingly easy thanks to new cameras and parking sensors. The car can be positioned precisely in crowded parking lots. Of course, the AMG GT isn’t for those seeking subtlety. Even in the relatively understated Selenite Grey Metallic ($720) shade, its long, low profile stands out among a sea of crossovers. Combined with the exhaust note, even in its quieter mode, the car attracts attention wherever it goes.
The daily drive to and from work provides an opportunity to appreciate the tech upgrades in the GT’s cabin. The outdated analog gauges have been replaced with a configurable digital cluster that is easier to read and displays more information. Adjustments are simple using the latest Mercedes steering wheel with thumbpads for quick access to both the gauge cluster and the 10.2-inch COMAND infotainment screen.
While COMAND isn’t the newest system from Mercedes (MBUX holds that title), its latest iteration remains impressive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration allow seamless use of personal navigation apps, although the built-in turn-by-turn system is also excellent. Navigating the menus is easy using either the steering wheel controls or the redesigned touchpad on the center console. The primary USB port is located somewhat inconveniently behind the cupholders, but this is only a minor issue if the car is kept relatively clutter-free.
Practicality Beyond Expectations
The AMG GT offers a surprisingly usable 10.1-cubic-foot cargo space. It can easily handle weekend luggage and even the occasional trip to a home improvement store. I can attest to its ability to carry a surprising amount of plywood, although you might need to have it cut into smaller sheets at the store.
Parking, whether at home or in the city, is made easier by the GT’s suite of parking aids. New for 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is a front-facing camera, which greatly simplifies positioning the long front end. Combined with the standard rearview camera and parking sensors, maneuvering the GT is less daunting than you might expect.
Owning an AMG GT means budgeting for fuel. With EPA-estimated fuel economy of 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway, it’s not the most fuel-efficient vehicle. Engaging in spirited driving will naturally lower these figures, although achieving the EPA estimates is possible with a light foot.
Unleashing Performance on Backroads
While the Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is perfectly capable of daily driving, it’s a true sports car at heart. To fully appreciate its capabilities, taking it for a spirited drive on backroads is essential. Leaving the city behind, I headed west in search of more exciting roads, and the GT quickly delivered.
On winding country roads, the GT truly shines. Even in its softest settings, the car remains incredibly composed through corners, exhibiting minimal body roll. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (265/35ZR19 front, 295/30ZR20 rear) on my test car provided immense grip, far exceeding the needs of most drivers.
Every aspect of the AMG GT feels engineered for performance driving. The steering, while light, is responsive and precise. Approaching the car’s limits, the throttle offers enough sensitivity for fine adjustments with just the right foot. The brakes inspire confidence, providing rapid and controlled deceleration.
In these driving conditions, switching from Comfort mode becomes appealing. Selecting Sport mode stiffens the suspension, sharpens throttle response, and amplifies the exhaust note, creating an exhilarating sound that reverberates off the surroundings. While Sport mode might be too firm for daily driving, it’s ideal for spirited runs, enhancing the connection to the road. Sport Plus mode is also available, but is best reserved for perfectly smooth roads or track use.
The AMG GT offers extensive customization through its various vehicle settings. The redesigned center console now features intuitive screen switches that allow independent adjustments to suspension, exhaust, stability control, and transmission settings, regardless of the selected driving mode. These personalized settings can be saved in Individual mode for quick access.
The powertrain is exceptional in any mode. The base GT’s 469 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque are more than sufficient. The twin-turbo V8 delivers power readily across the rev range, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provides rapid and smooth gear changes in both directions. The entire powertrain feels eager to perform at a moment’s notice.
The only minor drawbacks are noise-related. The frameless windows allow some wind noise to enter the cabin at highway speeds, despite the car’s aerodynamic shape. The high-performance tires also generate noticeable road noise, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces. However, these are minor compromises in an otherwise exceptional sports car.
Specifying Your Ideal AMG GT
The base AMG GT starts at $115,900, but the test car’s price of $131,315 included numerous options, such as red seat belts ($500), cross-spoke wheels ($2,200), carbon-fiber door sills ($1,500), and a microfiber steering wheel with carbon fiber accents ($750). A more judicious selection of options can improve the value proposition.
While black and red are the only no-cost paint options, a metallic blue for $720 adds a touch of color. Staying with the standard 19-inch wheels retains a good balance of style and performance. The $750 AMG Exterior Night Package, replacing chrome with gloss-black accents, provides a subtle exterior enhancement. Inside, the standard MB-Tex vinyl and microfiber seats with silver trim are perfectly acceptable.
For comfort and convenience, keyless entry ($800), a surprisingly omitted standard feature, is worth adding. The touchpad, replacing the COMAND dial at no cost, is a worthwhile upgrade. Finally, the adaptive suspension ($1,500) and the safety package with blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist ($875) enhance both driving dynamics and safety. This curated list of options brings the total price to a more reasonable $121,540, including the $995 destination charge.
Competitive Landscape
The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT competes with a diverse range of sports cars. At a lower price point, the Chevrolet Corvette (both C7 and C8) offers compelling performance. Competitors closer to the GT’s price range include the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type. Higher-end alternatives could include the Audi R8 and McLaren 570S, though these stretch the price comparison.
Among its direct competitors, the Mercedes-AMG GT remains a standout choice. It excels as a daily driver and truly comes alive on open roads. It’s an exhilarating sports car that justifies its price, and the latest updates further enhance its appeal and usability.
