Mercedes-Benz AMG GT Roadster (2017-2023) Review and Prices

The Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster is a fun, agile open-top that both looks and sounds brilliant. However, it’s less practical than alternatives like the Porsche 911 Cabriolet and Audi R8 Spyder.

Despite its sleek and sporty looks, the GT Roadster is actually rather comfortable. The two-seat cabin has space for a pair of six-foot-tall adults, while the sports seats themselves feel very accommodating. The seats and steering wheel are all electronically adjustable, so drivers of all shapes and sizes should be able to get cosy. There’s also a Mercedes Memory package included as standard across the range, which remembers the preferred seating positions of up to three different drivers and passengers.

At 165 litres, the Roadster’s boot may offer half the storage space of the regular Mercedes-AMG GT coupe, but it is still decently roomy against the likes of the 911 Cabriolet. The Roadster’s electronic roof is equally handy, as it can be fully raised or lowered in just eleven seconds.

The infotainment system’s menus are easy to navigate, but once you need to access more advanced settings, things aren’t as simple as with BMW’s iDrive system. The built-in navigation’s in-depth 3D rendering is useful, though, as is the voice recognition software. There’s even a wifi hotspot integrated, too.

Cutting the roof off a regular Mercedes-AMG GT has only made it look cooler. That major change hasn’t made the car less comfortable, either.

All three GT Roadster trims – the GT, GT S and GT C – come with the same four-litre, twin-turbocharged, petrol V8, albeit with different power outputs. The top-spec GT C is the gutsiest, with 557hp. This engine is also the most fun – it mixes speed and performance with a wider body, inspiring a lot of confidence when you’re cornering.

But, no matter which model you choose, you’ll still have a great time driving the GT Roadster. Dependent on the engine, you can shoot from 0-62mph in between 4.0 and 3.7 seconds and hit up to 196mph. When pushing hard, the Roadster sounds superb, yet it also feels smooth on all but the harshest of potholes. Neck-level heaters and draught-stop wind deflectors help make the convertible pretty comfortable when you’re cruising with the roof down.

At high speeds, the Roadster is reasonably agile and helped even further by the rear-wheel steering of the GT C trim. However, low-speed manoeuvres are a bit more of a chore – the rear-view mirrors feel too high up and the gear selector is oddly placed, making it tricky to switch into reverse. With the roof up, rear visibility is pretty poor, too.

Overall, the Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster is an excellent drive. It feels extremely fun at high speeds and with the roof down, complemented by a satisfying engine noise and many comfort-enhancing features. Unfortunately, it’s a very expensive car to keep on the road and is less than ideal during some slower manoeuvres. That still won’t stop you from looking great as you use it to cruise down the Riviera, though.