Used Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster 2017-present review

First, many moons ago, there was the magnificent SLS, a 6.2-litre V8, gullwing-doored two-seater super-fast monster of extreme looks and extravagant proportions, not to mention unsubtle behaviour. There was a coupe version and an open-top one too. Both of them spent most of their time sideways in an excess of enthusiastic zeal.

When the time came to produce a higher volume car, one that was smaller and easier to drive and a more realistic everyday proposition, at least relatively, the AMG GT took its cues from this exceptional car. It has a big engine at the front, the driver sits practically over the rear wheels and an automatic gearbox is your only choice. You could, eventually, choose once again between coupe and drop-top Roadster, when the convertible version of the car was introduced a year or so after the hard-top.

Under that long bonnet is a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8, a strong and punchy engine that delivers up 469bhp in the regular GT, 515bhp in the S model, 549bhp in the GT C and a colossal 569bhp in the GT R. All of them are astoundingly quick, of course, with even the cooking version capable of a 0 to 62mph time of just four seconds, and all of them emit a deep and thrilling tone that is in itself a rich part of the experience of driving a car like this, especially with the roof down.

Approach a corner and the surprisingly light steering is quick, responsive and eager, and the grip levels deeply impressive. Its handling is flat and firm and well balanced, with hardly any body lean, and it’s possible to flick the car around rather in the manner of the older SLS, with a hint of tail-out action if wanted. It’s exciting stuff, even if it’s not quite as subtle as one or two of its rivals. Likewise, the ride is rather firm, and it can become rather unsettled, although the Roadster always feels solidly constructed and free from any of the shakes that can plague convertible cars.

Lower yourself into the tight-fitting interior and you’ll find an excellent but cramped for taller drivers driving position, with plenty of electrical adjustment to the steering wheel. The fit and finish looks first class, and the high centre console and polished display and huge buttons for some of the major and minor controls all up the sense of drama. It’s two-seat only in here, of course, and rear visibility isn’t the greatest; it’s also quite difficult to see the front of the long bonnet. There is, however, a good-sized boot accessed via a practical rear hatch tailgate.

The AMG GT range, both coupe and Roadster, was facelifted in 2019, with, among other updates inherited from the new four-door version of the car, new lights, restyled bumpers, new wheel designs, fully digital instruments, a new infotainment system, an upgraded steering wheel and new traction and stability control software. The replacing of the older models' rotary control for the infotainment with a 'thumbpad'-style arrangement, and the deletion of a number of the shortcut menu buttons from the system, do make the new set-up slightly less intuitive than it was.

The Roadster isn't quite such the supercar-bargain that the normal coupe AMG GT is, as it was launched a year later, costs more new and so far seems to be holding on to its value a little better. Reason on about £80,000 as the bottom rung for a good 2017 car, with an average mileage and bought from a dealer or privately. spend between £80,000 and £100,000 on later 2018 models, and on the faster versions too. Spend over £100k on the post-facelift cars and faster versions of the pre-facelift car.

The old saying is if you have to ask you can’t afford it. In fact, the regular GT Roadster claims an average fuel consumption of 24.8mpg, and corresponding CO2 emissions of 261g/km, which isn’t so bad for a car of this class. The sportier versions can only claim around 20-22mpg.

Cars registered before the tax changes of April 2017 came into place are taxed on CO2 output, and all versions of the AMG GT will cost you a lot. Those registered after will be charged at the cheaper base rate currently £140 a year, but they will attract a luxury tax surcharge applicable to all cars costing in excess of £40,000 new, as all AMG GTs do.

Expect insurance groups to be of the highest, too, and large premiums. Servicing costs will be high, as AMG GTs demand regular maintenance and preferably carried out at an AMG specialist.

Even in its cheapest form, the AMG GT Roadster is a major event. However, if it were up to us, we’d try and seek out a used GT C. This is more focused than the GT S and not as extreme as the GT R. With 550bhp it can hit 62mph from a standstill in just 3.7 seconds, and go on to a top speed of 196mph.

Our favourite Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster: GT C

The Audi R8 Spyder is a mid-engined sports car with a free-revving and quite delightful 5.2-litre V10 behind the driver. It’s a joy to use and a great car to drive. It’s also been around some time now so there are plenty of used examples to choose from.

The Porsche 911 Cabriolet is an evergreen classic. This rear-engined funster has been around since God was a child, and in its most up to date forms it’s seriously rapid, wonderfully grippy and yet also refined and comfortable. It also comes with the bonus of two rear seats. Not cheap, but probably worth it.

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