The Mercedes-AMG GT is a car that effortlessly blends the thrill of a high-performance sports car with surprising everyday usability. For those who believe a stunning performance machine can also be a daily companion, the refreshed 2020 AMG GT makes a compelling statement. It’s not just about weekend blasts; this GT is designed to impress, no matter the journey.
Daily Driving with a Dose of Drama
While owning a Mercedes-AMG GT puts you in a bracket where multi-car garages are common, dismissing it as solely a weekend toy would be a mistake. This isn’t a temperamental beast; it’s a finely tuned machine that adapts surprisingly well to the mundane realities of daily driving. Imagine starting your day not with a jolt of coffee, but with the invigorating growl of a 4.0-liter V8. That’s the AMG GT experience. Press the start button, and the engine awakens with a purposeful bark, a sound that, while not exactly subtle, is music to any car enthusiast’s ears. Even without engaging the louder exhaust mode, it announces its presence with authority.
Navigating the morning commute, the 2020 AMG GT showcases its dual personality. It’s more than just a track weapon; it’s surprisingly civilized on regular roads. The optional three-mode adaptive suspension ($1,500) smooths out road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride even at lower speeds in its softest setting. Features like the adaptive cruise control ($2,250) further enhance daily usability, managing traffic flow and reducing driver fatigue during those tedious commutes. While the sleek design does compromise visibility slightly, particularly with shorter windows that can obstruct views of overhead traffic lights, it’s a manageable compromise for the style and performance on offer.
Parking, often a concern with sports cars, is surprisingly easy in the AMG GT. The long hood might seem daunting, but the inclusion of a front-facing camera, alongside the standard rearview camera and parking sensors, provides excellent spatial awareness. Maneuvering into tight spots becomes less stressful than expected, a testament to the car’s thoughtful design. Of course, the AMG GT’s striking presence, even in a subtle colour like Selenite Grey Metallic ($720), ensures it turns heads wherever it goes, standing out from the crowd of everyday vehicles.
Inside, the 2020 refresh brings welcome tech upgrades. The traditional analog gauges are replaced by a configurable digital instrument cluster, offering improved readability and a wealth of information display options. The updated steering wheel, equipped with thumbpads, makes navigating both the cluster and the 10.2-inch COMAND infotainment screen intuitive and effortless. While COMAND isn’t Mercedes-Benz’s latest MBUX system, it remains modern and user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration are seamless, and the built-in navigation is highly capable. The redesigned touchpad on the centre console provides another convenient way to interact with the system.
Practicality isn’t sacrificed entirely for performance. The AMG GT offers a 10.1-cubic-foot cargo area, enough for weekend luggage or even a surprisingly large amount of DIY materials, as confirmed by fitting plywood sheets (with some cutting required). This blend of performance and practicality is a key strength of the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT.
Unleashing the Beast on Backroads
While daily driving is well within the AMG GT’s capabilities, its true spirit shines when unleashed on winding backroads. Leaving the city behind and seeking out more engaging routes is where this car transforms from a comfortable daily driver into a thrilling sports machine. Even in its most compliant settings, the AMG GT exhibits exceptional composure through corners. Body roll is minimal, and the Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (265/35ZR19 front, 295/30ZR20 rear) provide immense grip, exceeding the needs of most drivers on public roads.
Every aspect of the AMG GT feels engineered for spirited driving. The steering, while light, is incredibly responsive, allowing for precise inputs. The throttle is finely tuned, enabling subtle adjustments to the car’s line through corners using just the accelerator pedal. Braking is confident and powerful, bringing the car to a halt quickly and effectively when needed.
Switching driving modes to Sport sharpens the AMG GT’s responses even further. The suspension stiffens, throttle response becomes more immediate, and the exhaust note intensifies, creating a more visceral driving experience. Sport Plus mode is available for even greater intensity, though it’s best reserved for smooth roads or track environments. The redesigned centre console now features intuitive screen switches, allowing for individual adjustments to suspension, exhaust, stability control, and transmission settings, regardless of the selected driving mode. These custom settings can be saved in Individual mode for quick access, tailoring the car to specific preferences and driving conditions.
The powertrain is exceptional across all driving modes. The entry-level GT’s 469 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque might be the ‘base’ offering, but it feels perfectly judged for real-world driving enjoyment. The twin-turbo V8 delivers effortless power throughout the rev range, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission provides rapid and smooth gear changes in both directions. The entire driving experience is one of readily available performance and engaging dynamics.
The only minor drawbacks are increased wind and road noise at higher speeds, due in part to the frameless windows and performance tires. However, these are minor compromises in an otherwise exceptional sports car.
Specifying Your Perfect AMG GT
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT starts at $115,900, with options quickly increasing the price. While tempting to load up on extras, a carefully considered specification can deliver exceptional value. Choosing a metallic paint like a blue hue ($720) adds visual appeal without excessive cost. Sticking with the standard 19-inch wheels maintains a good balance of aesthetics and ride comfort. The AMG Exterior Night Package ($750) provides subtle yet stylish gloss-black exterior accents. Inside, the standard MB-Tex vinyl and microfiber seats are a practical and attractive choice, and the standard silver trim is perfectly acceptable. Keyless entry ($800), surprisingly not standard, is a worthwhile addition for convenience. The adaptive suspension ($1,500) significantly enhances the car’s versatility, and the safety package ($875) adding blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist provides valuable driver aids. This more restrained specification brings the price to a still-considerable but more palatable $121,540 (including destination charge), offering a well-equipped and highly desirable 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT.
The AMG GT in a Competitive Landscape
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT competes in a segment filled with impressive rivals. From the Chevrolet Corvette to the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type, there are numerous compelling choices. Stepping up in price, competitors like the Audi R8 and McLaren 570S enter the fray, though these stretch the price comparison. However, within its immediate price bracket, the AMG GT stands out as a compelling all-rounder. It excels as both a daily driver and a thrilling weekend sports car. The 2020 updates further enhance its appeal, making the Mercedes-AMG GT a truly exceptional and desirable machine, justifying its price tag for those seeking a blend of performance, luxury, and everyday usability. It’s a sports car that feels genuinely worth every penny, offering a riotous driving experience without sacrificing daily comfort and practicality.
