Practicality and high-performance sports cars aren’t often mentioned in the same breath. However, the Mercedes-AMG GT refresh for 2020 confidently straddles this divide. While owning a sleek, powerful machine might not be on everyone’s daily agenda, those who choose to maximize their GT experience will discover a truly versatile vehicle. Whether for thrilling weekend drives or surprisingly comfortable daily commutes, the updated 2020 AMG GT is designed to impress.
Daily Driving Dynamics: More Than Just a Weekend Toy
The Mercedes-AMG GT occupies a premium price bracket, traditionally leading owners to opt for more conventional vehicles for everyday use. However, the GT challenges this norm, proving itself as a capable seven-day sports car. To test this daily driver claim, we treated the base model GT as we would any standard daily vehicle, like a Corolla or E-Class, assessing its real-world usability.
Forget your morning coffee – the AMG GT’s 4.0-liter V8 engine serves as the ultimate wake-up call. Simply sliding into the driver’s seat and pressing the start button unleashes an invigorating roar from the eight-cylinder powerplant. Hopefully, your neighbors appreciate a good engine note, as even without activating the louder dual-mode exhaust setting, the GT’s startup is anything but subtle. (Apologies in advance, Stephen).
Despite interior console refinements in the 2020 refresh, the AMG GT retains a somewhat awkwardly positioned shifter, lacking optimal ergonomics. Our test model was also without a nose lift system, requiring careful navigation of steep driveways to prevent scraping the low-slung front lip. Reaching above the rearview mirror for the seat heating controls – a unique, albeit slightly unusual placement – we set off to tackle the morning commute.
In the monotony of rush hour, the AMG GT reveals its surprising versatility. The $1,500 three-mode adaptive suspension adeptly absorbs most road imperfections. In its softest setting, the ride quality remains comfortable at both low and high speeds. The optional $2,250 full-speed adaptive cruise control further enhances the daily driving experience, managing traffic flow and even bringing the car to a complete stop when necessary. While the low-profile windows reduce overall visibility, particularly for taller traffic signals, it’s a manageable trade-off for the car’s sleek aesthetics.
Parking the GT, despite its long hood, is surprisingly easy thanks to the updated camera systems and comprehensive parking sensors. The front-facing camera, new for 2020, greatly assists in positioning the car’s nose, while the standard rearview camera and parking sensors provide all-around awareness. This technology makes maneuvering the GT in tight parking situations far less stressful than anticipated.
However, the AMG GT is not for those seeking anonymity. Even in the understated Selenite Grey Metallic ($720) paint, the GT’s low, elongated silhouette stands out dramatically amidst a sea of SUVs and crossovers. Combined with its distinctive exhaust note, even in the quieter mode, the car inevitably attracts attention wherever it goes.
Tech-Savvy Cabin and Practical Touches
The daily commute in the AMG GT provides ample opportunity to appreciate the technological advancements within the cabin. The analog gauges have been replaced with a fully configurable digital instrument cluster, offering improved readability and information display. The latest Mercedes steering wheel design, equipped with thumbpads, allows for effortless adjustments to both the gauge cluster and the 10.2-inch COMAND infotainment screen.
While COMAND may not be Mercedes-Benz’s newest infotainment system (MBUX holds that title), its updated iteration remains highly relevant and user-friendly. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration seamlessly connect smartphones for navigation and media. The integrated turn-by-turn navigation system is also highly effective, and the redesigned touchpad on the center console, along with steering wheel controls, offers quick and intuitive menu navigation. The primary USB port is located somewhat inconveniently behind the cupholders, but this is a minor issue for those who maintain a tidy interior.
Cargo space in the GT is rated at 10.1 cubic feet, sufficient for weekend luggage or even the occasional larger items. Surprisingly, it can even accommodate plywood sheets, although you might need to request smaller cuts from the hardware store. This practicality extends the AMG GT’s usability beyond weekend drives, making it surprisingly versatile for everyday tasks.
Unleashing Performance on Backroads
While the Mercedes-AMG GT excels in daily driving, it truly comes alive on winding backroads. To experience its full potential, we ventured away from the city in search of more engaging driving environments.
Once unleashed on open roads, the GT showcases its true sports car DNA. Even with all settings in comfort mode, the car exhibits exceptional composure in corners, with minimal body roll. The Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (265/35ZR19 front, 295/30ZR20 rear) deliver phenomenal grip, exceeding the needs of most drivers.
Every aspect of the AMG GT is engineered for spirited driving. The steering, while light, offers quick and precise responses. Approaching the car’s limits, the throttle provides nuanced control for fine-tuning cornering lines, and the brakes deliver confident and rapid deceleration when needed.
In these dynamic driving scenarios, switching from Comfort mode becomes essential. Engaging Sport mode via the steering wheel-mounted switch sharpens the suspension, enhances throttle response, and amplifies the exhaust note, creating an exhilarating auditory experience. While Sport mode might be too firm for daily commuting, it’s ideal for spirited drives, enhancing the connection to the road. Sport Plus mode is also available, but best reserved for exceptionally smooth surfaces or dedicated track environments.
Mercedes-Benz provides extensive customization options for vehicle settings, and the AMG GT is no exception. The redesigned center console features intuitive screen switches that allow independent adjustment of suspension, exhaust, stability control, and transmission settings, regardless of the selected driving mode. These personalized configurations can be saved in Individual mode for quick access.
The powertrain is remarkably refined across all modes. The base GT’s 469 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque are more than ample. The twin-turbo V8 delivers effortless power throughout the rev range, and the seven-speed dual-clutch transmission executes rapid and smooth gear changes in both directions. The entire powertrain feels instantly responsive and eager to perform.
The only minor drawback is cabin noise. Frameless windows, while stylish, permit noticeable wind noise at highway speeds, and the high-performance tires generate road noise, particularly on less-than-perfect road surfaces. However, these are minor compromises in an otherwise exceptional driving experience.
Specifying Your Ideal AMG GT
The base Mercedes-AMG GT starts at $115,900, but our test vehicle, with a final price of $131,315, included several optional extras. These included red seat belts ($500), staggered cross-spoke wheels ($2,200), carbon-fiber doorsill panels ($1,500), and a microfiber steering wheel with carbon fiber accents ($750). A more judicious selection of options can optimize value.
For exterior paint, opting for a metallic blue ($720) adds visual appeal beyond the standard black or red. Sticking with the standard 19-inch wheels maintains a comfortable ride and provides ample rear tire width. The AMG Exterior Night Package ($750), replacing chrome with gloss-black accents, provides a subtle yet sporty aesthetic enhancement. Inside, the standard MB-Tex vinyl and microfiber seats, along with silver trim, offer a premium feel without additional cost.
For comfort and convenience, keyless entry ($800), a surprisingly omitted standard feature, is a worthwhile addition. The standard touchpad control is perfectly functional, negating the need for an upgrade. Prioritizing performance and handling, the three-mode adaptive suspension ($1,500) is highly recommended, along with the safety package ($875) including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist. This curated selection of options brings the total price to a more palatable $121,540, including the mandatory $995 destination charge.
Final Verdict: A Standout Sports Car
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT competes in a diverse segment, ranging from the Chevrolet Corvette to the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type in its price bracket. Higher-priced rivals include the Audi R8 and McLaren 570S, though these stretch the competitive landscape somewhat.
Among its direct competitors, the Mercedes-AMG GT distinguishes itself as a truly exceptional sports car. Its daily usability is a significant advantage, yet it truly excels when pushed to its performance limits on open roads. The AMG GT delivers an exhilarating driving experience that feels genuinely worth its premium price, and the 2020 updates further enhance its appeal and everyday practicality. For those seeking a sports car that can seamlessly blend daily driving with thrilling performance, the 2020 Mercedes-benz Amg Gt is exceptionally hard to beat.
