Practicality and high-performance aren’t often found in the same sentence when discussing sports cars, yet the 2020 Mercedes-benz Amg Gt masterfully blends these seemingly disparate worlds. While the idea of daily driving a high-octane performance machine might not appeal to everyone, those who choose the AMG GT for their everyday adventures will find themselves thoroughly impressed. Whether it’s navigating the daily grind or carving through weekend backroads, the refreshed 2020 AMG GT delivers an exhilarating experience without compromising on usability.
Daily Driving Delight in the 2020 AMG GT
The Mercedes-AMG GT occupies a price point that often suggests it might be relegated to weekend thrills, while a more conventional vehicle handles daily commutes. However, the 2020 AMG GT challenges this notion, proving itself to be a genuine seven-day sports car. To truly test its mettle, consider integrating the base model AMG GT into your daily routine, much like you would with a standard sedan or family car.
Just as a morning coffee jumpstarts the day, the AMG GT’s handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 engine serves as an equally potent wake-up call. The moment you settle into the driver’s seat and ignite the engine, the eight-cylinder symphony erupts, instantly invigorating the senses. While the assertive growl is part of the AMG GT’s charm, it’s worth considering your neighborhood’s tolerance for automotive enthusiasm, even with the exhaust in its quieter mode.
Despite subtle interior refinements in the 2020 refresh, the AMG GT retains its uniquely positioned shifter. Its unconventional placement and size can feel somewhat counterintuitive at first. In models without the nose lift feature, navigating steep driveways requires a touch of caution to avoid scraping the low front lip. Reaching for the seat heating controls positioned above the rearview mirror is another quirk, yet these minor eccentricities become part of the AMG GT’s distinct character.
Once on the road, the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT showcases its surprisingly versatile nature. The optional three-mode adaptive suspension ($1,500) adeptly absorbs road imperfections, providing a comfortable ride at both city and highway speeds in its softest setting. The full-speed adaptive cruise control ($2,250 upgrade) further enhances the daily driving experience, easing the tedium of traffic by maintaining a safe distance and even bringing the car to a complete stop when necessary. While the low-profile windows might compromise visibility, particularly for taller traffic lights, overall maneuverability remains manageable.
Navigating parking lots is surprisingly effortless in the 2020 AMG GT. The elongated hood, while visually striking, is managed by new front-facing cameras and comprehensive parking sensors, making precise placement remarkably easy. Even in a subtle Selenite Grey Metallic shade ($720), the AMG GT’s striking silhouette and distinctive exhaust note ensure it commands attention wherever it goes.
Inside the cabin, the 2020 AMG GT benefits from significant tech enhancements. The traditional analog gauges are replaced by a configurable digital instrument cluster, offering improved readability and greater information display. The latest Mercedes steering wheel design with thumbpad controls allows for intuitive adjustments to both the instrument cluster and the 10.2-inch COMAND infotainment screen.
While COMAND might not be Mercedes-Benz’s newest infotainment system (MBUX holds that title), its updated iteration remains user-friendly and feature-rich. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration seamlessly integrate smartphone navigation, although the built-in navigation system is also highly capable. The redesigned touchpad on the center console and steering wheel controls offer multiple ways to navigate menus. The USB port location, tucked behind the cupholders, is practical for maintaining a clean cabin.
The 2020 AMG GT provides a respectable 10.1 cubic feet of cargo space, sufficient for weekend luggage or even accommodating surprisingly bulky items like plywood sheets, demonstrating its unexpected practicality for everyday tasks.
Fuel economy in the AMG GT is as expected for a performance vehicle. EPA estimates stand at 16 mpg city and 22 mpg highway. Spirited driving will naturally reduce these figures, but with a lighter foot, achieving these numbers is feasible.
Unleashing Performance on Backroads
While the 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT excels in daily driving, it truly comes alive when unleashed on winding backroads. Leaving the weekday routine behind and venturing onto more engaging routes reveals the AMG GT’s true sports car DNA.
Even in its mostComfort-oriented settings, the AMG GT remains remarkably composed through corners. Body roll is minimal, thanks to the Michelin Pilot Super Sport summer tires (265/35ZR19 front, 295/30ZR20 rear) providing immense grip, exceeding the needs of most drivers.
Every aspect of the AMG GT is engineered for this type of driving. The steering, while light, is highly responsive. Approaching the car’s limits, throttle sensitivity allows for subtle adjustments with just the right foot, and the brakes deliver confident and rapid deceleration.
Switching to Sport mode sharpens the AMG GT’s character. The suspension firms up, throttle response intensifies, and the exhaust note amplifies, creating an immersive auditory experience. While Sport mode might be too firm for daily commuting, it’s ideal for spirited driving, enhancing the connection to the road. Sport Plus mode is available for even more aggressive settings, best reserved for track days or exceptionally smooth surfaces.
Mercedes-Benz provides extensive customization options, and the 2020 AMG GT is no exception. The redesigned center console features intuitive screen switches for independent adjustments to suspension, exhaust, stability control, and transmission settings, irrespective of the selected driving mode. These personalized settings can be saved in Individual mode for quick access.
The powertrain is exceptional across all modes. The entry-level AMG 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 provides rapid and smooth gear changes in both directions. The entire powertrain is poised for immediate action.
The primary drawback in the AMG GT is noise intrusion. Frameless windows contribute to wind noise at higher speeds, and the performance tires generate noticeable road noise, particularly on imperfect road surfaces. However, these are minor compromises in an otherwise exceptional driving experience.
Specifying Your Ideal 2020 AMG GT
The base 2020 AMG GT starts at $115,900, with options quickly escalating the price. To optimize value, consider a more selective approach to customization.
For exterior paint, opting for a metallic blue ($720) adds visual appeal without excessive cost. Staying with the standard 19-inch wheels maintains a balanced aesthetic and ride quality. The AMG Exterior Night Package ($750) provides a subtle yet impactful upgrade, replacing chrome elements with gloss-black accents. The standard interior trim in MB-Tex vinyl and microfiber with silver trim offers a sophisticated and fingerprint-resistant alternative to piano black.
Prioritizing essential creature comforts, keyless entry ($800) is a worthwhile addition, while the COMAND touchpad upgrade can be skipped in favor of standard controls. The three-mode adaptive suspension ($1,500) significantly enhances ride quality and handling, and the safety package ($875) including blind-spot monitoring and lane-keep assist adds practical driver assistance features. This curated selection of options results in a well-equipped 2020 AMG GT at a more controlled price point of $121,540 (including the $995 destination charge).
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT in the Competitive Landscape
The 2020 Mercedes-AMG GT competes with a diverse range of sports cars, from the Chevrolet Corvette to the Porsche 911 and Jaguar F-Type in its price bracket. Higher-tier comparisons might extend to the Audi R8 and McLaren 570S, though these represent a significant price jump.
Among its direct competitors, the Mercedes-AMG GT distinguishes itself as a compelling all-rounder. It’s genuinely capable as a daily driver, yet truly shines when pushed to its performance limits. The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT is an exceptional sports car that justifies its price, with recent updates further enhancing its appeal and usability.
