Mercedes-AMG Now Offers a Roadster for Every Appetite: Meet the GT S

By Miles Branman May 16, 2018

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Luxury automakers are exceedingly talented at plugging holes in their lineups that most people wouldn’t even consider holes. Sometimes, this exercise creates a new vehicle niche, as was the case for BMW’s X6 – the first crossover coupe. More often, though, premium brands simply re-package their current offerings to achieve a new price or performance tier.

The new Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is most certainly an example of re-packaged gap-fill. Jamming itself between the GT Roadster and the GT C Roadster, the GT S drop-top makes more power and costs a premium over the GT, while not encroaching on the GT C’s stats. Powered by the same twin-tubocharged 4.0-liter V8 as both GT convertibles, the GT S produces 515 horsepower and 494 pound-feet of torque. A seven-speed, dual-clutch transmission sends power to the rear wheels.

Mercedes-AMG GT S

Mercedes-AMG GT S

Mercedes-AMG GT S

Mercedes-AMG GT S

Performance figures are predictably middling among its GT siblings. The 0 to 60 mph takes 3.7 seconds and top speed is 192 mph. The GT S borrows the GT C’s adaptive dampers and electronic rear differential, but forgoes the former’s rear wheel steering and wide body kit. Other upgrades over the entry-level GT include braking improvements and a “Race” drive mode.

Styling will fall in line with the GT S Coupe, meaning a Panamericana-derived grille, 19 or 20-inch wheels, slender LED taillights, and three color options for the power-folding fabric roof. Inside, the GT S Roadster carries on unchanged, with a V-design center stack, 7-inch infotainment, and a choice of leather or microfiber suede seating material.

Though we’ve only spent time in one Mercedes-AMG GT product, it was the fixed-roof counterpart to the GT S Roadster. That car packed plenty of thrills (namely, the slidey, smoky kind), and we expect the convertible will deliver a similar experience — plus a bit more V8 noise (and who could argue with that?).

The GT S roadster will arrive at U.S. dealers later this year, though pricing has not yet been announced. Our best guess puts the middle child GT Roadster around $145,000. The GT S Roadster will compete against Jaguar’s F-Type R convertible, Porsche’s 911 S Cabriolet, and Aston Martin’s Vantage.

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