2018 Mercedes AMG GT C Roadster FIRST DRIVE REVIEW (2 of 2)

MotoMan drives the 550 HP Mercedes AMG GT C. Yes, the obvious question is how does is compare to a Porsche 911 - which he does answer - but after driving and finally spending some quality time with this first ever purpose built, twin turbo V8 sports car from the AMG group of Mercedes Benz, MotoMan realizes the AMG GT C poses a far bigger and more important question . . .
For more information, watch our 2018 Porsche 991.2 GT3 TECH REVIEW (1 of 3) @ • 2018 Porsche 911 GT3 -...
or -
2018 Mercedes AMG GT Roadster & GT C Roadster TECH REVIEW (1 of 2) @ • 2018 Mercedes AMG GT R...
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MUSIC courtesy of Kevin MacLeod/incompetech.com, Evan Schaeffer - / evanschaeffer & Jahzzar

[@dad8451]

De Ce and others. I've owned the GT C roaster for 10 months and 11k miles. Awesome. Top down 99% of the time even at 70+mph. Always puts a smile on my face when I drive it. The sound, performance, the driving feel are fantastic. MotoMan, I actually like the volume knob on the right side as its comfortable for me to reach. I've owned multiple Porsches and corvettes including the 2016 Zo6/Zo7. This seems to be a combination of them; American muscle/sound from the Vettes and fit/finish, ride etc. from the Germans. In the crazy COVID car market I could sell it for more than I paid last November, but I can't find anything I would want to daily drive more than the GT C. -Bear

[@amill1563]

Love this car. Classic lines and sick driving. Long hoods almost never go out of style.

[@vincentvandermeijden9481]

First car I ever drove (clandestine, on holiday in the US @ 17 years old) was a Pontiac Firebird Trans Am. I remember the roaring V8 in that thing and although at first sight I was not a real fan of the Trans Am it left an impression which stuck for a long time. When I test drove the AMG GT I remembered how I instantly could fall in love with a car. I went back in time. I love my GT.

[@jerrybillings3039]

*I love the color combination... That deep red, combined with the cream colored interior is such a classic look!*

[@LlyleHunter]

Funny I usually don't agree with Agent Orange

[@LlyleHunter]

That's the difference. The SL is a GT and the GT is a sports car

[@hockeymann88]

It certainly is a beautiful car. Head turner. Probably one of the best recent design efforts by Mercedes. Looks like it will age well (says the guy typing a comment 2 years later).

[@jimmyyoh8144]

To answer the question of whether there is a reason to have this AMG GT-C and the SL-63 AMG co-exist in the Line up. My answer is simple - I own both. On some day, I am in the mood to go charge the twisty 2 lane roads, I will take out the GT-C, it is a much harder drive but in return, gives you the total sports car control and feel. However, on more days than not, I will drive the SL-63 which is a lot more softer than the GT-C, but still can out accelerate almost any car on the road and also has a trunk which can take golf bag (s with a squeeze). By the way, I also have Porsche Turbo’s, and a few fast Ferrari’s including the 812 SuperFast.

[@anthonycarter3942]

I love this car. Been drooling over them for two years now since the Gts. Then I got the chance to sit in one. The sales man even let me start it. Now I’m not so sure. Very hard to get into and exit. Not a lot of room for me, five nine and two hundred, so not slim but not really obese. In his video the seat seems to be moving a great deal. I’ve owned many 911’s and they have all been easy to enter and the seats were rock solid. I didn’t really get to play with the seating settings,but I don’t think it would work for me even I’d I could afford one.

[@Zuhzuhzombie]

IMO, the difference is basically do you want front engined long bonnet great sounding off the line magic? AMG GT. Do you want a compact and sporty and svelte and wonderfully handling sports car? 911. There's really no wrong answer unless you want the GT to handle like the 911 and the 911 to out muscle the GT.

[@puffrooster]

There are so many versions of this car, now and in the future; AMG GT, GT S, GT C, GT R Coupe, GT C Roadster, AMG GT R Black Series (2020 release date), AMG GT R Clubsport (spy shots c/o motorauthority(.)com), AMG GT 4 Door Saloon (or Panamera version as mentioned by MotoMan); and possibly an Estate model AMG GT, a special edition Maybach AMG GT, and dare I say an AMG GT Hybrid, Coupe, Roadster, and or Saloon... an electric ride-on toy GT roadster for children... I'm personally waiting for the Black Series and Clubsport to be released because when they are, the GT R's and GT C's price will fall to well within my financial means to purchase!

[@varunparkash9007]

So did it drop?

[@puffrooster]

@@varunparkash9007 - I'm not sure; I wasn't really keeping track. Once and a while I look at what is available at the two dealerships that are close to me and the various GT (*) versions that were on sale since I was last there in person (last May when I traded my C class coupe in for a newer E class coupe), the cars that were there then are still there now, plus some more that were recently delivered or traded in. I honestly don't want one anyway. I'd rather an S class coupe, 2019 or 2020 AMG, before the new models get delivered. I'm not a fan of the new design, especially the interior and rear fascia.

[@petedavis8701]

One of your best vids, Moto Man! and what a beautiful car, wow, just wow

[@186bingo]

Epic! I guess as a customer I wouldn't mind looking at both in the showroom. Whether it makes financial sense for the manufacturer is a different thing. Look at the SLK going the way of the dodo. Now looking at Porsche they seem to have a clearer vision ahead of them. Within the 911 lineup you can see the sports car and the GT car in the same showroom as in the GT3 and Turbo plus everything in between so you can try the different engines and cars and choose what suits you best. It's tough though. If I had room in the garage now, and money to spend it would not be a clear slam dunk decision. The two are very appealing propositions. Then you look at the R8 which is well within the price range and that makes it even more complicated. Love your work man!

[@echtogammut]

Unless, I am mistaken the SL is losing sales to the S-Coupe/Cab. The GT and SL fill two separate markets, the SL attempted to bridge the S Class owner who wanted a sportier image. In my personal experience the SL was purchased mostly by C levels and Real Estate agents projecting an image to clients and people they hoped to do business with. These were not people who would buy the GT C(where would they fit a set of golf clubs in the convertible?). The GT owner is someone that either wanted to buy something to drive or be seen in and it hits either a younger or retired bracket of person who isn't as concerned with classic business perceptions. People may scoff, but I have helped many guys pick out cars to fit an image they wanted to sell, who only marginally cared about the car itself. The perception of wealth/success and certain attitude is projected in the car you show up in and for certain group of people it's a very calculated buying decision.

[@zakhool]

WOW you're putting out quite the quality content with tsunami of information. It's a shame you're not tapping into 100k views.

[@MotoManTV]

Thank you for the kind words. While there are some episodes that do better than others, the sad reality is that KZbin burys our show. Back in July of 2016 there was a major algorithm change and it affected us drastically - as well as many other channels, cars or otherwise - overnight. Yes, we have adjusted and innovated the product since then as we have lived through other algorithm changes of the past however this one was different. We actually INCREASED our key metrics that KZbin tells all creators are important to the algorithm: Watch time, interactions, likes, comments, etc. however didn't change anything. That is why you have seen us grow on other platforms like our own mobile App, Apple iTunes, Google Play and most recently, Amazon. You will see more of this in the future and if KZbin continues to bury our show, we will at some point stop supporting this platform much like Motor Trend did. No matter where the show lives, we are proud of the quality of the show we produce and honored by you guys as we have some of the highest audience retention in online video - no matter the genre. Thank you for watching.

[@ZE4MC]

I own a Merc SL550 2017 model I do love it it is smooth as butter (Seats not that great) this one looks better (in a different way) and I know it is "Sport" focused but how is it going slow- top up average pavement? How is it at 70 MPH with the top up and down? Hows the wind buffeting and interior noise? My Wifes M2 will almost knock your teeth out. Is this still "comfortable" in the Mercedes way"? The seats look really tight and unforgiving in the "sports car" idiom. Love so much about this and sitting in one isn't the same as driving for 7 days.

[@eusebiumoisii4599]

You’d have to be a fool to buy an SL over that GT C. It’s so much better in every way. It’s how the SL should have looked and should have been like. The 911 it’s the classic car which you’d buy if you succeeded in life, got a family and also enjoy driving. But if you want something special and don’t have a family the GT it’s the perfect choice.

[@twfinc6855]

Im 51 and prefer the SL. Its just a better all around car, goes fast, handles good, and if you dont want a race car then buy the SL, more comfortable as a daily driver, and does 90% of anything the GT-C will do.

[@mlamesq8]

No, there’s no place for both the GT C and the current SL under the MB tent. The low sales of the SL is all the business case you need to consider to the put the SL in the “for later return bin”. Since the retirement of the SL55 AMG, all the SL’s have been the 15th prettiest girl at the prom at best.

[@MiniEggs1999]

With all the common platforms and components i would say yes in that you can have ‘one car’ and several configurations to cover as many tastes as possible and broaden its market appeal from smooth cruise to turbo nutter for minimal production costs

[@rudolfpianos]

That would depend on the price, which means the answer is yes. The SL will remain as a GT (common noun), and this GT (S)(C)is really the successor of the first SL which was a sports and not a GT!

[@senshibat8920]

but no steel convertible. The reds great paired to the interior for having a heat reflective factor. More an ST unless its got the Boot for more long travel bags?

[@LlyleHunter]

There's room for both at Mercedes as there are markets for both among Mercedes buyers. They're well heeled you might have heard.

[@BenKurth]

Actually the very first batmobile was red. But I digress.

[@chsica]

In response to the question is there room for an SL/GT type convertible alongside an AMG/Sports car convertible in the same showroom I say yes! Bean counters aside if MB goes back to making the SL as the pinnacle of understated elegant luxury and drops the AMG performance variants which are now no longer needed, the two models can be equally attractive to very different audiences. AMG GT = younger more performance-oriented customers. SL = older softer more luxury oriented. If built correctly, the SL would be the exceptionally gorgeous, classy and elegant car that appeals to someone who has to have the best and is willing to pay ungodly more money just to say he/she has the most expensive thing available (e.g. SL 65 money). Drop the SL400's and go for the top end. Now they only thing MB would have to do is junk the SLC altogether or make it something a lot sexier and better than the pug-like very femme car it is today.

[@shannonjude1]

Of course there's room for both and not just because I love both of those cars... But what you have just described is the Entirety of the Aston Martin business model...

[@Harrock]

The GT C is for the sports guy and the SL 63 is more for the GT guy

[@davidwaun2276]

Marketing, especially in the auto industry, is a science unto itself. Trying to determine what the car buying public wants in the future, as lead in times for new models is years in the making, is a multi million dollar high stakes gamble. We are currently witnessing a massive shift away from the sedan to the SUV, pickup trucks and crossover. Then throw in a little more uncertainty, i.e. gas prices, and the picture becomes really muddled. Sports cars are at best niche vehicles and very well may buck the trend towards big truck type autos. Considering the price of the AMG GT C Roadster it may do very well in the segment it is in. The Roadster you tested is stunningly beautiful, but whether that inspires people to buy them is an unknown. I see a lot of auto pundits on various sites, but the bottom line in all of this is sales. If we don't buy these cars they simply will cease to exist. As for me, I'm perfectly happy with my '17 C7.

[@luimarco]

4:35 the Adaptive Engine mounts are not Standard in the GTS, they are part of the extra AMG Package

[@phymat1]

luimarco Good to see you on this channel Lui! You should get one and spin dirt in Bonac's face!

[@Kocan7]

He is talking about GT C, not GT S

[@tt55k]

They are standard on the gtc

[@Fluterra]

Tt55 K Nope. US only I think. In most markets the adaptive mounts are not standard, even on the GT C.

[@DWELTYPC]

going to put this on the list.have sat in one or two but will drive one soon. thanks for the review - great

[@neohimself]

excellent review, i agree... but you said something about balance... if you mean weight distribution for dynamic driving, this car is somewhat wrong because of its front-engine design. but so is the 911 with its engine hanging of the back, right? maybe a mclaren 570s with its mid engine would be better comparison?

[@mdjones354]

Motoman, can you walk us through your home brew with the killer exhaust sound?! Thanks.

[@gambanteinodal1246]

All the comparisons to the 911 speaks for it self regarding the qualities of this car as the 911 has grown inte one of the very best cars. I would without a doubt pick this one over a Porsche 911 (one can never getaway from its roots in the WV beetle).

[@dylanes21]

Excellent review!

[@GY9944]

Im drooling all over that car

[@gurkankiziltan9429]

There is room for both as Mercedes wouldn’t want to confuse customers about what their offering is (luxury, safety and comfort). AMG is the luxury sports/sporty car division to attract Porsche customers, not an alternative for the guy who likes the plush ride in his E or S class during the week and SL on the weekend. A smart sales guy at Mercedes would not try to sell that customer the AMG GT, which was developed as a direct competitor to 911. It would not suprise me if AMG would be a car brand of it’s own in the future with a range similar to Porsche.

[@artureff3046]

GT63 for people who may go to a race truck or Stelvio Pass, SL65 to cruise around Miami or Monaco...

[@davidjames6247]

Taking delivery next of my 2018 GT C Himalayan Grey/ Napa Black next week. We'll see after owning all its' competitors over the past few years. I live 30 minutes away from Road Atlanta and participate there regularly. CAN'T WAIT😀

[@rongibson3643]

Im taking delivery of my 1st 2019 amg gt c next week. How was your experience

[@Rick2010100]

Porsche is delevoping a new model - the 960. The 960 will have a mid engine 4.5l *flat 8*, ca. 600 hp + electro power. Porsche said the 960 will fill the gap between the 911 and 918. The presentation is planed for 2019.

[@CemSaydam]

Where there is passion, there’s room

[@CanyonsCarver]

This is a stunning car

[@SteveC-Shaman]

911 for me. I spent my money already. Tradition, precision and build quality are why. Also, reliability, the 991 is damned near indestructible when driven hard.

[@MotoManTV]

Good point.

[@AMGF815]

911's, no matter how good they are, and they are great, are still just 911's when it comes to visual appeal. Here in Los Angeles, nobody looks twice at a 911. The AMG GT; necks break.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

You just sold a 911 to me. I don't care about what other people think.

[@AMGF815]

Steve C just sold you a 911? Huh! And you missed the point. It’s not about what other people think of what you, a random stranger drives. They don’t look as in if they could choose, the 911 not only looks boring, they see them too often. Los Angeles, most of all the west side, has more 911 owners than anywhere else (look it up). Personally, no matter how refined a car is, I do not want to be on PCH here in Malibu, next to 3 or more other 911 drivers, most of whom no nothing about high performance cars and just drive them as a symbol of their success. That’s one of many reasons I chose an R8 (first gen) back in 2010. Next year it will be time for something new, another sports car, probably a GTC roadster as I love convertibles. Regardless, enjoy your 911. One life to live, one life to drive.

[@SteveC-Shaman]

I think you missed the point. I have a 911 TTS right now, and I bought it in white with no door lettering. Why? Because I love the car but i don't want it to stand out. I just want to drive the @#$% out of it, and I do.

[@AbzAden]

If this car came with a manual or even better if some how some one can put in a PDK transmission this car would be just epic....and just imagine if it had the SLS's engine the 6.2 L V8 naturally aspirated 😯

[@abdjr.247]

I think you want a different car

[@twfinc6855]

If they get rid of the SL I cannot own the GT because im too tall, in reality they never should have made the GT, they should have redesined the SL into what the GT is today and called it the NEW SL, that way the SL would still exist in more sporty fashion. But I get that the GT appeals to a slightly different audience.

[@DanielSadjadian]

Beautiful car! Looks great in that red!

[@hairyfishcakes]

You insert fruit ? 🍌

[@sswes2476]

No not if the sportier one can be softened up enough, the softer one we just have to have cheaper price to justify buying it.

[@javifabela]

To your question I say, no there isn't enough of a market for a GT because, it seems like today's market only wants performance and not really touring. I myself would rather the harshness of unrefinment of a beautiful sportscar to the somewhat understated looks or a grand tourer.

[@javifabela]

BMW hasn't done so well with their 6 series without the performance package. That goes to show, people want performance.

[@ratherrapid]

hey, and its got a screen right in your line of sight. what more could we want.

[@bbee8829]

Moto, you are a man among men. However, I am concerned about the interior room, it seems a bit tight. I thought that the Jaguar would have adequate room but I felt cramped. What would you compare the seating extension and shoulder / hip room to?

[@MotoManTV]

Good question! There really is nothing like this in terms of shoulder/hip room. The width adds SOOOO much in terms of perception as well as usable space for taller people. Like a 911, it's a sports car interior for sturdy people.

[@bbee8829]

MotoManTV , Thank you for answering.😁

[@Hans-Larsson]

It's a very very nice car, no doubt. I basically only have two reservations (except cost of course ;-) ) - the soft top and the small trunk. If it's going to work for longer vacations trips the small trunk can quickly become a problem. (But since I own an SL I could be biased :-) )

[@lefuedebout]

Excellent review. However, I have just 3 questions. 1) Is it really a viable daily driver or not. 2) Were your teeth fillings still in place at the end of the drive or was the suspension too stiff?..... and 3) Similar to 2, was your vision blurred at the end of the test? So many reviewers get carried away with the excitment of testing a new model and over look the ( non car tester ) comfort aspect of the car.

[@macstone9719]

I want everything in this hangar. I am modest, I know.

I would rather see more of the car than the presenter ! especially more of the car's profile !.

[@jeffmakor7135]

There is room for for all variants, including the more sedate and boulevard eclipsing versions coveted by the pretty vacant sorts that do cocktails and lunches! The styling is german muscle and its pedigree is refined engineering excellence. Combined with the value for money over supercar rivals and the more brutish powered novelty that Porsche doesn't do, the german growler gets my vote and no doubt many colonials who are itching to pay homage to the magic of Mercedes!

[@mrmorrisniceguy987]

I would like to see the new S63 Coupe !

[@javifabela]

Great enthusiasts

[@jdord4838]

I'll take the plane and the car, thank you, but great review..."Yeshua/Jesus is the way"

[@markbojanjac6805]

Hmmm. I can't see myself swapping an increasingly older and similar sounding SL55 with a proper hard-folding roof which looks good up or down to regress back to a ragtop as a daily driver. Same logic applies for owning the modern SL63 and 65. Its a better finished product. Is there a case for both? Maybe but then I'd probably choose the same -engined new V8 Aston over the AMG GT? if I wanted a ragtop-never-up plaything in the garage as well.

[@phormoore3631]

I would love to respond to your end question. cars have been evolving every since the very first one drove off the lot. its within human nature to create and fine tune our creations. that is evident nowhere better than in the automotive industry. room your ask ?? sure I would say there is room for all of our wonderful creations, however after Nissan took me for 3k and did 0 work and thus far refuses to give me a refund or do the work. as I get rdy for court... I would say building a solid product with solid customer support is your true key to success. always room for that product. a great man once said "Be like water my friend" Be like water......

[@Melvorgazh]

ps: Bruce Wayne gotta have one of those indeed. Gonna watching Justice League then :p

[@Fluterra]

Business answer from a success tech entrepreneur: yes, there is room for both, as long as MB continues to be as profitable as they are. Different market segments and cost to produce multiple variants is dropping all the time. BTW, SL63 costs more than the GTC Cab!

[@Melvorgazh]

Hey! I love MERCEDES BENZ AMG GTs. They are all gorgeous cars, sound fine... But does anyone think one of them with the right engine could be faster than a Bugattie Chiron or Koenigsegg ONE? I mean, especially the Bugatti...that I personally find ugly compared to the AMG GTs :)

[@plndora]

Now where is that husky!

[@MotoManTV]

He's struggling with two injuries as of late . . . He's on the mend but not terribly up to hanging around set. Thanks for thinking of Kumo!!!!

[@bob808]

AMG GT SL S Cabriolet Mercedes has too many high end/luxurious/expensive convertibles. I think the SL is not long for this world, but it's a historic badge, and there are some (perhaps older) customers who will remain loyal. Plus a folding hardtop 'vert has sound/stability/safety benefits. Ok, the S Cab is a 4 seater, but it has all the tech and luxury of the full fledge S-Class. As such, I think loyal SL buyers could be swayed towards the S Cab if the SL disappeared. The AMG GT is what the SL used to be, but better! Like a modern day R129, if I may be so bold. For that alone, I think the GT will succeed and put another nail in the coffin of the SL.

[@alvinhathaway1293]

I dream of this car

[@rudolfpianos]

New widow-maker?

[@Fluterra]

This is a great effort by AMG. I love the brand and own a C63 507. The problem is that it’s not worth 2x a C63S cabrio. And it will lose $100k of value in a few years.

[@deanbritton4696]

Mercedes suffered through a very awkward design language beginning in 2009. There’s literally not a car they produced between ‘09 and ‘13 that is remotely attracrive. They began to recover with the new S-class, and now there’s not a truly unattractive car in their lineup. Except the SL, which inexplicable still retains the awkward corporate deformity that began in 09. Let’s all just accept that 11 years of gross design negligence has killed the SL. If we cling to the GT/Sports Car distinction...the SL still is not remotely as good a GT as the S-Class convertible...so what purported niche remains? Ask yourself this question: If, when the GT was introduced, Mercedes had discontinued the SL, and called this car the “AMG SL”, and then introduced the S-class cabrio as a proper Bentley-fighting GT, would we even be asking the question of niches? The SL is dead. Long live the (renamed) SL.

[@fooorson7369]

😍

[@glider1232]

Sorry AMG, I just don't want to drive from the back seat.

[@LacoteCohen]

When you are successful you buy a real Mercedes.

[@Noortwyck]

sounds like you're in the wrong gear most of the time

[@okeyezeilo6187]

Hard to tell the difference these days, the distinction between the grand tourer & the sports car is blurring. The thing however is this. The AMG GT is a thing of beauty while the current SL is an ugly pig...

[@marksummers463]

Good review just leave the blasphemy out please.

[@rolandomadriz6454]

Outdated dashboard. We're entering 2019, it's time to make interior.changes, keep the beefed up engine and the drop top. Realistically, the 911's dashboard, as well as, its interior has been updated, what's MB waiting for? That outdated center screen has got to go.

[@jmcarbone2754]

To be honest, the interior looks like it was designed by a 12-year-old. The screen looks like an afterthought. Too bulky and just not cohesive.

[@TheDexxJ]

that interior sucks

[@deepdoodle1]

Looks like Merc stole the A.C.Cobra design ..........

[@Tony-hj7bm]

There is no place for Mercedes it’s one of the worst car brands in the world

[@jasminpichler3278]

Concerned sacrifice feeling permit cigarette ill show ultimate raw control species.