Anyone considering a 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT C Roadster faces a reality of 17 MPG combined. But let’s be honest: nobody is prioritizing trips to the fuel pump when spending serious money on a hand-built, twin-turbocharged V8-powered droptop. This car is for the senses, a visceral experience draped in supple leather and carbon fiber. Fuel economy is a distant afterthought, a box reluctantly ticked on the spec sheet.

City and highway performance

The AMG GT C Roadster’s EPA estimates are 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. The city figure reflects the engine’s thirst when constantly accelerating and decelerating, while the highway number benefits from more consistent speeds and less demand on the turbos. Still, 20 MPG isn’t setting any records. The 4.0L V8’s broad powerband encourages spirited driving, even at highway speeds, further impacting fuel consumption. Consider this a gentle suggestion for fuel conservation, not a practical commuter.

Annual fuel cost

According to EPA estimates, expect to spend around $3,400 per year fueling your AMG GT C Roadster. This figure is based on driving 15,000 miles annually, with a mix of city and highway driving, and using the national average price for premium fuel, which is required for optimum performance. Premium fuel prices fluctuate, and spirited driving (which is almost guaranteed in this car) will likely push that annual cost even higher. Few owners are likely to notice the extra expense given the sizable investment required for the car itself.

Real-world expectations

While the EPA provides a benchmark, real-world fuel economy will heavily depend on driving style and conditions. Frequent bursts of acceleration, aggressive cornering, and extended periods spent listening to the exhaust howl will all lower your MPG. Conversely, gentle cruising on the open road might allow you to approach the EPA’s highway estimate. However, curbing the car’s playful spirit to achieve slightly better mileage is like asking Pavarotti to whisper. The AMG GT C Roadster begs to be driven hard.

How it compares

Compared to its rivals, the AMG GT C Roadster’s fuel economy sits firmly in the “acceptable for what it is” category. The Porsche 911 Carrera S Cabriolet, while also requiring premium fuel, manages a slightly better 20 MPG combined. Even the BMW M8 Competition Convertible, with its monstrous twin-turbo V8, achieves similar if not slightly better figures. Of course these comparisons are relevant only to a point. Someone drawn to the specific aesthetics and thunderous character of the AMG GT C Roadster might easily overlook a minor MPG discrepancy. Buyers can find all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data here. You can review the AMG MPG across all years as well.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While outright fuel efficiency isn’t the AMG GT C Roadster’s forte, there are a few strategies to eke out slightly more mileage. Minimize aggressive acceleration and braking, allowing the engine to operate in its most efficient range. Heavy-footed driving is fuel economy poison, especially with a turbocharged engine.

Engage the “Comfort” driving mode when cruising on the highway. This setting relaxes the throttle response and optimizes the transmission for efficiency. While it might tame the car’s wild side somewhat, it can make a noticeable difference over longer distances.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which directly impacts fuel consumption. Check your tire pressure regularly and maintain the recommended PSI for optimal efficiency. Tire pressure monitoring system accuracy can degrade, so checking manually is advisable.

Avoid excessive idling. Letting the engine run unnecessarily wastes fuel. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, it’s generally more efficient to turn off the engine and restart it. The AMG GT C Roadster’s engine management system is designed to handle frequent starts and stops.

Remove any unnecessary weight from the car. Extra cargo adds load to the engine and reduces fuel economy. Clear out any clutter from the trunk and passenger compartment to minimize weight and improve efficiency. A racing driver would approach a race thinking every pound counts.