The 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Roadster gets 17 MPG combined. If you are cross-shopping this car based on fuel efficiency, you’ve missed the point. This isn’t transportation, it’s an event. It’s a visceral, thunderous experience engineered to thrill the senses, and sipping fuel delicately is not on the design brief. This open-top AMG is bought by those who prioritize the raw emotion of a highly focused performance machine over the mundane realities of pump prices. Owners likely have other, more economical vehicles. They are buying a weekend toy, a track-day weapon, and a rolling statement , not a daily commuter.

City and highway performance

The EPA estimates peg the AMG GT R Roadster at 15 MPG in the city and 20 MPG on the highway. Under the hood is a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, churning out a monstrous 577 horsepower. Translating that power into forward motion requires prodigious amounts of fuel, especially during stop-and-go city driving. The highway figure, while still low compared to the average car, reflects the potential for slightly more efficient cruising at consistent speeds, though even then, the temptation to unleash the V8 is ever-present. This is also thanks, in part, to the seven-speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT dual-clutch transmission (AM7), which offers rapid-fire gear changes but doesn’t prioritize ultimate fuel conservation.

Annual fuel cost

The EPA estimates the annual fuel cost for the 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG GT R Roadster at $3,400. This figure is calculated based on driving 15,000 miles per year, with an assumed fuel price reflecting a national average. It’s a useful benchmark, but your actual fuel costs will vary significantly depending on driving habits, local fuel prices, and the number of miles you actually drive. Owners using this vehicle primarily for short, spirited weekend drives may find their annual fuel bill significantly less.

Real-world expectations

Forget chasing the EPA numbers. Real-world fuel economy for the AMG GT R Roadster will likely be lower, especially if you frequently indulge in the car’s prodigious performance capabilities. The appeal of this car is its explosive acceleration, corner-carving precision, and the sheer theater of its exhaust note. Expect to see figures closer to the lower end of the EPA range, especially during enthusiastic driving. And it’s difficult not to drive this car enthusiastically.

How it compares

The AMG GT R Roadster exists in a rarefied space, but it’s worth considering how its fuel economy stacks up against other high-performance convertibles. The Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet, for example, achieves a slightly more respectable 17 MPG city and 25 MPG highway, offering similar levels of breathtaking performance with a bit more efficiency. The Audi R8 Spyder V10 performance scores 13 MPG city and 20 MPG highway, closely aligning with the AMG GT R’s highway number. Even the BMW M8 Competition Convertible, a more GT-focused car, manages a slightly better 15 MPG city and 22 MPG highway, reflecting its less hardcore track focus. The AMG GT R Roadster customer likely prioritizes the unique intensity and focused character of the AMG over marginal MPG gains.

Tips to maximize efficiency

While fuel economy might not be a primary concern, there are still a few ways to improve it, even in a car like this. First, resist the urge to constantly use maximum acceleration. Smooth and gradual acceleration, when appropriate, will noticeably reduce fuel consumption.

Take advantage of the car’s various driving modes. Select “Comfort” mode for highway cruising or when navigating congested city streets. This setting adjusts throttle response and shift points to prioritize fuel efficiency.

Ensure your tires are properly inflated. Underinflated tires increase rolling resistance, which negatively affects fuel economy. Check your tire pressures regularly and maintain the recommended levels specified in the owner’s manual.

Avoid unnecessary idling. If you’re stopped for more than a minute, turn off the engine. Modern engines are designed to restart efficiently, and idling consumes fuel without moving the car. This can also help with all all Mercedes Benz fuel economy data.

Keep up with scheduled maintenance, especially spark plug and air filter replacements. A well-maintained engine runs more efficiently. You can learn more about AMG MPG across all years.