2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster: Ragtop Middle Child debuts with 515 horsepower

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster is considered the best in the AMG GT family. It is equipped with the same robust and turbocharged AMG V8 engine as the AMG GT S Coupe, which produces 515 horsepower and 494 pound-feet. The torque is between 1,900 and 5,000 rpm.

“The new model represents the perfect alternative for the performance-oriented AMG GT Roadster customer,” said Tobias Moers, Chairman of Mercedes-AMG GmBH. “With the AMG GT S Roadster, our AMG family has gained another exceptionally sporty member that combines high driving dynamics with an emotional open air experience.”

Power & Performance

Suspension & Braking

Lightweight & Aerodynamic

Selectable Drive Modes

Pricing & Availability

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster Gallery

Power & Performance

Can’t make up your mind between the vanilla 469 horsepower AMG GT Roadster and 550 horsepower AMG GT C? Mercedes is offering the AMG GT S Coupe with 515 horsepower but what if you want a convertible? Well, now you can. The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster features a three-layered fabric soft top, so you can better immerse yourself in those glorious and guttural sounds: that magnificent AMG soundtrack as you step on the gas.

The AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with the same 515 horsepower, twin-turbocharged and handcrafted 4.0-liter V8 found in the AMG GT S Coupe. The mill is connected to an AMG SPEEDSHIFT DCT 7G transmission with an electronically-controlled, rear axle limited slip-differential, which is standard equipment on the AMG GT C Roadster.

This means zero to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds and a top speed of 192 mph. That is only four mph less than the race-oriented AMG GT C Roadster.

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster follows the company’s hallmark engine design, whereby the turbochargers are inside the cylinder “V.” Mercedes-AMG says this contributes to a compact engine design, spontaneous response, and lower emissions. Photo: MBUSA.

Suspension & Braking

Standard on the 2019 AMG GT S Roadster is AMG Ride Control with adaptive damping. Featuring a fully automatic and electronically-controlled suspension system that varies damping force at each wheel, you get tight handling, precise steering, and a ride quality that won’t disappoint your chiropractor.

The suspension can be configured to Comfort, Sport, and Sport + so you can go from mild to wild by simply pressing a switch on the center console.

The front axle is equipped with composite brake discs and six-piston fixed calipers. The rear also comes with composite discs and single-piston fixed calipers. Optional is the AMG high-performance ceramic composite braking system with larger-diameter brake discs.

Mercedes-AMG says the GT S Roadster was designed to accelerate out of corners “earlier” with more power and better traction, thanks largely to the limited-slip differential. Photo: MBUSA.

Lightweight & Aerodynamic

The 2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster utilizes lightweight composite materials and aluminum for the spaceframe. The load-bearing structures are constructed from SMC or Sheet Molding Compound to reduce weight without sacrificing rigidity.

The front deck is largely composed of magnesium to help further reduce inertia over the front axle. The result is an incredibly agile and precise roadster that you simply point and shoot with a firm press of the throttle.

The new AMG GT S Roadster is also equipped with the AIRPANEL active air management system to govern the behavior of incoming air. You will find vertical louvers at the bottom of the front bumper that can automatically open or close to either provide engine cooling or better aerodynamics.

Of course, no AMG GT model is complete without the extendable rear spoiler to reduce lift at higher speeds.

The AMG GT S Roadster comes with the Silver Chrome Interior package, although a Black Piano Lacquer package is optional. Ventilated seats are also available. Photo: MBUSA.

Selectable Drive Modes

Unlike the humdrum AMG GT with only four driving modes, the new AMG GT S Roadster is equipped with the same AMG Dynamic Select controller of the AMG GT C with five driving modes. Besides the usual Comfort, Sport, and Sport Plus (and the Individual mode you can program to your liking), the AMG GT S Roadster also comes with RACE mode so you can teach wannabe street racers a thing or two on what racing really means.

Otherwise, the all-wheel steering of the AMG GT C is NOT standard on the 2019 AMG GT S Roadster. Frankly, this is a bit of a letdown. But we guess Mercedes-AMG will offer this feature as an option later on. We certainly hope so.

Pricing & Availability

The Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster will be available in the United States near the end of the year with pricing information due closer to that time.

Alvin Reyes is the Associate Editor of Automoblog. He studied civil aviation, aeronautics, and accountancy in his younger years and is still very much smitten to his former Lancer GSR and Galant SS. He also likes fried chicken, music, and herbal medicine.

2019 Mercedes-AMG GT S Roadster Gallery

Photo and photo source: MBUSA.