Refreshing or Revolting: 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT Roadster

After the SLS ended production for the 2015 model year, Mercedes lost one of the most beautiful cars it has ever made. Fortunately, the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT and GT C roadsters will arrive on our shores next fall, complete with fresh new bodywork and a twin-turbo V-8 offering up to 550 hp. But do they capture the same magic as their predecessor?

While the GT roadster isn’t a direct replacement for the SLS roadster, it does take many styling cues from its pricier and slightly larger ancestor. Echoing the design of the AMG GT R, the new GT C roadster features an updated grille with 15 chrome-plated vertical bars surrounding the three-pointed star. Overall, it’s a softer look than the SLS. Although the nose keeps its oblong grille shape, it offers up more rounded features in the headlights, grille, and foglight units. More fluid character lines on the hood add a bit of visual interest.

The new GT receives a simpler, more subtle side vent than the vertically oriented one on the SLS. Softer lines run across the door panels on the new model. New 19-inch alloy wheels feature a split five-spoke design. The back end of the GT gives the car a more circular shape than on the SLS when comparing the two side profiles.

Speaking of the back end, both models feature similar taillights out back. But on the SLS, the rear has a high upper lip and a squarer rear bumper that gives it a less bulbous look. The GT features a rounded rump and new recessed air intakes that flank either side of the car.

Since the SLS has been out of production for a while, differences between the two interiors are quite noticeable. Obviously, the 2018 GT C has the upper hand in terms of technology, featuring a crisp new display screen that stands alone on top of the dashboard. The center stack is wider on the new model, and there are almost as many buttons and toggles. Overall, the GT looks more like a luxury cruiser, and is available in a supple Macchiato Beige Exclusive Nappa leather.

Is the 2018 Mercedes-AMG GT roadster refreshing, revolting, or something else? Let us know in the comments below.

Last week, we looked at the 2017 Nissan Rogue. Most people liked the new design better than the old one, although many were also lukewarm about the update.

“Refreshing! I have found many of Nissan’s recent designs to be exercises in excess but this is bold while still being attractive,” said J.B.W.

“This is one of the better looking small crossovers in the segment,” said MarksMT. “I would trim down the bright work, but really it is quite cohesive.”

“Looks better than before, but it’s still a car for people who go to ‘dealership’ and want ‘car’ to drive home,” said IBx1.

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