• Structure specially strengthened for the Roadster
• Three-stage stability control
• Seven airbags, but latest safety aids extra

Open-top cars represent a greater risk of injury should they be flipped over in an accident. To compensate for this, the GT Roadster is fitted with rollover bars, mounted on an aluminium crossmember behind the seats – one of a number of additional strengthening processes that complete the transformation from coupe to convertible.

Sophisticated three-stage stability control is included as standard, so you can tailor its level of assistance to your driving style, and all GT Roadsters get seven airbags.

**Active safety comes at extra cost

You do have to pay extra for the latest active safety aids such as front distance alert, lane-departure warning (which Mercedes confusingly names lane-keeping assist) and blindspot monitors. Autonomous emergency braking isn’t available at all. This might seem surprising for such an expensive car, but it’s not unusual for a sporting model.

There is no Euro NCAP score for the AMG GT.

• Spacious for two passengers
• Enough boot space for weekend bags

This is a two-seater sports car with a folding fabric roof occupying some of the coupe version’s boot space – you won’t be buying this because it’s practical.

However, the 165-litre boot is large enough for weekend bags, which will probably suit most buyers just fine.

Passenger space is certainly adequate, though with a relatively high window line, such a large centre console and the tall backside behind you, it does feel a little bit like you’re sat in a very fancy bathtub.