Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and when it comes to speed, the German marque boasts a rich history of producing incredibly fast cars. While “fast” can be subjective, often defined by top speed or acceleration, Mercedes-Benz, especially through its high-performance division Mercedes-AMG, consistently pushes the boundaries of automotive velocity. Let’s delve into the world of rapid Mercedes-Benz models, focusing on top speed as our primary metric to answer the question: What Is The Fastest Mercedes?
Top Speed Kings: Ranking the Fastest Mercedes-Benz Models
When considering the ultimate velocity, certain Mercedes-Benz models stand head and shoulders above the rest. These vehicles represent the pinnacle of engineering and design, built to achieve breathtaking speeds.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport
Topping our list as the fastest Mercedes-Benz is a true icon of the 90s, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport. Originally conceived for racing in the FIA GT Championship, the CLK GTR required a road-legal version for homologation. This resulted in just 26 examples being produced, a mere 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. Among these rare machines, only five were bestowed with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their performance even further.
The standard CLK GTR, already a marvel, featured a 6.9-litre engine generating 604bhp, enabling a 0 to 62mph sprint in a mere 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 214mph. These figures were astonishing when the CLK GTR debuted in 1997, and remain impressive even today. However, the Super Sport variant took performance to another level. In 2002, Mercedes-Benz unleashed the Super Sport, increasing the engine capacity to a staggering 7.3-litres. This engine will be familiar to automotive enthusiasts as it is the same powerplant that found its way into the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
This enhanced engine propelled the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport to a blistering top speed of 231mph, while the 0 to 62mph acceleration was shaved down to just 3.6 seconds. This makes a car designed over two decades ago the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of outright top speed. While it reigns supreme in top speed, the next contender, with its Formula One pedigree, might just eclipse it on a racetrack.
Mercedes-AMG One
Imagine taking Formula One technology and engineering and channeling it into a road car. The result is the Mercedes-AMG One. Born from the expertise of Mercedes-AMG, this hypercar represents the pinnacle of Mercedes-Benz’s performance capabilities in the modern era.
Surprisingly, the AMG One utilizes a relatively small 1.6-litre engine. However, this is no ordinary engine; it’s a high-revving, turbocharged Formula One-derived powerplant. This is augmented by four electric motors, creating a hybrid powertrain that delivers phenomenal performance. The Mercedes-AMG One achieves 0 to 62mph in a breathtaking 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 219mph.
The AMG One is more than just about top speed; it’s about track performance. Being essentially a road-legal F1 car, the AMG One is engineered to deliver unparalleled lap times. While its top speed is slightly less than the CLK GTR Super Sport, its advanced technology, aerodynamics, and handling prowess, derived directly from Formula One, undoubtedly make it the fastest Mercedes-Benz around a track.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
Another entry in the list of fastest Mercedes-Benz models is a tribute to a racing legend and a collaboration with supercar specialists McLaren: the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. Named in honor of Sir Stirling Moss, a legendary driver with a strong connection to Mercedes-Benz, particularly his historic victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia in the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, the Stirling Moss edition is a truly special machine.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is a barchetta-style roadster, notably lacking a windscreen for an unfiltered driving experience. It features a 5.4-litre V8 engine producing 641bhp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just over 3 seconds and achieve a top speed of 217mph.
Originally priced around £700,000, the rarity and iconic status of the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss, coupled with its namesake, have driven prices to well over £2 million today. Driving this open-top speedster might require a helmet and goggles, but the experience is undoubtedly exhilarating.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series
The Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series is another high-performance offering from AMG, and for those familiar with the Black Series designation, its inclusion on this list comes as no surprise. Black Series models represent the most extreme, track-focused versions of AMG vehicles.
The aggressive styling, highlighted by a prominent rear wing, immediately signals the AMG GTR Black Series‘s intentions: to be an exceptionally fast machine. Under the hood lies a 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 engine, unleashing a monstrous 720bhp. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a 0 to 62mph sprint in just 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202mph. The GTR Black Series prioritizes track prowess and driver engagement, delivering blistering performance both on and off the circuit.
Beyond Supercars: Fast Everyday Mercedes-AMG Models
While the aforementioned models occupy the realm of supercars and hypercars, it’s important to recognize that many “regular” Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge, offer incredible speed and performance that are more than sufficient for real-world driving.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. This model achieves 0 to 62mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating AMG production car ever built. While its top speed is “limited” to 199mph, its acceleration surpasses even the CLK GTR Super Sport and other models mentioned earlier in this list in the crucial 0-62mph sprint.
The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon, the four-door variant, is equally impressive. It clocks 0 to 62mph in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196mph. This level of performance in a practical saloon car is truly remarkable.
Even in the popular SUV segment, Mercedes-AMG delivers exceptional speed. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 171mph. Such performance in a practical SUV highlights the breadth of Mercedes-AMG’s engineering capabilities.
Find Your Fast Mercedes-Benz at Stratstone
While acquiring the top-tier models discussed might be a dream for most, Stratstone offers a wide selection of Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG vehicles that deliver exhilarating performance.
Explore our Mercedes-Benz new car offers or delve into our dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to discover the latest Mercedes-AMG offers.
For more insightful articles like this, visit our blog section to explore a wealth of content from the world’s leading automotive manufacturers.
