It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz boasts a rich history of crafting exceptionally fast automobiles. The term “fast” in the automotive world often boils down to top speed and blistering 0 to 60 mph (or 0-62 mph) acceleration times. When discussing speed and Mercedes-Benz, the spotlight naturally falls on Mercedes-AMG, the brand’s high-performance division, renowned for pushing the boundaries of power and engineering.
In this article, we’ll delve into some of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models ever created, primarily focusing on top speed as the ultimate measure of velocity. However, rest assured, these speed demons are equally adept at rapid acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: A Legend of Speed
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is an icon of the 1990s, a car that appears even more extreme and awe-inspiring with each passing year. Born from racing homologation requirements, only 26 of these magnificent machines were ever produced – 20 coupes and a mere 6 roadsters. Among these, a select five were further enhanced with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their exclusivity and, naturally, their speed.
A “standard” CLK GTR (pictured above) already packs a formidable 6.9-liter engine generating 604 horsepower, launching it from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and achieving a top speed of 214 mph. These figures remain astonishingly quick even by today’s standards, especially considering the CLK GTR’s debut in 1997. However, to claim the top spot on our list, Mercedes pushed the boundaries further. In 2002, they unveiled the Super Sport version, boosting the engine displacement to a massive 7.3-liters. If that engine size sounds familiar, it’s because this very engine found its way into the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is it true that a car conceived over two decades ago remains the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of top speed? Indeed, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport reigns supreme with a staggering top speed of 231 mph and an acceleration from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
While it holds the crown for top speed among road-legal Mercedes, we suspect the next car on our list might just eclipse it on a racetrack, thanks to its direct lineage to Formula One technology.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology Unleashed
Imagine taking the essence of a Formula 1 car and making it street legal. The result? The breathtaking Mercedes-AMG One.
Unsurprisingly, this marvel of engineering is a product of Mercedes-AMG, the performance division synonymous with pushing automotive limits. It’s almost expected that AMG would be at the forefront of creating Mercedes-Benz’s most performance-oriented and fastest models.
What might come as a surprise is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-liter engine. However, this compact powerhouse is augmented by four electric motors, resulting in a mind-blowing 0 to 62 mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and a top speed of 219 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One represents the closest experience you can get to driving a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has directly applied their extensive F1 expertise to create this road-going hypercar. On a track, this machine is engineered to obliterate lap records with ease.
While its top speed may be slightly less than the CLK GTR Super Sport, the AMG One, with its F1-derived technology and cutting-edge engineering, is undoubtedly the fastest Mercedes road car when it comes to pure track performance and lap times.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: Open-Top Speed Legend
It’s only fitting that one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models is named after a legendary racing driver and benefits from the expertise of supercar manufacturer McLaren.
Sir Stirling Moss, an iconic figure in motorsport history, shared a significant relationship with Mercedes-Benz. Most notably, he piloted the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR to a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss pays homage to this historic car.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss boasts a potent 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 641 horsepower. This propels the open-top speedster from 0 to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds and onward to a top speed of 217 mph – all achieved without a windscreen, adding an extra layer of thrill and rawness to the driving experience.
Originally priced around £700,000, the SLR Stirling Moss, like many limited-edition supercars and especially one named after a racing legend, has seen its value skyrocket. Today, prices easily surpass £2 million. A helmet and goggles might be considered essential equipment for driving this exhilarating machine.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another Mercedes-AMG creation, the GTR Black Series, is a natural inclusion in any list of Fast Mercedes models. For those familiar with the Black Series designation, its presence here will come as no surprise.
The imposing rear wing and aggressive styling of the GTR Black Series immediately communicate its intentions: to be an incredibly fast and track-dominating Mercedes.
At its heart lies a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine unleashing a monstrous 720 horsepower. This power is channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels, resulting in a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds. The Black Series Merc continues its relentless acceleration until it reaches a top speed of 202 mph.
Fast Mercedes Beyond Supercars
While the four models highlighted above reside firmly in the supercar and hypercar realm, it’s important to acknowledge that many “regular” Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge, are incredibly fast, especially in real-world driving scenarios.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, for instance. Its 0 to 62 mph time of a mere 2.8 seconds makes it the fastest-accelerating AMG model ever produced. This means it outpaces even the supercars mentioned earlier in a sprint to 62 mph, although its top speed is “limited” to 199 mph.
Then there’s the remarkably practical four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. Despite being a spacious sedan, it achieves 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196 mph. These figures are astonishing for a car designed for everyday usability.
Even the ever-popular SUV segment isn’t immune to the Mercedes-AMG treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can launch from 0 to 62 mph in a surprising 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph. This level of performance in a practical SUV is truly remarkable.
Experience the Thrill of Fast Mercedes-Benz
While owning one of the top four fastest Mercedes-Benz models might be a dream for most, the reality is that Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG offer a wide range of incredibly fast cars to suit various needs and preferences. From track-focused monsters to everyday performance sedans and SUVs, the allure of fast Mercedes is undeniable.
Explore the current Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG lineups to discover your own perfect blend of speed, luxury, and performance. Whether you’re seeking blistering acceleration, high top speeds, or simply the thrill of driving a fast and powerful machine, Mercedes-Benz has a model to ignite your passion for driving.
