Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and their history is filled with incredibly fast cars. When we talk about speed in the automotive world, we often focus on two key metrics: top speed and the 0 to 60 mph (or 0 to 62 mph) sprint. For Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-AMG division stands as the pinnacle of performance, crafting some of the quickest and most powerful vehicles on the road.
In this article, we’ll delve into the realm of the Fastest Mercedes Benz models, primarily using top speed as our benchmark. These vehicles aren’t just about straight-line speed; they represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering and design, delivering breathtaking performance in all aspects.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: An Icon of Speed
Born from the crucible of motorsport, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a true 90s icon that continues to awe with its sheer presence and performance. Originally designed for GT racing homologation, only 26 of these magnificent machines were ever produced – 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. Among these, a mere five were bestowed with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating them to an even higher echelon of speed and exclusivity.
Even the ‘standard’ CLK GTR, if you can call it that, is a beast. Housing a massive 6.9-liter engine churning out 604 horsepower, it could rocket from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 214 mph. Numbers that remain astonishing even today, especially considering the CLK GTR’s debut in 1997. However, to claim the title of the fastest Mercedes Benz in our list, Mercedes pushed the boundaries even further. In 2002, they unveiled the Super Sport version, boosting the engine capacity to a staggering 7.3-liter. This engine might sound familiar, as it was the very same powerplant that found its way into the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is it true that a car conceived over two decades ago still reigns supreme as the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of top speed? Indeed. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport clocks in at a phenomenal 231 mph, accompanied by a blistering 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 3.6 seconds.
While the CLK GTR Super Sport holds the crown for top speed, the next contender on our list leverages Formula One technology to potentially dominate on a race track.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology for the Road
Imagine taking the heart and soul of a Formula One car and transplanting it into a road-legal machine. The result is the breathtaking Mercedes-AMG One.
Unsurprisingly, this marvel of engineering hails from Mercedes-AMG, the performance division responsible for pushing the limits of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. What might raise an eyebrow is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-liter engine. However, this isn’t just any 1.6-liter engine; it’s a highly sophisticated, turbocharged unit working in concert with four electric motors. This hybrid powertrain unleashes a combined fury, propelling the AMG One from 0 to 62 mph in a mind-bending 2.9 seconds, with a top speed reaching 219 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One is, in essence, the closest you can get to experiencing a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has taken their unparalleled F1 expertise and channeled it into creating a road car that redefines performance. While it may not surpass the CLK GTR Super Sport in top speed, the AMG One, with its F1-derived technology and cutting-edge engineering, is undoubtedly the fastest Mercedes Benz around a track. Its cornering ability and advanced aerodynamics are designed to obliterate 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 icon in motorsport history, shared a profound connection with Mercedes-Benz, most notably through the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR. This very car, in which Sir Stirling Moss achieved a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, served as the inspiration for the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is an open-top speedster that embodies raw driving exhilaration. It boasts a 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 641 horsepower, enabling a 0 to 62 mph sprint in just over 3 seconds and a top speed of 217 mph – all achieved without the encumbrance of a windscreen.
Initially priced around £700,000, the exclusivity of this limited edition model, coupled with its namesake’s legendary status, has driven prices to well over £2 million today. Driving it might require a helmet and goggles, but the experience is undeniably unforgettable.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another creation from the high-performance Mercedes-AMG stable, the AMG GTR Black Series, will come as no surprise to those familiar with the Black Series lineage. These models are synonymous with uncompromising performance and track prowess.
The aggressive styling, dominated by a massive rear wing, leaves no doubt about the GTR Black Series’ intentions: it’s an ultra-fast ‘Merc’ engineered for peak performance.
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 in a mere 3.2 seconds. The AMG GTR Black Series continues its relentless surge to a top speed of 202 mph.
Other Fast Mercedes-Benz Models: Everyday Speed Demons
While the aforementioned models occupy the rarefied air of supercars and hypercars, it’s worth noting that many more ‘mainstream’ 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 just 2.8 seconds makes it the quickest accelerating AMG model ever produced. In a sprint to 62 mph, it outpaces even the hypercars mentioned earlier. Its top speed is electronically limited to 199 mph, but its acceleration is truly breathtaking.
Then there’s the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. This practical sedan achieves 0 to 62 mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196 mph. Performance figures that are astonishing for a car with everyday usability and four doors.
Even the SUV segment isn’t immune to the fastest Mercedes Benz treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can launch from 0 to 62 mph in a remarkable 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171 mph. Performance that was once the domain of sports cars is now available in a practical SUV body style.
A Legacy of Speed
Mercedes-Benz has consistently demonstrated its ability to create vehicles that are not only luxurious and refined but also incredibly fast. From track-focused hypercars to everyday performance SUVs, the fastest Mercedes Benz models represent a diverse range of vehicles that cater to different needs and desires, all while delivering exhilarating speed and performance. Whether you prioritize top speed, track lap times, or simply blistering acceleration, the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG lineups offer a compelling array of options for those who crave speed.
