Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of producing high-performance vehicles, but when it comes to sheer speed and exhilarating power, the Mercedes-AMG division stands in a league of its own. As the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, AMG engineers some of the most breathtakingly fast cars on the planet.
When we talk about the fastest Mercedes-Benz AMG, we’re often considering metrics like top speed and 0-60 mph (or 0-62 mph) acceleration. While acceleration is crucial for everyday thrills and track performance, top speed remains the ultimate benchmark for raw velocity.
This article delves into the realm of the fastest Mercedes-Benz AMG models, ranking them by their top speed. Prepare to be amazed by these automotive engineering marvels.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: The Apex Predator
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a legend, a car so extreme it feels like it escaped from the realm of racing prototypes and onto public roads. Born from the crucible of 1990s GT racing, the CLK GTR was built for homologation, meaning Mercedes-Benz had to produce road-legal versions to qualify for racing. Only 26 were ever made – 20 coupes and 6 roadsters – making it incredibly exclusive. Among these rare machines, just five were designated as “Super Sport” models, elevating their performance to an even more rarefied level.
Even the “standard” CLK GTR was a monster, packing a 6.9-liter V12 engine that unleashed 604 horsepower. This translated to a 0 to 62 mph sprint in a mere 3.8 seconds and a staggering top speed of 214 mph. Remember, this car debuted in 1997! But to claim the title of the fastest Mercedes-Benz AMG in terms of top speed, Mercedes pushed the boundaries further. In 2002, the Super Sport variant arrived, its engine displacement увеличен to 7.3-liters. This engine, the M297, might sound familiar to hypercar aficionados, as it was also famously used in the Pagani Zonda.
So, is a car conceived over two decades ago still the fastest Mercedes-Benz AMG? In terms of pure top speed, the answer is a resounding yes. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport can reach a breathtaking 231 mph, while accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in a blistering 3.6 seconds. This cements its place as the king of top speed in the Mercedes-AMG lineage.
While the CLK GTR Super Sport reigns supreme in top speed, the next car on our list might just eclipse it in terms of track prowess, thanks to its direct lineage to Formula One technology.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology Unleashed
Imagine taking a Formula 1 car and making it street legal. That’s precisely what Mercedes-AMG achieved with the Mercedes-AMG One. This hypercar is not just inspired by F1; it incorporates actual Formula 1 engine technology, making it a truly unique and groundbreaking machine.
It’s no surprise that Mercedes-AMG, the performance maestros, are behind this technological tour-de-force. They are consistently pushing the boundaries of automotive performance. What might raise eyebrows, however, is the AMG One’s seemingly modest 1.6-liter engine. But don’t let the displacement fool you. This isn’t just any 1.6-liter engine; it’s a highly complex, turbocharged, and electrically assisted unit derived directly from Mercedes-AMG’s Formula 1 power unit. Paired with four electric motors, the AMG One delivers a combined output exceeding 1000 horsepower. This hybrid powertrain catapults the car from 0 to 62 mph in a mind-bending 2.9 seconds and propels it to a top speed of 219 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One is more than just numbers; it’s about the experience. Driving the AMG One is the closest you can get to piloting a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has poured their F1 expertise into every facet of this car, from the advanced aerodynamics to the cutting-edge powertrain. While it may not have the highest top speed on this list, its track performance is undoubtedly otherworldly. The AMG One is engineered to obliterate lap times and redefine what’s possible in a road-going car.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: A Roadster Icon
It’s fitting that one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models is named after a legendary racing driver and bears the mark of supercar specialists McLaren. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is an open-top speedster that pays homage to Sir Stirling Moss, a racing icon with a deep connection to Mercedes-Benz. Most notably, Moss drove the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR to a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia, an inspiration for this modern masterpiece.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is as exclusive as it is fast. It boasts a potent 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 641 horsepower. This propels the windscreen-less roadster from 0 to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds and onward to a top speed of 217 mph. Driving the SLR Stirling Moss is a visceral experience, with the wind rushing past as you unleash its incredible power.
Originally priced around £700,000, the SLR Stirling Moss, like many limited-edition supercars, has seen its value skyrocket. Today, these automotive works of art command prices well in excess of £2 million. If you’re lucky enough to own one, be sure to invest in a good helmet and goggles – you’ll need them to fully appreciate the open-air thrills at high speed.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another high-performance Mercedes-AMG creation, the AMG GT R Black Series, needs no introduction to those familiar with the Black Series lineage. These models represent the most extreme, track-focused expressions of AMG performance, and the GT R Black Series is no exception.
Its aggressive styling, dominated by a massive rear wing and aerodynamic enhancements, leaves no doubt about the GT R Black Series’ intentions: to be an uncompromisingly fast “Merc” both on the road and the track.
Under the hood lies a formidable 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, meticulously engineered to produce a monstrous 720 horsepower. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a 0 to 62 mph acceleration time of just 3.2 seconds and a top speed that reaches 202 mph. The AMG GT R Black Series is a testament to AMG’s dedication to pushing the boundaries of performance in a production car.
Other Exceptionally Fast Mercedes-Benz AMG Models
While the top four models on our list occupy the rarefied air of supercars and hypercars, 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. This four-door coupe achieves a blistering 0 to 62 mph time of just 2.8 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating AMG model ever produced. It outpaces even the hypercars mentioned above in the sprint to 62 mph, and reaches a top speed of 199 mph.
Then there’s the equally impressive Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon (four-door), which matches the coupe’s 0 to 62 mph time of 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196 mph. These figures are astonishing, particularly when you consider the practicality of a four-door saloon.
Even the SUV segment isn’t immune to the AMG treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can rocket from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 171 mph. This level of performance in a practical SUV is nothing short of remarkable.
Finding Your Fast Mercedes-Benz AMG
While acquiring one of the top cars on this list might be a dream for most, the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG range offers a plethora of models that deliver exhilarating performance. Whether you prioritize outright top speed or blistering acceleration, there’s a fast Mercedes-Benz AMG to suit your desires. Explore the world of AMG and experience the thrill of German engineering at its finest.
