Mercedes-Benz boasts a rich history of crafting high-performance vehicles, so it’s no surprise they’ve produced some exceptionally fast Mercedes cars. When we talk about automotive speed, we generally consider top speed and the thrilling 0 to 62mph (0-100 km/h) sprint. For Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-AMG division consistently delivers the fastest models, embodying the brand’s performance-oriented spirit.
In this exploration of speed, we’ll primarily focus on top speed as the definitive metric for determining the Fastest Mercedes Car. However, it’s worth noting that these top-speed champions are also incredibly quick off the line. Let’s delve into the elite ranks of speed within the Mercedes-Benz lineage.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is an icon of the 90s, born from racing pedigree and visually striking even today. Created for homologation purposes to allow the car to compete in the FIA GT Championship, only 26 were ever produced, comprising 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. Among these rare machines, a mere five were designated as Super Sport variants, elevating their exclusivity and, of course, their speed.
A standard CLK GTR (pictured above) is already a beast, featuring a 6.9-litre engine unleashing 604bhp. This translates to a 0 to 62mph time of just 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 214mph. These figures were astonishing when the CLK GTR debuted in 1997, and remain impressive even in today’s high-performance landscape. However, to claim the title of the fastest Mercedes car in our list, even more power was needed. In 2002, Mercedes-Benz answered the call with the Super Sport version. This iteration saw the engine displacement increased from 6.9-litres to a massive 7.3-litres. If that engine size sounds familiar, it’s because this very engine became the heart of the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is a car from over two decades ago truly the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of top speed? The answer is yes. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport achieves a staggering top speed of 231mph and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.6 seconds. While it reigns supreme in top speed, the next car on our list, with its Formula One connection, might just outperform it on a race track.
Mercedes-AMG One
Imagine taking Formula One technology and translating it into a road-legal car. The result is the extraordinary Mercedes-AMG One. Unsurprisingly, this hypercar masterpiece is a product of Mercedes-AMG, the performance division synonymous with pushing the boundaries of automotive engineering.
What might raise eyebrows is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-litre engine. However, this isn’t just any 1.6-litre engine; it’s a highly sophisticated, turbocharged unit working in concert with four electric motors. This hybrid powertrain propels the AMG One from 0 to 62mph in a breathtaking 2.9 seconds, reaching a top speed of 219mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One is essentially the closest you can get to driving a Formula One car on public roads. Mercedes-AMG has poured its extensive F1 expertise into this vehicle, creating a showcase of cutting-edge engineering. While it may not surpass the CLK GTR Super Sport in outright top speed, the AMG One’s F1-derived technology and track-focused design undoubtedly make it the fastest Mercedes car around a circuit. Its lap times would be nothing short of phenomenal.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss
It’s fitting that one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models is named after a racing legend and benefits from the expertise of supercar manufacturer McLaren. Sir Stirling Moss, an iconic figure in motorsport history, had a strong connection with Mercedes-Benz. The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss pays homage to the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, the car in which Sir Stirling Moss achieved a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is a truly special machine. It features a 5.4-litre V8 engine producing 641bhp, enabling a 0 to 62mph sprint in just over 3 seconds and a top speed of 217mph. Remarkably, all this performance is delivered in a roofless and windscreen-less roadster, offering an unparalleled driving experience.
Originally priced around £700,000, the SLR Stirling Moss, like many limited-edition cars, and especially one named after a racing icon, has seen its value skyrocket. Prices now easily exceed £2 million, making it a highly sought-after collector’s item. Driving one might require a helmet and goggles, but the experience would be undeniably exhilarating.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series
Another fast Mercedes car hailing from the esteemed Mercedes-AMG stable, the GTR Black Series needs little introduction to performance car enthusiasts. The Black Series designation is reserved for the most extreme and track-focused AMG models, so its inclusion on this list is no surprise.
The aggressive styling, dominated by a massive rear wing and aerodynamic enhancements, leaves no doubt about the GTR Black Series’ intentions: to be an outrageously fast ‘Merc’. Under the hood lies a potent 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine churning out a monstrous 720bhp. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a 0 to 62mph time of just 3.2 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series continues to accelerate relentlessly until it reaches a top speed of 202mph.
Beyond Supercars: Other Fast Mercedes-AMG Models
While the previous models occupy the rarefied air of supercars and hypercars, it’s important to recognize that many “regular” Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge, are incredibly fast Mercedes cars in their own right, especially in real-world driving scenarios.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, for instance. Its 0 to 62mph time of a mere 2.8 seconds makes it the fastest-accelerating AMG model ever produced. In fact, it outpaces all the cars mentioned above in the sprint to 62mph. Its top speed is electronically limited to 199mph, which is still phenomenal for a road car.
Then there’s the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. This practical yet blisteringly quick saloon achieves 0 to 62mph in just 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196mph. These figures are astonishing for a car that offers everyday usability and passenger comfort.
Even in the popular SUV segment, Mercedes-AMG delivers impressive speed. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a remarkable 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171mph. This level of performance in a practical SUV is truly remarkable, showcasing AMG’s ability to infuse speed into any vehicle type.
Find Your Perfect Fast Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG with Stratstone
While the top four fastest Mercedes cars on our list are exceptionally rare and exclusive, Stratstone offers a wide selection of other superb Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models that deliver exhilarating performance.
Explore our current Mercedes-Benz new car offers or delve into our dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to discover the latest Mercedes-AMG offers.
If you enjoyed learning about these incredible machines, browse our dedicated blog section for more articles covering the world’s most desirable car manufacturers.
