Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of producing high-performance vehicles, so it’s no surprise that the marque has created some incredibly fast cars over the years. When we talk about automotive speed, we generally consider top speed and the thrilling 0 to 60 mph (or 0 to 62 mph) sprint. And when it comes to Mercedes-Benz, the models that consistently top the speed charts are those bearing the prestigious Mercedes-AMG badge. AMG, as the high-performance division of Mercedes-Benz, is dedicated to crafting machines that push the boundaries of power and velocity.
In this exploration of speed, we’ll primarily focus on top speed as the defining factor for the “fastest” title. However, it’s worth noting that these top-speed champions are also exceptionally quick off the line, boasting impressive acceleration figures. Let’s dive into the exhilarating world of the fastest Mercedes-AMG cars ever produced.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: A Blast from the Past
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is an icon of the 1990s, a machine built for racing homologation that looks even more extreme with each passing year. Only 26 of these vehicles were ever produced – 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. Among these rare gems, a mere five were equipped with the Super Sport package, making them truly exceptional and, naturally, even faster.
A “standard” CLK GTR (pictured above) already packed a potent 6.9-liter engine churning out 604 horsepower. This translated to a 0 to 62 mph sprint in a mere 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 214 mph. These were staggering figures when the CLK GTR debuted in 1997, and remain impressive even today. However, to claim the top spot on our list, even greater speed was needed. Mercedes-Benz delivered in 2002 with the Super Sport version. This iteration saw the engine displacement increased from 6.9-liters to a massive 7.3-liters. If that engine size sounds familiar, it’s because this same 7.3-liter powerplant found its way into the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is a car from over two decades ago truly the fastest Mercedes-Benz? In terms of pure top speed, the answer is yes. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport could reach a blistering 231 mph and accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. While it holds the top speed crown, we suspect the next car on our list might just edge it out in terms of track performance, thanks to its direct connection to Formula One technology.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology for the Road
Imagine taking the heart of a Formula 1 car and placing it within a road-legal vehicle. The result is the mind-blowing Mercedes-AMG One. Unsurprisingly, this hypercar is a product of Mercedes-AMG, the performance powerhouse responsible for Mercedes-Benz’s most exhilarating models.
What might raise eyebrows is the AMG One’s seemingly small 1.6-liter engine. However, this isn’t just any 1.6-liter engine. It’s a highly sophisticated, turbocharged unit derived directly from Formula 1, augmented by not one, but four electric motors. This complex hybrid powertrain catapults the AMG One from 0 to 62 mph in a staggering 2.9 seconds and onward to a top speed of 219 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One represents the closest experience to driving a road-legal Formula 1 car. It’s a showcase of Mercedes-AMG’s unparalleled engineering prowess, translating F1 expertise into a road-going machine. While its top speed is slightly lower than the CLK GTR Super Sport, the AMG One’s cutting-edge technology and track-focused design undoubtedly make it the fastest Mercedes road car around a circuit. Its lap times would be nothing short of phenomenal.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: Open-Top Speed Legend
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 racing driver with a strong history with Mercedes-Benz, most famously piloting the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR to a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia. The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is a direct homage to that legendary car.
Limited to just 75 examples produced in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is a breathtaking open-top speedster. It features a potent 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 641 horsepower. This propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds and to a top speed of 217 mph – all achieved without a windscreen.
Upon its release, the SLR Stirling Moss carried a price tag of around £700,000. However, as is typical with ultra-limited edition cars, especially one named after a racing icon, prices have skyrocketed to well over £2 million today. Prospective drivers might want to invest in a good helmet and goggles to truly experience its open-air velocity.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another high-performance marvel from Mercedes-AMG, the GTR Black Series earns its place on this list with ease. Anyone familiar with AMG’s Black Series models knows they represent the pinnacle of track-focused performance.
The aggressive styling, dominated by a massive rear wing, leaves no doubt about the GTR Black Series’ intentions: it’s built for extreme speed. Under the hood lies a ferocious 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine generating a monstrous 720 horsepower. This power is channeled through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission to the rear wheels. The result is a 0 to 62 mph sprint in a blistering 3.2 seconds, and the GTR Black Series doesn’t stop accelerating until it reaches 202 mph.
Beyond Supercars: Everyday AMG Speed
While the four models above firmly reside in the realm of supercars and hypercars, it’s important to acknowledge that many “regular” Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge, offer incredible real-world speed.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, for instance. This model achieves 0 to 62 mph in a mind-bending 2.8 seconds, making it the quickest-accelerating AMG production car ever. In terms of outright acceleration, it surpasses all the cars mentioned earlier. Its top speed is electronically limited to 199 mph.
Then there’s the practical four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. This family-friendly sedan can rocket from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 196 mph. These figures are astonishing for a vehicle designed for everyday usability.
Even in the popular SUV segment, Mercedes-AMG delivers incredible speed. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 171 mph. Performance like this in a practical SUV was once unimaginable.
Find Your Fast Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG at Stratstone
While finding the top four cars on this list in stock at your local dealership is unlikely, Stratstone offers a wide selection of incredible Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models that deliver exhilarating speed.
Explore Stratstone’s current Mercedes-Benz new car offers or delve into the dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to discover the latest Mercedes-AMG offers.
If you enjoyed this exploration of speed, discover more articles like this in Stratstone’s dedicated blog section, covering a wide range of sought-after automotive brands.
