Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and their lineage of fast cars is truly impressive. When we talk about speed in the automotive world, it often boils down to top speed and the exhilarating 0 to 62mph (0-100 km/h) sprint. For Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-AMG division stands as the pinnacle of high performance, crafting some of the quickest and most powerful vehicles on the road.
In this exploration of Fast Mercedes Benz models, we will primarily focus on top speed as the ultimate measure of velocity. However, it’s worth noting that these speed demons are equally adept at rapid acceleration.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: An Icon of Speed
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a legend born from racing homologation rules, a true 90s icon whose visual impact only intensifies with time. Originally conceived for GT racing, only 26 of these magnificent machines were ever produced – 20 coupes and a mere 6 roadsters. Among these, a select five were bestowed with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their exclusivity and performance even further, making them exceptionally fast Mercedes Benz models.
A ‘standard’ CLK GTR, as pictured, boasts a formidable 6.9-liter engine generating 604bhp. This translates to a 0 to 62mph time of just 3.8 seconds and a breathtaking top speed of 214mph. Consider that the CLK GTR was first unveiled in 1997 – these figures were groundbreaking then and remain incredibly impressive today. Yet, to claim the top spot in our ranking of fast Mercedes Benz, even greater velocity was required. In 2002, Mercedes-Benz answered the call with the Super Sport version. This iteration saw the engine capacity increased from 6.9-liters to a massive 7.3-liters. If that engine size sounds familiar, it’s because this very engine was also chosen to power the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is it accurate to say that a car designed over two decades ago is still the fastest fast Mercedes Benz on our list in terms of pure top speed? Absolutely. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport achieves a staggering 231mph, and catapults from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.6 seconds.
While it reigns supreme in top speed among road-legal Mercedes-Benz cars, we suspect that the next vehicle on our list, with its direct lineage to Formula One, might outperform it on a racetrack in terms of lap times.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology Unleashed
Imagine taking the cutting-edge technology of a Formula 1 car and making it street legal. The result is the extraordinary Mercedes-AMG One.
Unsurprisingly, this marvel of engineering originates from Mercedes-AMG, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz, renowned for creating their most performance-oriented and fast Mercedes Benz vehicles.
What might come as a surprise is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-liter engine. However, this compact powerplant is augmented by four electric motors, resulting in a combined output that propels the car from 0 to 62mph in an astonishing 2.9 seconds. The Mercedes-AMG One reaches a top speed of 219mph, making it an incredibly fast Mercedes Benz.
Essentially, the AMG One offers the closest experience to driving a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has directly applied their Formula 1 expertise to create this groundbreaking road car. Its track performance is expected to be nothing short of phenomenal.
Despite not exceeding the top speed of the CLK GTR Super Sport, the Mercedes-AMG One, with its Formula 1 DNA and showcasing the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering, is undoubtedly the fastest fast Mercedes Benz road car when it comes to conquering racetracks and setting blistering lap times.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: A Tribute to a Racing Legend
It’s 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, had a deep and storied history with Mercedes-Benz. The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss directly draws inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR, the car in which Sir Stirling Moss achieved a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Limited to just 75 examples produced in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is powered by a potent 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 641bhp. This allows for a 0 to 62mph sprint in just over 3 seconds and a top speed of 217mph – all achieved without a windscreen, adding to the raw and visceral driving experience of this fast Mercedes Benz.
Upon its release, the car carried a price tag of approximately £700,000. However, as is typical with limited-edition vehicles of this caliber, especially one named in honor of one of history’s greatest racing drivers, current values have soared well beyond £2 million. Prospective drivers should certainly consider investing in a helmet and goggles to fully experience this open-top speedster.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Aggression and Velocity Defined
Another high-performance creation from Mercedes-AMG, the GTR Black Series’ inclusion on this list of fast Mercedes Benz models will surprise no one familiar with the Black Series lineage.
The imposing rear wing and aggressively sculpted styling of the AMG GTR Black Series leave no doubt about its intentions: to be an extraordinarily fast Mercedes Benz.
At its heart lies a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine unleashing a monstrous 720bhp. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a 0 to 62mph acceleration time of a mere 3.2 seconds, and this Black Series Mercedes relentlessly pushes forward until reaching its top speed of 202mph.
Beyond Supercars: Other Fast Mercedes-Benz Models
While the four models highlighted above firmly reside in the supercar and hypercar categories, it’s important to recognize that many more ‘mainstream’ Mercedes-Benz models, especially those bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge, offer remarkable speed, particularly in real-world driving scenarios. These are also undeniably fast Mercedes Benz vehicles.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. Its 0 to 62mph time of just 2.8 seconds makes it the quickest-accelerating AMG model ever produced. This means it outpaces all the cars mentioned earlier in a sprint to 62mph. Its top speed is electronically limited to 199mph.
Then there’s the incredibly practical yet blisteringly fast Mercedes Benz four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. This sedan achieves 0 to 62mph in just 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196mph. These figures are astounding when considering its everyday usability and four-door practicality.
Even the ever-popular SUV segment isn’t immune to the fast Mercedes Benz treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can surge from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171mph. This level of performance in a practical SUV is truly remarkable.
Find Your Own Fast Mercedes-Benz at Stratstone
While the top-tier models on this list may be rare finds, Stratstone offers a wide array of exceptional Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models that perfectly embody the spirit of speed and performance.
Explore our current Mercedes-Benz new car offers or delve into our dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to discover the latest Mercedes-AMG offers.
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