Mercedes-Benz has a long and storied history of producing high-performance vehicles, but when it comes to outright speed and exhilarating power, the Mercedes-AMG division stands in a league of its own. Synonymous with blistering acceleration and breathtaking top speeds, Mercedes-AMG models represent the pinnacle of automotive engineering from the German marque. While “fast” can be subjective, in the realm of automobiles, it typically boils down to top speed and the sprint from 0 to 60 mph (or 0 to 62 mph). This article dives into some of the fastest Mercedes-AMG models ever created, ranking them by top speed while also acknowledging their impressive acceleration capabilities.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: The 90s Icon Redefined
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is a true legend of the 1990s, an era defined by automotive excess and boundary-pushing engineering. Originally conceived for GT1 racing, the CLK GTR’s road-legal iteration is an exercise in homologation gone wild. Of the mere 26 examples built (20 coupes and 6 roadsters), only five received the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their performance to even greater heights.
Even in its “standard” form, the CLK GTR was a speed demon. Equipped with a 6.9-liter V12 engine generating 604 horsepower, it could launch from 0 to 62 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and achieve a top speed of 214 mph. These figures were astonishing when the CLK GTR debuted in 1997, and they remain impressive even by today’s standards. However, Mercedes-Benz wasn’t content to leave it there. In 2002, they unleashed the Super Sport version, featuring an enlarged 7.3-liter V12 engine. This engine is famously known for its use in the Pagani Zonda hypercar, a testament to its incredible performance potential.
The result? The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport cemented its place as one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz cars ever built, achieving a staggering top speed of 231 mph and accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds. While newer models may boast quicker lap times due to technological advancements, the CLK GTR Super Sport remains the king of top speed in the Mercedes-Benz lineage.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology for the Road
Imagine taking the cutting-edge technology of a Formula 1 car and adapting it for road use. The Mercedes-AMG One is precisely that audacious endeavor brought to reality. Born from the expertise of Mercedes-AMG, this hypercar represents the pinnacle of modern automotive engineering, directly influenced by the Mercedes-AMG Petronas Formula One Team.
Surprisingly, the heart of the AMG One is a relatively small 1.6-liter turbocharged V6 engine. However, this isn’t just any engine; it’s a highly sophisticated unit derived directly from Formula 1, augmented by four electric motors. This complex hybrid powertrain delivers a combined output exceeding 1000 horsepower, enabling the AMG One to catapult from 0 to 62 mph in a mind-bending 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 219 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One is more than just a fast car; it’s a technological marvel. It embodies the transfer of Formula 1 expertise to the road, offering an unparalleled driving experience. While its top speed is slightly lower than the CLK GTR Super Sport, its advanced technology and track-focused design suggest it would likely dominate on a circuit, setting blistering lap times. It stands as a testament to Mercedes-AMG’s commitment to pushing performance boundaries.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: An Ode to a Racing Legend
Named in honor of Sir Stirling Moss, a legendary racing driver with a deep connection to Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is a truly special machine. This open-top speedster, developed in collaboration with McLaren, pays homage to the iconic Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR, the car in which Stirling Moss achieved a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Produced in a limited run of just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is characterized by its dramatic, windscreen-less design, evoking the spirit of classic racing cars. Beneath its striking exterior lies a potent 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine producing 641 horsepower. This propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds and onto a top speed of 217 mph, all while providing an unfiltered, wind-in-your-hair driving experience.
Originally priced around £700,000, the rarity and historical significance of the SLR Stirling Moss, combined with its association with a racing icon, have driven its value to well over £2 million today. Driving this car is not just about speed; it’s about experiencing a piece of automotive history and embracing the thrill of open-top motoring at extreme velocities.
Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
For those familiar with the Mercedes-AMG Black Series designation, the inclusion of the Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series on this list comes as no surprise. Black Series 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 prominent rear wing and aerodynamic enhancements, immediately signals its intentions. Under the hood resides a hand-built 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, meticulously tuned to unleash a monstrous 720 horsepower. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, enabling a 0 to 62 mph sprint in a mere 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG GT R Black Series is engineered for ultimate track performance. Its combination of immense power, sophisticated aerodynamics, and track-tuned chassis components makes it a formidable weapon on any circuit. While its top speed is slightly lower than some of the other models on this list, its focus on lap times and driver engagement solidifies its position as one of the fastest and most thrilling Mercedes-AMG cars available.
Beyond Supercars: Everyday AMG Speed
While the aforementioned models occupy the realm of supercars and hypercars, it’s important to recognize that Mercedes-AMG performance permeates throughout the Mercedes-Benz lineup. Many “regular” Mercedes-AMG models offer astonishing levels of speed and acceleration, often exceeding the performance of older supercars, particularly in real-world driving scenarios.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. This four-door coupe achieves a 0 to 62 mph time of just 2.8 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating AMG production car ever. Its top speed is electronically limited to 199 mph, but its acceleration is truly breathtaking. Even more remarkably, the four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon accomplishes the 0 to 62 mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 mph. These figures are astounding for practical four-door vehicles.
Even the popular SUV segment isn’t immune to AMG’s performance enhancements. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.5 seconds and achieve a top speed of 171 mph. This demonstrates the breadth of AMG’s performance capabilities, extending beyond dedicated sports cars to infuse everyday vehicles with exhilarating speed.
Find Your Fast Mercedes-AMG Today
While acquiring the top models on this list might be a dream for most, the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG range offers a wide spectrum of fast and exhilarating vehicles to suit various needs and preferences.
Explore the latest Mercedes-Benz new car offers or delve into the dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to discover the current range of high-performance models. You can also browse the latest Mercedes-AMG offers to find your perfect blend of speed, luxury, and driving excitement.
For more articles exploring the world of high-performance vehicles and luxury automobiles, visit the dedicated blog section, covering a range of sought-after manufacturers and automotive topics.
