It’s no secret that Mercedes-Benz boasts a rich history of crafting exceptionally fast cars. When we talk about automotive speed, we often consider top speed and the thrilling 0 to 60 mph (or 0 to 62 mph) sprint. For Mercedes-Benz, the Mercedes-AMG lineup consistently stands out as the epitome of high-performance engineering within the brand. Mercedes-AMG, as the dedicated performance division, is synonymous with pushing boundaries and delivering exhilarating speed.
In this exploration of Mercedes Fast Cars, we’ll primarily focus on top speed as the defining metric. It’s worth noting that the models achieving top speed supremacy are also inherently rapid in acceleration, offering a holistic performance package. Let’s delve into some of the most breathtakingly fast Mercedes-Benz models ever created.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: A Blast from the Past, Still Blazingly Fast
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, born from racing pedigree, is a true 90s icon that only intensifies in its visual drama with time. Created to satisfy homologation requirements for racing, a mere 26 examples were produced – 20 coupes and 6 roadsters. Among these, a select five were bestowed with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their exclusivity and, naturally, their speed.
A ‘standard’ CLK GTR (as pictured) is already a beast, packing a 6.9-liter engine that churns out 604 horsepower. This translates to a 0 to 62 mph sprint in a mere 3.8 seconds and a top speed reaching 214 mph. These figures were, and still are, incredibly impressive, especially considering the CLK GTR’s debut in 1997. However, to claim the top spot in our list of mercedes fast cars, Mercedes-Benz pushed the envelope further. In 2002, they unveiled the Super Sport version, boosting the engine displacement from 6.9-liters to a massive 7.3-liters. If that 7.3-liter engine sounds familiar, it’s because it’s the very same powerplant that found its way into the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is it possible that a car conceived over two decades ago still reigns supreme as the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of top speed? Indeed, the CLK GTR Super Sport clocks in at a staggering 231 mph, while accelerating from 0 to 62 mph in just 3.6 seconds.
While it holds the crown for top speed among road-legal Mercedes cars, we suspect the next contender on our list might just outpace it on a racetrack, thanks to its direct lineage to Formula One technology.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology Unleashed on the Road
Imagine taking the essence of a Formula 1 car and making it street legal. The result? The extraordinary Mercedes-AMG One.
Unsurprisingly, this marvel of engineering is a product of Mercedes-AMG. The high-performance division consistently takes the lead in creating Mercedes-Benz’s most performance-oriented models, and the AMG One is the pinnacle of their achievement.
What might raise eyebrows is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-liter engine. However, this isn’t just any 1.6-liter engine. It’s a highly sophisticated, turbocharged unit, working in concert with four electric motors. This hybrid powertrain catapults the AMG One from 0 to 62 mph in a breathtaking 2.9 seconds and onward to a top speed of 219 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One is the closest you can get to experiencing a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has seamlessly transferred their F1 expertise into a road-going machine. This hypercar is engineered to dominate lap times on any track.
While its top speed may be slightly lower than the CLK GTR Super Sport, the AMG One, with its Formula 1 DNA and cutting-edge engineering, is undoubtedly the fastest Mercedes road car when it comes to sheer track performance and setting blistering lap times. It represents the future of mercedes fast cars.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: Open-Top Thrills and Racing Heritage
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 deeply linked to Mercedes-Benz, notably drove the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR. This very car inspired the SLR McLaren Stirling Moss. In 1955, Sir Stirling Moss piloted the 300 SLR to a record-breaking victory in the Mille Miglia, cementing his legacy.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is a unique and exhilarating mercedes fast car. It features a 5.4-liter V8 engine generating 641 horsepower. This power propels the car from 0 to 62 mph in just over 3 seconds and reaches a top speed of 217 mph – all experienced without the barrier of a windshield.
Upon its release, the SLR Stirling Moss carried a price tag of around £700,000. However, as is typical with limited-edition cars, especially one named after a racing icon, prices have skyrocketed, now exceeding £2 million. Driving this masterpiece might necessitate investing in a helmet or goggles, but the open-air thrill is undeniably part of its allure.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another high-performance creation from Mercedes-AMG, the GTR Black Series earns its place on our list of mercedes fast cars without surprise. If you’re familiar with the Black Series designation, you know it signifies the most extreme performance and track-focused models AMG offers.
The imposing rear wing and aggressive styling of the GTR Black Series immediately signal its intentions: to be an ultra-fast ‘Merc’.
At its heart lies a potent 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine, unleashing 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 mere 3.2 seconds, with this Black Series Mercedes relentlessly accelerating until it hits 202 mph.
Beyond Supercars: Everyday Mercedes-Benz Speed
While the four models discussed above firmly reside in the supercar/hypercar realm, it’s crucial to recognize that numerous “more ordinary” Mercedes-Benz models, particularly within the Mercedes-AMG family, are incredibly fast, especially in real-world driving scenarios.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. It achieves 0 to 62 mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating AMG model ever produced. In fact, it outpaces all the cars mentioned earlier in a sprint to 62 mph, though its top speed is electronically limited to 199 mph.
Then there’s the remarkably practical four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. This saloon rockets from 0 to 62 mph in just 2.9 seconds and reaches a top speed of 196 mph. These figures are astonishing when you remember this is a spacious and functional sedan.
Even the ever-popular SUV segment isn’t immune to Mercedes-AMG’s performance treatment. 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 – figures that are truly remarkable for a practical SUV. These models demonstrate that mercedes fast cars come in various shapes and sizes, catering to diverse needs without compromising on exhilarating performance.
Find Your Fast Mercedes-Benz with Stratstone
While acquiring one of the top four mercedes fast cars on our list might be a dream for most, Stratstone offers a wide selection of exceptional Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models that deliver thrilling speed and performance.
Explore our current Mercedes-Benz new car offers or delve into our dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to discover our latest Mercedes-AMG offers.
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