For enthusiasts seeking scalpel-like precision and poise, BMW M cars stand as the benchmark. If organ-pummeling point-to-point pace is the desire, Audi RS models deliver in spades. However, for those who crave tire-smoking sideways action, accompanied by a thunderous roar and an idiotic grin plastered across their face, the answer invariably lies within the realm of Mercedes-AMG. This has been the established order for years, and while the lines blur as the performance divisions of the German giants expand their offerings, AMG retains its reputation as the free-spirited, audacious member of the trio. AMG cars embody that friend who’s bold, opinionated, and prone to pushing boundaries on a night out, yet remains undeniably lovable.
With over half a century dedicated to refining Mercedes-Benz vehicles, and a quarter-century as an official division of the three-pointed star, the lineage of AMG-fettled automobiles is rich and extensive. To celebrate this legacy, we’ve undertaken the enjoyable task of curating a list of our top 10 favorites, spanning from the sublime to the wonderfully ridiculous, presented in a definitive countdown.
10. Mercedes G65 AMG
The Mercedes G65 AMG secures its place on this list not for its dynamic prowess – while we haven’t personally driven one, we can confidently assume it’s not a paragon of handling. Instead, its inclusion stems from the sheer absurdity and delight in conceiving a vehicle that is essentially a boxy, body-on-frame military-grade machine, lavishly appointed with leather, and then propelled by a monstrous 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged 621bhp V12 engine. It’s an automotive creation so utterly unnecessary, so defiantly out of sync with contemporary sensibilities, that its continued availability in certain markets until as recently as 2017 is truly remarkable. This unapologetic dinosaur embodies the audacious spirit that defines some of the best Mercedes-AMG creations.
9. Mercedes-AMG One
Speaking of relics of a bygone era, the iconic Jurassic Park quote, “Your scientists were so preoccupied with whether or not they could, they didn’t stop to think if they should,” resonates strongly with the Mercedes-AMG One. This sentiment likely echoed repeatedly throughout the arduous five-year journey from concept to production. Could a road-legal car be engineered around a genuine Formula 1 engine? The answer, unequivocally, is yes. Should it be done? Ask anyone involved in the One’s development, and the likely response would be a hesitant ‘probably not’. While firsthand driving impressions remain scarce – limited to Mercedes insiders, a select group of journalists, and the fortunate owners who actually drive it rather than consigning it to climate-controlled garage queen status – its driving dynamics are somewhat of a mystery to the wider world. Nevertheless, the Mercedes-AMG One stands as a testament to engineering audacity, a marvel of automotive ambition. Its very existence warrants its place among the best Mercedes-AMG cars ever conceived.
8. Mercedes SL73 AMG
In today’s automotive landscape, AMG models are seamlessly integrated into the Mercedes-Benz lineup. However, in AMG’s nascent years, its creations were far more specialized and exceedingly rare. This exclusivity was particularly evident in the AMG iterations of the sharply styled, modernist R129 SL of the 1990s. The pinnacle of this era was undoubtedly the SL73. In a time when model designations genuinely reflected engine displacement, the SL73 boasted a colossal 7.3-liter V12 engine, churning out 518bhp. All this power resided within a car visually indistinguishable from a standard SL280. Adding to its legendary status, this monstrous engine would later find its way into enhanced versions of the Pagani Zonda, cementing its place as an iconic powerplant and the SL73 as one of the best Mercedes-AMG classic models.
7. Mercedes E63 Estate W212
While the “fast estate car” trope may be a journalistic cliché, no list of exceptional performance vehicles, especially best Mercedes-AMG cars, would be complete without one. Our choice is the pre-facelift W212 E63 (or, to be precise with chassis codes, the S212 estate). This vehicle seamlessly blended the practicality of a luxurious estate car with a truly cavernous cargo area, and the raw power of AMG’s magnificent 6.2-liter M156 naturally aspirated V8 engine (and despite Mercedes-Benz’s persistent marketing, it’s indeed a 6.2, not a 6.3). What more could one desire? Fuel efficiency? A concept entirely foreign to this beast. Spoiler alert: this won’t be the last appearance of an M156-powered marvel on this list.
6. Mercedes-AMG GT R
The standard AMG GT hinted at potential, but the original GT R truly demonstrated that AMG possessed a broader spectrum of capabilities beyond mere tire-shredding antics. Of course, it excelled at that too, but the GT R’s comprehensive talent positioned it as a serious driver’s machine, rivaling the best offerings from BMW and, dare we whisper it, even Porsche. Building upon the foundation of the standard GT, the R variant was widened, lowered, lightened, and sharpened in every aspect. Beyond its potent 4.0-liter 577bhp twin-turbo V8, its standout feature was the nine-stage traction control system. This system ranged from reassuringly secure to a near-unfettered “hope for the best” setting. Encased in a spectacularly aggressive, widened iteration of the standard car’s already striking body, the GT R served notice to the Porsche 911 GT3 that it no longer held a monopoly on track-focused performance, solidifying its status as one of the best Mercedes-AMG sports cars.
5. Mercedes SLS AMG
The SLS AMG could have easily devolved into a mere retro caricature, defined solely by its attention-grabbing gullwing doors and little else. Thankfully, it transcended this potential pitfall. It emerged as a breathtakingly elegant grand tourer, powered by an engine of all-time greatness – the 6.2-liter M156 V8 (yes, it makes a triumphant return!). While the hardcore Black Series variant was undeniably impressive, it is the timelessly beautiful original SLS that captures our hearts. Admittedly, it wasn’t as surgically precise or dynamically sharp as some of its supercar contemporaries. However, its purpose was never solely about ultimate track performance. The SLS was conceived for effortlessly devouring vast distances in opulent comfort, serenaded by the glorious V8 soundtrack, and making a grand entrance with its signature upward-swinging doors upon arrival. It embodies the grand touring spirit of the best Mercedes-AMG cars.
4. Mercedes CLK GTR
The CLK GTR, while technically lacking “AMG” in its official name, was meticulously crafted by AMG at their renowned Affalterbach facility. Therefore, it rightfully earns its place on this list of best Mercedes-AMG vehicles. And is there truly any need to elaborate on why? Every GT1 racing homologation special from the 1990s exudes an undeniable coolness, but the CLK GTR resides in the upper echelon of cool. It housed a thunderous 6.9-liter V12, generating 622bhp, and despite being essentially a road-legal race car, it offered a surprisingly luxurious interior. We’ll never cease to be amused by the off-the-shelf grille, headlights, and taillights – a somewhat comical attempt to visually link it to the far more pedestrian CLK coupe, with which it shared its name, albeit executed remarkably well. Speaking of CLKs…
3. Mercedes CLK DTM AMG
CLK DTM or Black Series? The debate raged internally as to which of these two hardcore specials, both based on the second-generation C209 CLK coupe, deserved inclusion. Ultimately, we leaned towards the earlier DTM. It arrived seemingly out of nowhere. Typically, when a car manufacturer triumphs in a racing series (as Mercedes-Benz did in the 2003 DTM touring car championship), the commemorative special edition involves little more than stickers and a numbered plaque. However, the CLK DTM AMG was a full-fledged skunkworks project, boasting widened bodywork, reduced weight, and a ferocious 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine beneath the hood. With a staggering 199mph top speed, it even outpaced the later Black Series variant. In a move that defies conventional logic yet elicits eternal gratitude, it was also offered as a convertible. This unexpected and potent machine is undoubtedly one of the best Mercedes-AMG surprises.
2. Mercedes AMG Hammer
Securing the second spot is another pre-Mercedes-Benz acquisition AMG marvel: the Hammer. For those unfamiliar, the Hammer was a profoundly modified iteration of the W124 Mercedes-Benz – the E-Class predecessor – a car that already had a hot factory version in the form of the Porsche-assembled 500E. Offered in various configurations, the most potent Hammer featured a 6.0-liter V8 generating a substantial 375bhp – a remarkable figure for a practical saloon car in the late 1980s. It was available in saloon and coupe body styles, with a single estate version also produced. All Hammers featured flared bodywork, most were finished in menacing black paint with body-colored split-rim wheels, and all exuded an overwhelming aura of cool. But the primary reason it nearly topped our list? Its name: the Hammer. This iconic name perfectly encapsulates the power and presence of one of the best Mercedes-AMG classics.
Image: Mr.choppers, CC BY-SA 3.0
1. Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series
The hardcore Black Series models have consistently been among the most revered AMGs, and we contend that the lineage (thus far) reached its zenith with the C63 Black Series. The M156 V8 engine makes its triumphant return once more, now unleashing 510bhp and producing a truly exhilarating soundtrack. Complementing the potent engine were a suite of chassis enhancements, including fully adjustable KW suspension, a limited-slip differential, and a three-stage stability control system that permitted the kind of prolonged, dramatic, smoke-filled drifts that epitomize the AMG driving experience. To complete the package, the C63 Black Series boasted amped-up, subtly widened bodywork, conveying the visual message of a car not to be trifled with. In essence, akin to the BMW M3 CSL, which topped our list of the best BMW M cars, the C63 Black Series transformed a relatively ordinary compact executive coupe into an uber-cool, ultra-focused, lightweight streetfighter. It’s an undeniably irresistible formula, and that’s why the C63 Black Series reigns supreme as our number one best Mercedes-AMG car.
