Are all Mercedes created equal? From a purely luxurious standpoint, one might argue that they share a certain pedigree. However, for those who crave exhilarating performance, the answer is a resounding no. Enter Mercedes-AMG, the performance division that transforms luxury vehicles into formidable beasts, both on the open road and the racetrack. AMG, an acronym for Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach, embodies the ultimate in power, agility, and driving excitement, making their creations some of the most coveted and aggressive sports cars available.
For over two decades, Mercedes-AMG has been synonymous with high-performance luxury. They’ve consistently delivered vehicles that push boundaries and redefine what’s possible. Here are 10 of the coolest Mercedes-AMG cars ever conceived, each a testament to their engineering prowess and dedication to driving pleasure.
10. 1971 AMG 300 SEL 6.8 – The Legend of the “Red Pig”
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This is where the AMG legend began. The 1971 300 SEL 6.8 AMG, famously nicknamed “The Red Pig,” wasn’t just a modified sedan; it was a statement. AMG took the fastest German sedan of its time and injected it with raw power and unwavering stamina.
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They replaced the original 6.6-liter engine with a monstrous 6.8-liter V8, unleashing a staggering 419 horsepower. To shed weight, aluminum doors replaced the standard steel ones, and the entire car was bathed in a striking cherry red. The audacious move to enter the bulky 300 SEL 6.8 AMG in the 1971 24 Hours of Spa Francorchamps race shocked many. Against all expectations, this imposing machine dominated its class and secured a remarkable second place overall. With only five “Red Pigs” ever produced, its rarity further cements its legendary status as one of the Coolest Mercedes Amg models.
9. 1987 190E 3.2 AMG – The “Baby Hammer” Strikes
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Building on their unexpected racing success, AMG continued to craft high-performance Mercedes, now with the official backing of Mercedes-Benz. The 1987 190E 3.2 AMG marked a significant milestone as the first model sold under the official Mercedes-AMG banner. Limited to just 200 units, the 190E 3.2 AMG was an instant sensation.
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Under the hood resided a potent 3.2-liter inline 6-cylinder engine, generating 231 horsepower and 234 lb-ft of torque. Nicknamed “The Baby Hammer,” the 190E 3.2 AMG became one of the most sought-after cars in Europe. Its desirability was so immense that those unable to acquire a complete car often opted to purchase AMG engines and body kits to upgrade their standard 190E models, showcasing its impact and coolness factor.
8. 1988 300CE 6.0 AMG – The Original “Hammer” Blow
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This is the AMG that truly earned the “Hammer” moniker and lived up to its aggressive name. The 1988 300CE 6.0 AMG was the undisputed king of coupes in Europe before its powerful presence extended across the Atlantic to America.
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The heart of the 1988 300CE 6.0 AMG was derived from the W126 S-Class V8 engine. However, AMG’s masterful engineering elevated it to a 6.0-liter powerhouse, churning out 380 horsepower and 417 lb-ft of torque. This raw force propelled the coupe from 0 to 60 mph in under 5 seconds, achieving a top speed exceeding 186 mph. The 1988 300CE 6.0 AMG wasn’t just a car; it was a borderline supercar, embodying the coolest aspects of performance and luxury in one package.
7. 1997 CLK GTR – A Race Car for the Road
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Two years before Mercedes and AMG solidified their exclusive partnership, they collaborated on one of the most iconic FIA GT1 race cars in history: the 1997 CLK GTR. Conceived to challenge the McLaren F1 GTR on the track, the 1997 CLK GTR, while not fully realizing its track potential, became a legend nonetheless.
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Following the cancellation of the FIA GT1 class in 1999, AMG honored its commitment to build 26 road-legal versions of the 1997 CLK GTR, including six roadsters. This street-legal monster was powered by a mid-mounted 6.9-liter V12 engine, unleashing a massive 612 horsepower and 572 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed sequential transmission. Constructed with a carbon fiber body for lightness, the 1997 CLK GTR remains an ultra-rare and incredibly cool testament to AMG’s racing heritage.
6. 1997 SL73 AMG – The Rarest of the Rare
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Among AMG’s impressive lineage, the 1997 SL73 AMG stands out as one of the rarest. Only 85 units were produced between 1997 and 2001, making it an exceptionally exclusive machine. Its power source was a colossal 7.3-liter V12 engine, delivering 518 horsepower and 553 lb-ft of torque. The 1997 SL73 AMG could accelerate from 0-60 mph in a swift 4.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 186 mph.
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Owning a 1997 SL73 AMG was no simple feat. Prospective buyers were required to first own a Mercedes SL600 and then entrust it to AMG for the transformation into the SL73 AMG. Interestingly, the 1997 SL73 AMG served as the inspiration for the iconic Pagani Zonda, further solidifying its cool and influential status in automotive history.
5. 2003 E55 AMG – Luxury Meets Untamed Power
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The 2003 E55 AMG marked the second generation of the Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG. Unveiled at the 2002 Paris Motor Show and launched in 2003, it represented the perfect marriage of luxury and raw power. This four-door sedan was propelled by a 5.4-liter supercharged V8 engine, generating 469 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque.
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Remarkably, when pushed beyond legal limits, the 2003 E55 AMG unleashed an additional 21 horsepower, showcasing its hidden reserves. Due to the immense power output, the engine was paired with a robust 5-speed automatic transmission, the only one capable of handling this beast’s might. The E55 AMG’s blend of sophistication and brute force makes it undeniably cool.
4. 2008 SL65 AMG Black Series – Track-Focused Fury
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The AMG Black Series represents AMG’s ultimate track-oriented line. The legacy began with the SLK 55 AMG Black Series in 2006, but the 2008 SL65 AMG Black Series took it to another level. Despite a somewhat criticized turning circle, the 2008 SL65 AMG Black Series was significantly lighter than the standard SL65.
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It was powered by a 6.0-liter bi-turbo V12 engine, producing a staggering 661 horsepower and a monstrous 740 lb-ft of torque, all delivered to the rear wheels. The retractable spoiler and wide-body kit completed the 2008 SL65 AMG Black Series’ menacing and undeniably cool aesthetic, making it a true track weapon.
3. 2010 SLS AMG – Gullwing Grandeur Returns
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The return of gullwing doors to a Mercedes was a moment of pure automotive nostalgia. Gullwing doors, famously debuted on the iconic Mercedes 300SL, made a triumphant comeback on the 2010 SLS AMG. This revival was arguably the coolest surprise from Mercedes-AMG in 2010.
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The 2010 SLS AMG holds the distinction of being the first car developed entirely in-house by AMG. It was powered by the world’s most potent naturally aspirated series production engine – a 6.2-liter M159 V8, initially producing 563 horsepower, later reaching 622 horsepower in the Black Series model. The SLS’s striking styling and unique character firmly establish it as one of AMG’s most iconic and coolest creations.
2. 2011 W204 C63 AMG Edition 507 – The Naturally Aspirated Swan Song
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The 2011 W204 C63 AMG Edition 507, available exclusively as a coupe, is a high-performance luxury machine with flared arches and a prominent rear spoiler. It houses a formidable 6.2-liter M156 engine, delivering 510 horsepower. The use of this engine in the 2011 W204 C63 marked the end of an era – the era of AMG’s naturally aspirated V8 engines.
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While this engine later reappeared in the BMW M3 GTS, its legacy is most strongly associated with Mercedes-AMG. Subsequent generations of the W204 C63 transitioned to a turbocharged V8, making the 2011 W204 C63 Edition 507 a revered AMG legend and one of the coolest for its raw, naturally aspirated power.
1. 2016 AMG GT R – Beast of the Green Hell Crowned
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The 2016 AMG GT R is a pre-facelift marvel within the iconic Mercedes-AMG GT range. Upon its debut, the Panamericana grille and striking Green Mango paint of the 2016 AMG GT R made an unforgettable statement in the minds of car enthusiasts worldwide. This car was engineered for dominance.
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Nicknamed “The Beast of the Green Hell,” the 2016 AMG GT R is powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8. It proved its prowess at the Nürburgring, clocking an astonishing 7:10.92 lap time around the Nordschleife. This feat heralded a new era for Mercedes-AMG, defined by power, control, and composure. Built to rival the Porsche 911 GT3, the 2016 AMG GT R demonstrated its status as the most refined and coolest AMG car ever created, topping our list.
