Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and their legacy of producing incredibly fast Mercedes-Benz vehicles is undeniable. When we talk about automotive speed, particularly in the realm of Mercedes-Benz, the conversation naturally shifts to top speeds and blistering 0 to 62mph acceleration times. The Mercedes-AMG division, the high-performance heart of the brand, consistently delivers models that redefine benchmarks for speed and power.
In this exploration of speed, we’ll primarily focus on top speed as our defining metric. It’s worth noting that these speed demons are equally impressive when launching from a standstill, showcasing Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to all-around performance excellence.
Iconic Speedsters: Top-Tier Fast Mercedes-Benz Models
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR stands as a monument to 90s automotive extravagance. Born from racing pedigree, this homologation special is visually arresting and has become even more iconic with time. Out of the mere 26 examples crafted – 20 coupes and 6 roadsters – only five were bestowed with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their exclusivity and, crucially, their speed.
A standard CLK GTR, already a marvel, houses a 6.9-liter engine unleashing 604bhp, propelling it from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and reaching a top speed of 214mph. These figures remain astonishingly fast even by today’s standards, especially considering the CLK GTR’s debut in 1997. However, the Super Sport variant, unleashed in 2002, pushed the boundaries further. The engine displacement grew to a colossal 7.3-liters – a powerplant famously shared with the Pagani Zonda hypercar.
This makes a car conceived over two decades ago the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of top speed on our list. The CLK GTR Super Sport achieves a staggering 231mph and accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds. While it reigns supreme in top speed, the next contender, with its direct link to Formula One technology, might just eclipse it on the track.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Performance for the Road
Imagine taking the heart of a Formula 1 car and placing it within a road-legal machine. The result is the breathtaking Mercedes-AMG One. Unsurprisingly, Mercedes-AMG, the architects of performance excellence within Mercedes-Benz, are behind this groundbreaking model.
What might raise eyebrows is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-liter engine. However, this compact powerhouse is augmented by four electric motors, delivering a combined force that catapults the car from 0 to 62mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds and onwards to a top speed of 219mph.
The AMG One is the closest experience to piloting a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has poured their extensive F1 expertise into this vehicle, creating a showcase of cutting-edge engineering designed to dominate lap times on any track. While its top speed is slightly less than the CLK GTR Super Sport, the AMG One’s F1-derived technology and state-of-the-art engineering undoubtedly make it the fastest Mercedes road car around a track.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: Open-Top Speed Legend
It’s fitting that one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models pays homage to a legendary racing driver and incorporates the expertise of supercar manufacturer McLaren. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss is named after Sir Stirling Moss, an icon who etched his name in Mercedes-Benz history, most notably with his record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia driving the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR – the very inspiration for this car.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss boasts a 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 641bhp. This propels the open-top marvel from 0 to 62mph in just over 3 seconds and achieves a top speed of 217mph – all without the encumbrance of a windscreen.
Initially priced around £700,000, the SLR Stirling Moss, with its limited production and namesake of a racing legend, has soared in value, now commanding prices well over £2 million. Driving this car is an experience demanding a helmet or goggles, adding to its raw and exhilarating character.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Velocity
Another Mercedes-AMG masterpiece, the GTR Black Series, needs little introduction for those familiar with the Black Series lineage. Its aggressive styling, dominated by a prominent rear wing, immediately signals its intentions: to be an exceptionally fast Mercedes-Benz.
At its core lies a 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine unleashing a monstrous 720bhp. Power is delivered to the rear wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission, resulting in a 0 to 62mph sprint in a mere 3.2 seconds and a top speed of 202mph. The AMG GTR Black Series is engineered for track dominance, blending raw power with sophisticated handling.
Everyday Speed: Fast Mercedes-Benz AMG Models for Daily Thrills
While the previous models reside in the realm of supercars and hypercars, it’s important to recognize that many “regular” Mercedes-Benz, particularly Mercedes-AMG variants, offer incredible speed that is more than relevant in everyday driving.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. It achieves 0 to 62mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds, making it the fastest accelerating AMG model ever produced, outperforming even the supercars listed above in this metric. Its top speed is electronically limited to 199mph.
Then there’s the incredibly practical four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon, which accelerates from 0 to 62mph in just 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196mph. These figures are remarkable for a spacious and luxurious sedan.
Even in the popular SUV segment, Mercedes-AMG delivers astonishing speed. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can surge from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171mph – performance figures that defy typical SUV expectations.
Find Your Fast Mercedes-Benz at Stratstone
While acquiring the top four models on our list might be a dream for most, Stratstone offers a wide selection of exceptional fast Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG models that deliver thrilling 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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