Mercedes-Benz, a brand synonymous with automotive innovation, boasts a history as rich and enduring as the automobile itself. Originating from Karl Benz’s groundbreaking 1886 Benz Patent Motorwagen, the company has consistently pursued engineering excellence and high performance. While the initial Benz creation prioritized ingenuity over velocity, it laid the foundation for a lineage of vehicles that would redefine speed and luxury. Mercedes-Benz’s deep-rooted motorsport heritage, coupled with meticulous German engineering, has given rise to some truly extraordinary machines, many pushing the boundaries of road legality and some explicitly designed to shatter speed records, rivaling even today’s hypercars. Mercedes-Benz’s commitment to performance is undeniable, with some of their most impressive feats achieved as far back as the 1930s, setting records that stood for decades.
This article celebrates that legacy by highlighting 15 of the fastest Mercedes-Benz sports cars ever produced. Drawing upon data from reputable automotive sources such as MotorTrend, Car and Driver, Hagerty, and Road and Track, this list ranks these performance icons by their verified top speeds.
Updated on July 13, 2023: Recognizing the enduring appeal of Mercedes-Benz sports cars, this list has been refreshed and expanded to include both classic legends and modern marvels, ensuring a comprehensive overview of Mercedes-Benz’s speed prowess.
15. 1955 Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe
Top Speed: 180 MPH
The Mercedes 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe represents the pinnacle of 1950s automotive engineering. Born from the legendary 300 SL “Gullwing,” the 300 SLR was engineered for racing dominance. This fixed-head coupe variant, named after its visionary designer Rudolf Uhlenhaut, is not only historically significant but also the world’s most valuable car. In a landmark 2022 auction, Mercedes-Benz sold one of only two Uhlenhaut Coupes for an astounding $142 million, underscoring its unparalleled rarity and prestige.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 6.8 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 2,456 pounds |
| Horsepower | 310 horsepower |
| Torque | 229 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Powered by a 3.0-liter naturally-aspirated M196 S straight-eight engine producing over 300 horsepower, the 300 SLR Uhlenhaut Coupe was the fastest road-legal sports car of its era. Its open-top racing sibling achieved considerable motorsport success with legendary drivers like Sir Stirling Moss and Juan Manuel Fangio at the helm. However, the 300 SLR’s legacy is also intertwined with the tragic 1955 Le Mans disaster, an event that led to Mercedes-Benz’s temporary withdrawal from competitive racing.
14. 2018 Mercedes AMG C63S (C205)
Top Speed: 180 MPH
The 2018 Mercedes AMG C63S marked a turning point for Mercedes-AMG, being the first compact performance model to adopt the potent M177 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine. This downsized V-8 proved to be a worthy successor to the beloved M156 V-8, delivering exceptional power and responsiveness. The “S” designation on the AMG C63S signified a power increase to over 500 horsepower, enhancing its already formidable performance capabilities.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.7 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 180 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,649 pounds |
| Horsepower | 503 horsepower |
| Torque | 516 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The C205 generation AMG C63S demonstrated that even with engine downsizing, Mercedes-AMG retained its ability to create thrilling, high-performance machines. Exclusively rear-wheel drive, the AMG C63S achieves a blistering 0-60 mph time of just 3.7 seconds. On unrestricted Autobahn stretches, the C63S can effortlessly reach speeds that truly showcase its German-engineered performance pedigree.
13. 2021 Mercedes AMG SL55
Top Speed: 183 MPH
The 2021 Mercedes AMG SL marked a return to classic SL traditions, incorporating a soft convertible top and a 2+2 seating configuration reminiscent of earlier SL generations. The AMG SL55, a key model in this lineup, features the M177 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 engine. This engine, first introduced in 2014, replaced the naturally-aspirated 6.2-liter M156/M159 V-8 in the “55” variant, demonstrating Mercedes’ commitment to both performance and efficiency.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 183 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 4,279 pounds |
| Horsepower | 469 horsepower |
| Torque | 516 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, all-wheel drive |
In the AMG SL55, the twin-turbo V-8 generates nearly 500 horsepower, distributed to all four wheels via a nine-speed Speedshift automatic transmission. This powertrain configuration allows the AMG SL55 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.6 seconds and conquer the quarter-mile in 12 seconds flat at 114.8 mph, showcasing its impressive all-around performance.
12. 2017 Mercedes AMG CLS 63 S 4MATIC
Top Speed: 186 MPH
The 2017 Mercedes AMG CLS 63 S 4MATIC blends luxurious coupe design with formidable AMG performance. Equipped with steering wheel-mounted shift paddles and a sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, this model delivers rapid acceleration and confident handling. The 4MATIC system enhances launch capabilities, contributing to its impressive sprint times.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 4,123 pounds |
| Horsepower | 577 horsepower |
| Torque | 590 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, all-wheel drive |
The AMG CLS 63 S 4MATIC’s potent power and torque, channeled through a seven-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission, ensure immediate responsiveness in diverse driving situations. Beyond track performance, this model excels in everyday usability, offering ample power for confident highway merging, overtaking, and even those urgent trips, seamlessly merging high performance with everyday practicality.
11. 2011 Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series
Top Speed: 186 MPH
Often celebrated as the quintessential “old-school” C63, the 2011 Mercedes C204 C63 AMG Black Series embodies German muscle car philosophy. Its iconic 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated M156 V-8 engine, in its most extreme iteration, produced over 500 horsepower and 457 pound-feet of torque without forced induction. The Black Series variant featured aggressively flared fenders, a prominent front splitter, canards, and a substantial rear wing, all crafted from lightweight carbon fiber.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 4.0 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 186 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,854 pounds |
| Horsepower | 510 horsepower |
| Torque | 457 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The C63 AMG Black Series received a recalibrated seven-speed DCT transmission and a stiffer suspension setup, yet retained its reputation as a tire-smoking powerhouse. With a 0-60 mph time of 4.0 seconds, it could challenge its turbocharged successors. Despite its enhanced aerodynamics designed for increased downforce, the C63 AMG Black Series is capable of reaching a top speed approaching 200 mph, showcasing its raw power and track-bred engineering.
10. 2023 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E Performance
Top Speed: 196 MPH
The 2023 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E Performance marked Mercedes-AMG’s foray into hybrid performance, and it did so with resounding success. Its immense power and torque catapult it into an elite performance category, particularly in terms of acceleration. While its top speed is not the highest in the Mercedes-AMG lineup, it comes impressively close and highlights a shift towards electrified performance.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 2.8 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 196 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 5,183 pounds |
| Horsepower | 831 horsepower |
| Torque | 1,033 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, all-wheel drive |
Contrary to the trend of larger engines equating to greater power, the AMG GT 63 S E Performance utilizes a smaller, yet highly potent, turbocharged V-6 engine. This advanced powertrain is further augmented by an intercooler, an electric motor, and an electric supercharger, working in concert to deliver exceptional horsepower and push the car to its near 200 mph top speed, representing the future of Mercedes-AMG performance.
9. 2014 Mercedes AMG SLS Black Series
Top Speed: 196 MPH
The 2014 Mercedes AMG SLS Black Series took the already exhilarating SLS AMG to an even higher level of performance. AMG engineers took the 32-valve V-8 engine from a more conventional 500-horsepower Mercedes-Benz model and transformed it into a fire-breathing powerhouse, adding over 100 horsepower and elevating the car’s top speed to nearly 200 mph. This model caters to adrenaline enthusiasts seeking extreme performance.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 196 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,417 pounds |
| Horsepower | 622 horsepower |
| Torque | 468 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
To manage the increased performance, the 2014 SLS Black Series received significant chassis upgrades, including a stiffer suspension system – over 50 percent stiffer in the front and over 40 percent in the rear. Adjustable coilover springs allowed for fine-tuning to individual driving preferences, optimizing track performance. Despite its track-focused nature, the SLS Black Series remained surprisingly versatile for daily driving.
8. 2013 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series
Top Speed: 196 MPH
The Mercedes SLS AMG holds a special place as the first sports car engineered entirely in-house by AMG. It was inevitable that the Black Series treatment would eventually be applied to this modern interpretation of the iconic 1954 Gullwing. The result was the 2013 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series, a wider, lighter, stiffer, and lower iteration of the SLS AMG. While still road-legal, its focus was firmly on track performance.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 196 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,417 pounds |
| Horsepower | 622 horsepower |
| Torque | 468 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The 6.2-liter M159 V-8 engine remained naturally aspirated but benefited from enhancements such as more aggressive camshafts, boosting output to over 600 horsepower. The seven-speed DCT transmission was recalibrated for quicker gear changes, and a fixed rear wing, along with other aerodynamic elements, generated significant downforce at high speeds, contributing to its exceptional handling and top speed.
7. 2021 Mercedes AMG SL63
Top Speed: 196 MPH
In 2021, Mercedes revived the SL moniker, with the R232 generation aiming to recapture the “Sport Leicht” (Sport Light) essence of the original SL models. This new generation marks a significant shift, being the first SL developed entirely by AMG. Sharing its production line and components with the AMG GT sports car, the 2021 Mercedes AMG SL63 is arguably the sportiest SL ever produced, blending luxury with high-performance DNA.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.0 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 196 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 4,784 pounds |
| Horsepower | 603 horsepower |
| Torque | 664 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, all-wheel drive |
The R232 SL range culminates in the AMG SL63, powered by a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V-8 producing over 600 horsepower. Standard features include a 9G automatic transmission and 4MATIC all-wheel drive, enabling the car to reach a top speed approaching 200 mph with impressive stability and control.
6. 2017 Mercedes AMG GTR
Top Speed: 198 MPH
The 2017 Mercedes AMG GTR represented the most potent iteration of the AMG GT, prior to the introduction of the flat-plane crankshaft Black Series. Its 4.0-liter M177 twin-turbo V-8 engine, while sharing architecture with other AMG GT models, was tuned to deliver 577 horsepower, retaining the signature AMG V-8 burble.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.2 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 198 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,426 pounds |
| Horsepower | 577 horsepower |
| Torque | 516 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The AMG GTR’s powerful engine and torque enable it to accelerate to 60 mph in just over 3 seconds and complete the quarter-mile in 11 seconds flat. Beyond sheer power, the AMG GTR benefits from aggressive aerodynamic elements that enhance downforce and stability, allowing it to achieve its near 200 mph top speed, given optimal conditions.
5. 2008 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series
Top Speed: 199 MPH
In an era when the SL was perceived more as a grand tourer than an outright sports car, AMG took on the challenge of transforming the SL into a high-speed machine. The 2008 Mercedes SL65 AMG Black Series, based on the R230 SL, is a testament to AMG’s engineering prowess. AMG widened, lightened, and significantly enhanced the power of the standard SL65, creating a truly extreme performance vehicle.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.6 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 199 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 4,123 pounds |
| Horsepower | 661 horsepower |
| Torque | 738 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The SL65 AMG Black Series is powered by a 6.0-liter M275 twin-turbo V-12 engine, producing a massive 738 pound-feet of torque. Due to the immense torque output, the 5G automatic transmission was the only unit capable of handling the power reliably (torque was electronically limited). The car’s top speed was electronically limited to 199 mph, hinting at an even higher potential top speed if unrestricted.
4. 2013 Mercedes SLS AMG GT
Top Speed: 199 MPH
In 2010, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the SLS AMG, a modern homage to the iconic 1954 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing. The coupe variant featured the distinctive gullwing doors and a more powerful, dry-sump version of the 6.2-liter naturally-aspirated V-8 engine. It marked a milestone as the first Mercedes sports car developed entirely by AMG.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.8 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 199 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,571 pounds |
| Horsepower | 583 horsepower |
| Torque | 479 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The 2013 SLS AMG GT variant is positioned as the second most powerful in the SLS AMG lineup, after the track-focused Black Series, and matches the Black Series’ top speed of 199 mph. Like all SLS AMG models, power is delivered to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, ensuring rapid and precise gear changes.
3. 2020 Mercedes AMG GT Black Series
Top Speed: 202 MPH
The 2020 Mercedes AMG GT Black Series represents the pinnacle of the AMG GT range. Introduced as the successor to the neo-retro SLS AMG, the AMG GT marked a new era for Mercedes sports cars, establishing the now-familiar AMG nomenclature preceding the model name. Considered a more focused sports car than the SLS, the AMG GT Black Series exemplifies track-oriented performance and engineering.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 2.9 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 202 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,578 pounds |
| Horsepower | 720 horsepower |
| Torque | 590 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
The AMG GT Black Series saw the M159 6.2-liter V-8 replaced by the 4.0-liter M178 twin-turbo V-8, with the Black Series variant featuring a flat-plane crankshaft version of this engine for enhanced responsiveness and power delivery. Despite its track-optimized aerodynamics, the AMG GT Black Series achieves a top speed exceeding 200 mph, showcasing its remarkable balance of downforce and outright speed.
2. 2009 Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss
Top Speed: 217 MPH
Unconventionally, one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models features a completely open cockpit: the 2009 Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss. This radical design choice prioritizes driving experience and minimizes weight. Its acceleration is breathtaking, reaching top speed in under a minute and completing the quarter-mile in just 11.6 seconds at 129.2 mph.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 3.3 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 217 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,457 pounds |
| Horsepower | 641 horsepower |
| Torque | 605 pound-feet |
| Layout | front engine, rear-wheel drive |
Power in the SLR Stirling Moss is delivered via a five-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission to the rear wheels. As a limited production model, the SLR Stirling Moss is highly exclusive and sought-after by collectors, commanding prices around three-quarters of a million dollars at auction, reflecting its rarity and unique design.
1. 2022 Mercedes AMG One Hybrid
Top Speed: 219 MPH
The 2022 Mercedes AMG One Hybrid sits at the apex of Mercedes-Benz performance. Engineered for the road but incorporating Formula 1 technology, the AMG One blurs the lines between road car and race car. This hypercar is a technological marvel, designed to deliver unparalleled speed and track capability.
Performance
| 0 to 60 MPH | 2.8 seconds |
|---|---|
| Top Speed | 219 MPH |
| Curb Weight | 3,737 pounds |
| Horsepower | 1,049 horsepower |
| Torque | 737 pound-feet |
| Layout | middle engine, all-wheel drive |
The AMG One is a hybrid marvel, featuring a 1.6-liter six-cylinder engine and four electric motors working in unison to produce over 1,000 horsepower. This complex powertrain propels the AMG One to the top of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models list. While its classification as a race car, supercar, or sports car is debated, its status as one of the fastest and most technologically advanced Mercedes vehicles ever created is undeniable, setting a new benchmark for Mercedes-AMG performance. As AMG continues to innovate, the pursuit of even greater speed and driving exhilaration remains firmly in their sights.
