All images courtesy of Mercedes-AMG.
For those with a need for velocity and a taste for luxury, Mercedes-Benz, especially through its AMG division, delivers an intoxicating blend of both. In 2022, the lineup showcased an impressive spectrum of high-performance vehicles, ranging from sophisticated sedans to breathtaking hypercars. While the automotive world eagerly anticipates the arrival of all-electric AMG EQ models, this year’s speed kings remain firmly rooted in combustion power, predominantly with roaring V8 engines. Let’s dive into the definitive list of the fastest Mercedes-Benz cars of 2022, with a special focus on the sedans that dominate the performance luxury segment.
#1: Mercedes-AMG ONE: The Hypercar Pinnacle – 2.6 Seconds
The Mercedes-AMG ONE stands as the undisputed champion of speed within the Mercedes-Benz family. After years of anticipation since its initial announcement in 2017, this Formula 1-derived hybrid hypercar finally emerged in its production form. Stepping beyond even the iconic CLK GTR, the AMG One marks a historic milestone as Mercedes-Benz’s first true hypercar, a testament to their long-standing legacy of motorsport dominance and engineering innovation.
At its heart lies a complex 1049 horsepower hybrid system. This technological marvel borrows a 1.6-liter V6 engine directly from Formula 1, synergized with not one, but four electric motors. These include an MGU-K connected to the crankshaft, an MGU-H integrated with the turbocharger, and twin motors propelling the front axle. The combustion engine itself screams to 11,000 RPM, generating 566 horsepower, complemented by electric motors producing 161, 121, and 161 horsepower respectively. An AMG Speedshift 8-speed automated manual transmission, chosen for its high-rev handling and weight efficiency, manages this immense power. This potent combination of lightweight construction, advanced aerodynamics, and overwhelming power catapults the AMG ONE from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 2.6 seconds, reaching a staggering top speed of 219 mph.
Exclusivity is paramount with the AMG One, limited to just 375 units globally, each carrying a price tag of $2.75 million. While technically a 2023 model in terms of delivery, its dynamic debut at the 2022 Goodwood Festival of Speed solidifies its place in the 2022 automotive conversation, especially considering all units were already spoken for.
#2: Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE: The Hybrid Sedan Redefining Fast – 2.9 Seconds
For those seeking blistering speed in a more accessible package, the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE emerges as the fastest production Mercedes-Benz currently available. This hybrid variant of the AMG GT four-door coupe redefines the concept of a high-performance sedan. Originally based on the CLS platform but significantly enhanced for sports car-like dynamics, the AMG GT four-door coupe has quickly become the benchmark for family-friendly performance from Affalterbach.
Expanding the AMG GT lineup to cater to diverse performance appetites, Mercedes-AMG introduced models ranging from the efficient AMG GT 43 to the formidable AMG GT 63S. However, the GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE takes the crown as the most powerful Mercedes-Benz production vehicle, excluding the hypercar AMG One. This range-topping model seamlessly integrates a potent 630-horsepower 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine with a 204-horsepower electric motor boosting the rear axle. This sophisticated hybrid system generates a combined output of 831 horsepower and a colossal 1,033 lb-ft of torque, distributed to all four wheels through the AMG Speedshift MCT 9G transmission.
These impressive figures translate into breathtaking real-world performance. The Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a scant 2.9 seconds and achieves a top speed of 196 mph. Starting at €196,897 in Europe, this powerhouse sedan is unfortunately not yet available for the US market, leaving American enthusiasts yearning for this ultimate expression of four-door performance.
#3: Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series: Track-Focused Coupe Prowess – 3.2 Seconds
The prestigious Black Series badge from AMG is reserved for truly exceptional vehicles, and the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series represents the pinnacle of AMG’s sporty coupe lineage. Since its debut in 2014, the AMG GT has evolved through various iterations, all powered by the signature 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine. In the Black Series guise, however, the AMG GT underwent a radical transformation, optimized for track dominance, and priced accordingly at $325,000.
The AMG GT Black Series received a comprehensive aerodynamic overhaul, a significantly lightened chassis through extensive use of carbon fiber including the driveshaft, and a meticulously recalibrated suspension system tuned for the rigors of track driving. The engine was also meticulously tuned to unleash 720 horsepower and 590 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the rear wheels via a fine-tuned 7-speed AMG Speedshift DCT transaxle.
This exceptional coupe is undeniably engineered for peak performance. In the hands of a skilled driver, its capabilities extend far beyond its impressive 0-60 mph sprint of 3.2 seconds. Its Nürburgring lap time of 6:43.616 stands as a testament to its track prowess, setting a new record for an unmodified production car and eclipsing the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ. For those fortunate enough to experience the AMG GT Black Series on the track, rather than simply as a collector’s item, it promises an unparalleled thrill.
#4: Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+: The Quintessential Fast Mercedes-Benz Sedan – 3.4 Seconds
For enthusiasts seeking the classic combination of power and sedan practicality, the Mercedes-AMG E 63 S 4MATIC+ delivers an exhilarating experience. This high-performance iteration of the E-Class is available in both sedan and wagon body styles, both sharing remarkably similar performance figures thanks to the handcrafted 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 nestled under their hoods. This model truly embodies what many consider the quintessential “fast Mercedes Benz sedan.”
The engine generates a robust 604 horsepower and 520 lb-ft of torque, channeled to all four wheels via the AMG Speedshift MCT 9-speed transmission. In sedan form, the 0-60 mph sprint is achieved in a mere 3.4 seconds, with the wagon variant trailing slightly at 3.5 seconds. Both body styles are electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph.
Recent announcements from Mercedes-Benz confirm that the E 63 S will mark the end of the V8 era for the AMG E-Class. To commemorate this milestone, Mercedes-AMG unveiled the Final Edition, limited to 999 units worldwide in both sedan and wagon configurations. The discontinuation of the V8 engine signifies the close of a chapter, solidifying the W213 generation E 63 S as one of the most iconic and sought-after sports sedans ever created. For those seeking the ultimate fast Mercedes Benz sedan with a V8, the E 63 S 4MATIC+ remains a top choice.
#5: Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+: Roadster Revival with Blistering Pace – 3.5 Seconds
Injecting fresh energy into the storied SL roadster lineage, the latest R232 SL is a complete AMG creation. Early impressions suggest it’s poised to redefine the nameplate, which had arguably lost some of its luster in recent years. While the entry-level 2022 Mercedes-AMG SL 43 features an innovative e-turbocharged four-cylinder engine, our focus for this list of the top 5 fastest Mercedes cars shifts to the Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+.
Powered by a potent 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 delivering 577 hp and 590 lb-ft of torque, the R232 SL 63 4MATIC+ currently sits as the flagship Sport Leicht roadster. Equipped with a 9-speed AMG Speedshift MCT transmission and 4MATIC+ all-wheel drive, this SL accelerates from 0 to 60 mph in a swift 3.5 seconds and can reach a top speed of 196 mph.
The Mercedes-AMG SL 63 4MATIC+ is anticipated to start around $180,000, though official pricing is yet to be confirmed. Notably, the US market will initially not receive the more affordable SL 43, making the 469-horsepower SL 55 the entry point to the new SL range.
In Conclusion
Mercedes-AMG continues to push the boundaries of automotive performance in 2022. While the hypercar AMG ONE rightly claims the top spot, the list highlights the breadth of AMG’s engineering prowess, particularly in the realm of high-performance sedans like the GT 63 S E PERFORMANCE and the E 63 S 4MATIC+. For those prioritizing both speed and four-door practicality, the Mercedes-AMG sedan lineup remains a force to be reckoned with, offering thrilling acceleration and luxurious appointments in equal measure. As we look towards the future of electric performance, these combustion-powered AMG models stand as a powerful testament to the legacy of speed at Mercedes-Benz.
