Mercedes-Benz boasts a rich history of producing high-performance vehicles, and when it comes to speed, the German manufacturer consistently pushes boundaries. While “fast” can be subjective, often referring to top speed or acceleration, Mercedes-Benz, particularly its Mercedes-AMG division, excels in both. Mercedes-AMG, the performance arm of Mercedes-Benz, is renowned for creating models that are not just luxurious but also incredibly fast.
In our exploration of The Fastest Mercedes Car, we’ll primarily focus on top speed as the defining metric. Interestingly, the vehicles with the highest top speeds are also exceptionally quick in terms of acceleration. Let’s delve into the models that top the charts.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: The Top Speed Champion
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR is an icon of the 90s, originally built for racing homologation, and its design remains strikingly aggressive even today. Of the 26 units produced, including 20 coupes and 6 roadsters, only five were equipped with the exclusive Super Sport package, elevating their performance and rarity.
A standard Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR, even in its base form, is a performance marvel. Its 6.9-litre engine delivers 604bhp, allowing it to accelerate from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 214mph. These figures were astounding when the CLK GTR debuted in 1997, and they remain impressive today. However, to claim the title of the fastest Mercedes car in terms of top speed, Mercedes-Benz took it a step further in 2002 with the Super Sport version.
The Super Sport variant saw the engine capacity increased to a massive 7.3-litres. This engine might sound familiar to automotive enthusiasts as it’s the same powerplant used in the legendary Pagani Zonda hypercar. With this enhanced engine, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport achieved a staggering top speed of 231mph, cementing its place as the fastest Mercedes car in terms of outright velocity. The 0 to 62mph sprint was also improved to just 3.6 seconds.
While the CLK GTR Super Sport holds the top speed record, the next car on our list, with its Formula One connection, might outperform it on a race track.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology for the Road
Imagine taking Formula One technology and engineering and applying it to a road-legal car. The result is the awe-inspiring Mercedes-AMG One. Unsurprisingly, this hypercar is a product of Mercedes-AMG, the division dedicated to pushing the boundaries of performance within the Mercedes-Benz brand.
What might be unexpected is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-litre engine. However, this isn’t just any 1.6-litre engine; it’s a highly advanced, turbocharged unit working in conjunction with four electric motors. This hybrid powertrain delivers breathtaking performance, propelling the AMG One from 0 to 62mph in a blistering 2.9 seconds and achieving a top speed of 219mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One represents the closest experience to driving a Formula 1 car on public roads. Mercedes-AMG has leveraged its extensive F1 expertise to create a road car that embodies cutting-edge engineering and performance. While its top speed is slightly lower than the CLK GTR Super Sport, the AMG One’s advanced technology and track-focused design undoubtedly make it the fastest Mercedes car around a circuit. Its lap times would be nothing short of phenomenal.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: Open-Top Speed Legend
It’s fitting that one of the fastest Mercedes cars is named after a legendary racing driver and benefits from the expertise of supercar manufacturer McLaren. The Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss pays homage to Sir Stirling Moss, an iconic figure in motorsport history, particularly renowned for his association with Mercedes-Benz. The car draws inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR, which Sir Stirling Moss famously drove to a record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia.
Limited to just 75 examples in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is a truly special machine. It features a powerful 5.4-litre V8 engine producing 641bhp, enabling a 0 to 62mph sprint in just over 3 seconds and a top speed of 217mph. Remarkably, this performance is achieved without a windscreen, offering a truly visceral driving experience.
Originally priced around £700,000, the SLR Stirling Moss, like other limited-edition cars of its caliber and with its connection to a racing legend, has seen its value skyrocket. Today, prices easily exceed £2 million. Driving this open-top speedster might require a helmet and goggles, but the experience would be unforgettable.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another Mercedes-AMG model on our list, the Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series, will come as no surprise to those familiar with the Black Series designation. These models represent the pinnacle of AMG’s track-focused performance.
The aggressive styling and prominent rear wing of the GTR Black Series immediately signal its intentions: this is an exceptionally fast Mercedes. At its heart lies a potent 4.0-litre, twin-turbocharged V8 engine generating a massive 720bhp. Power is delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The GTR Black Series accelerates from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.2 seconds and reaches a top speed of 202mph. It’s a formidable machine designed for both road and track dominance.
Other Fast Mercedes-Benz Models: Speed in Everyday Form
While the previous models occupy the realm of supercars and hypercars, it’s important to acknowledge that many “regular” Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those from Mercedes-AMG, are incredibly fast, especially in real-world driving scenarios.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance. This model achieves 0 to 62mph in a staggering 2.8 seconds, making it the quickest accelerating AMG production car ever. In terms of initial acceleration, it surpasses all the cars mentioned above, although its top speed is electronically limited to 199mph.
The four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon offers similar blistering performance. It accelerates from 0 to 62mph in 2.9 seconds and boasts a top speed of 196mph. This is remarkable performance for a practical four-door sedan, highlighting Mercedes-AMG’s ability to blend performance with everyday usability.
Even in the popular SUV segment, Mercedes-AMG delivers impressive speed. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can sprint from 0 to 62mph in just 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171mph. This demonstrates that even a practical SUV can offer exhilarating performance within the Mercedes-AMG family.
Finding Your Fast Mercedes-Benz
While acquiring one of the top four models listed might be a challenge due to their rarity and price, the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG ranges offer a wide selection of fast and exhilarating vehicles. Whether you prioritize outright top speed, track performance, or rapid acceleration in a more practical package, Mercedes-Benz has a model to suit your needs. Explore the Mercedes-AMG lineup to discover your own version of the fastest Mercedes car for your driving desires.
