Mercedes-Benz has long been synonymous with luxury and performance, and their history is rich with models that have pushed the boundaries of speed. When we talk about the “Fastest Mercedes,” we’re often considering both top speed and acceleration, particularly the 0 to 62mph (0-100 km/h) sprint. And naturally, the Mercedes-AMG division, the high-performance arm of the brand, is usually at the forefront of creating these speed demons.
While “fast” can be subjective, for this exploration of the fastest Mercedes, we will primarily focus on top speed as the defining factor. Interestingly, models that achieve incredible top speeds are also typically exceptionally quick off the line, demonstrating overall engineering prowess.
Let’s dive into some of the most breathtakingly fast Mercedes models ever produced.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport: The 90s Speed Icon
An absolute legend from the 1990s, the Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR was conceived for racing homologation, resulting in a road car that looks as extreme today as it did upon release. Only 26 examples were ever manufactured – 20 coupes and 6 roadsters – making it incredibly exclusive. Among these, a mere five were equipped with the coveted Super Sport package, elevating their rarity and, crucially, their speed.
Even the ‘standard’ CLK GTR (pictured above) is a marvel. Housing a massive 6.9-liter engine generating 604 horsepower, it could launch from 0 to 62mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and reach a top speed of 214mph. These figures were astonishing in 1997 when the CLK GTR was first unveiled and remain impressive even by today’s standards. However, to truly claim the title of the fastest Mercedes, it needed to be even quicker. Mercedes answered this call in 2002 with the Super Sport version. This iteration saw the engine displacement increased to a monstrous 7.3-liter. If that engine size sounds familiar, it’s because this very engine became the heart of the iconic Pagani Zonda hypercar.
So, is it possible that a car designed over two decades ago still holds the crown for the fastest Mercedes-Benz in terms of top speed? In this case, the answer is a resounding yes. The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR Super Sport achieved a staggering top speed of 231mph and could accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 3.6 seconds.
While it may reign supreme in top speed, the next car on our list, with its direct lineage to Formula One technology, might just outperform it on a race track.
Mercedes-AMG One: Formula 1 Technology for the Road
Imagine taking the essence of a Formula 1 car and making it road legal. The result is the breathtaking Mercedes-AMG One.
Unsurprisingly, this hypercar is a product of Mercedes-AMG, the performance division consistently responsible for the most exhilarating and fast Mercedes models. The AMG One represents the pinnacle of their engineering and performance focus.
What might come as a surprise is the AMG One’s relatively small 1.6-liter engine. However, this isn’t just any 1.6-liter engine. It’s a highly advanced, turbocharged hybrid system augmented by four electric motors. This complex powertrain delivers a mind-blowing 0 to 62mph sprint in a mere 2.9 seconds and propels the AMG One to a top speed of 219mph.
The Mercedes-AMG One is the closest you can get to experiencing a road-legal Formula 1 car. Mercedes-AMG has directly applied their Formula 1 expertise and cutting-edge technology to create this marvel of automotive engineering. On a track, the AMG One is poised to obliterate lap records with its advanced aerodynamics, sophisticated suspension, and relentless power delivery.
While its top speed is slightly lower than the CLK GTR Super Sport, the AMG One, being a showcase of the latest state-of-the-art engineering and drawing heavily from Formula 1, is arguably the fastest Mercedes road car in terms of overall track performance and technological innovation.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Stirling Moss: Open-Top Speed Legend
It’s fitting that one of the fastest Mercedes-Benz models is named after a legendary racing driver and benefits from the expertise of supercar manufacturer McLaren.
Sir Stirling Moss, an icon of motorsport, had a significant history with Mercedes-Benz, most notably driving the Mercedes-Benz Type W196S 300 SLR. The SLR McLaren Stirling Moss pays homage to this heritage, inspired by Sir Stirling Moss’s record-breaking victory in the 1955 Mille Miglia in the 300 SLR.
Limited to just 75 examples produced in 2009, the SLR Stirling Moss is an open-top speedster, dispensing with a traditional windshield for an utterly visceral driving experience. It boasts a 5.4-liter V8 engine producing 641 horsepower, enabling a 0 to 62mph acceleration in just over 3 seconds and a breathtaking top speed of 217mph – all achieved without the protection of a windscreen.
Upon its release, the car carried a price tag of around £700,000. However, as is typical with such limited-edition vehicles, especially one named after a racing legend, prices have now soared well beyond £2 million. Owning and driving an SLR Stirling Moss is an investment in automotive history and pure, unadulterated speed, though a helmet and goggles are highly recommended.
Mercedes-AMG GTR Black Series: Track-Focused Fury
Another high-performance creation from Mercedes-AMG, the GTR Black Series, will surprise no one familiar with the intensity of the Black Series designation. These models represent the most extreme, track-focused iterations within the AMG lineup.
The aggressive styling, dominated by a massive rear wing and aerodynamic enhancements, immediately signals the GTR Black Series’s intentions: to be an ultra-fast Mercedes, both on the road and, especially, on the track.
At its heart lies a potent 4.0-liter, twin-turbocharged V8 engine that unleashes a monstrous 720 horsepower. This power is channeled to the rear wheels through a rapid-shifting 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The result is a 0 to 62mph sprint in a blistering 3.2 seconds, and the GTR Black Series doesn’t stop accelerating until it reaches a top speed of 202mph. This car is designed for maximum performance, offering incredible grip, handling, and raw speed.
Beyond Supercars: Fast Mercedes in the Real World
While the previous four models firmly reside in the supercar and hypercar realm, it’s important to acknowledge that many more ‘mainstream’ Mercedes-Benz models, particularly those bearing the Mercedes-AMG badge, are remarkably fast, especially in everyday driving scenarios.
Consider the Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance, for instance. Its 0 to 62mph time of just 2.8 seconds makes it the quickest accelerating AMG model ever produced. This means it’s actually faster to 62mph than all the supercars mentioned above, even if its top speed is ‘limited’ to 199mph.
Then there’s the incredibly practical four-door Mercedes-AMG GT 63 S E Performance saloon. This family-friendly sedan can rocket from 0 to 62mph in a mere 2.9 seconds and reach a top speed of 196mph. These figures are astonishing for a car designed with everyday usability and passenger comfort in mind.
Even the ever-popular SUV segment isn’t immune to the fast Mercedes treatment. The Mercedes-AMG GLC SUV can achieve 0 to 62mph in a rapid 3.5 seconds and reach a top speed of 171mph. This level of performance in a practical SUV body style is a testament to Mercedes-AMG’s engineering capabilities.
Find Your Perfect Fast Mercedes-Benz or Mercedes-AMG with Stratstone
While the top-tier fastest Mercedes models like the CLK GTR Super Sport and AMG One are exceptionally rare, the Mercedes-Benz and Mercedes-AMG lineups offer a wide spectrum of models that deliver thrilling performance and impressive speed.
Explore our current Mercedes-Benz new car offers to discover your ideal fast Mercedes. Alternatively, delve into our dedicated Mercedes-AMG section to explore the full range of high-performance models and browse our latest Mercedes-AMG offers.
If you enjoyed learning about these incredible machines, discover more articles like this in our dedicated blog section, covering a wide range of automotive topics and manufacturers.
