Trying to define Mercedes Benz is a difficult task, and that name means different things to many people. To some of you, it means automotive luxury, and you’ll imagine an S-class or even a Maybach. For others, it might be the long history Mercedes has in motorsport. For many though, three letters will come to mind: AMG
AMG is the performance division of Mercedes Benz, and they are responsible for creating the most powerful versions of each model on sale. Not every car is given the AMG treatment, but when they get their hands on something the results are often mind-blowing. Like the M division at BMW or Audi’s RS team, an AMG badge on your car can guarantee one thing; it’s going to be ridiculously quick.
You might be asking ‘how quick?’ and that’s a good question. After all, if AMG is working off a standard C Class from Mercedes, there must be some limits, right? Well let’s take a look at exactly how fast these cars become, and we’ll take you through the fastest Mercedes Benz models currently on sale.
So what are the fastest Mercedes Benz models on sale in 2023?
The Fastest Mercedes Benz Cars
In this article, we’ll look at the five fastest Mercedes Benz cars currently available to buy new. We’ve ranked these cars based on top speed, but you can also find out their horsepower, torque, 0-60 times, and more. Let’s get started with our fifth place entry…
5. Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S
The first car on our list is the C63 S. The latest C-Class AMG is another example of Mercedes managing to fit a ridiculous V8 engine into a mid-size saloon, and making it work. This version of the C63 S is extra special too, as Mercedes have recently announced their move to smaller engines with hybrid technology. That means no more V8 engines, making this the last in a long line.
Performance wise the C63 S will get you from 0 to 60 mph in 4 seconds flat, which is impressive, but not class-leading. You’ll find better stats in a BMW M3, but the V8 soundtrack almost makes up for this factor. Top speed is a different story, with the C63 S hitting 176mph. That number may be pointless to anyone not driving on the Autobahn, but it’s good to see MB acknowledge the power from that V8.
This isn’t a lightweight track car, and as such, you’ll find the C63 S a struggle in some situations. This is a car that can be pushed, just don’t expect to keep up with a 911 in the corners if you take this on a race track. Having said that, this current version feels more secure to drive than previous generations of the C63, so that’s a good sign.
Overall, the C63 S is a car you could drive daily. That V8 engine drinks fuel, but aside from that, it can pose as a family car without too many issues. Even at low speeds, it’s fun to drive, especially with the engine noise, and you have more than enough power whenever you need it.
| Horsepower – BHP | 503 |
| Torque – (Nm / lb-ft) | 700 / 516 |
| Top Speed (mph / kph) | 174 / 280 |
| 0 to 60 mph – seconds | 4.0 |
| Weight – (kg / lb) | 1,770 / 3,902 |
4. Mercedes Benz AMG E63 S
Next up we have the E63 S. This is the larger relative of the C Class, and in its normal spec the E Class is a premium saloon car, like the BMW 5 Series or Audi A6. The E63 S is a different beast though, and like the C63 S, it all starts with a V8 engine.
This time the V8 in question puts out 603 bhp, taking you from 0 to 60mph in 3.3 seconds. These are supercar stats, and like the BMW M5, the Germans have developed a specialty for turning luxury saloons into powerhouses. Bearing in mind this is a car that weighs nearly two tonnes dry, those numbers are simply stupid.
Find a track long enough and you can get the E63 S to 186mph, again beating some supercars. Everything about the performance of this car is an incredible achievement by the AMG team. Like the C 63 S, this looks likely to be the final V8 E Class we’ll ever see, and even if Mercedes can keep up these performance figures with a hybrid, it won’t be the same.
| Horsepower – BHP | 603 |
| Torque – (Nm / lb-ft) | 850 / 627 |
| Top Speed (mph / kph) | 186 / 299 |
| 0 to 60 mph – seconds | 3.3 |
| Weight – (kg / lb) | 1,935 / 4,265 |
3. Mercedes Benz AMG SL63 Performance
In third place is the AMG SL63. We are moving away from the super saloons now, and the SL represents Mercedes’ premium convertible. The SL sits in a strange place within the Mercedes Benz lineup, and it’s never sold in huge numbers, but the SL63 version deserves its place on our list today.
Once again, this car is powered by a V8 engine, this time with 577 bhp, and a staggering 664 lb-ft of torque. All this power results in a 0 to 60 time of 3.1 seconds, which is faster than a Ferrari Portofino. You might expect this speed to come from a lighter weight, but the SL still carries over 1,800kg, mostly thanks to the hardtop folding roof.
Overall the SL63 feels like an unnecessary car in the Mercedes lineup. For starters, you have the SL55, another high-performance SL model, with a still impressive 510 bhp, and almost 20% cheaper than the SL 63. The C Class and E Class also come with powerful convertible options, so you’re spoilt for choice here. Finally, at nearly $200,000 with options, this is Ferrari and Mclaren territory, with cars that are very hard to ignore.
| Horsepower – BHP | 577 |
| Torque – (Nm / lb-ft) | 900 / 664 |
| Top Speed – (mph / kph) | 196 / 315 |
| 0 to 60 mph – seconds | 3.1 |
| Weight – (kg / lb) | 1,840 / 4,059 |
2. Mercedes Benz AMG GTC Coupe
The runner-up on our list is the AMG GTC. The AMG GT range has taken plenty of headlines since Mercedes first released this new vehicle, and the GTC coupe has some stats that are worth writing about. All versions of the AMG GT have impressive performance figures, but the GTC stands out.
While 550 bhp might not seem that much considering what we’ve already seen, it’s the top speed that shines. At a maximum of 197mph this is a showcase car for Mercedes Benz, and although it’s common in the hypercar world these days, getting a car to almost 200mph is not an easy task.
The GTC is designed as a luxury grand tourer, sitting alongside the Aston Martin DB11, so acceleration isn’t a priority. That doesn’t make the GTC slow, with a 0 to 60 time of 3.7 seconds, but it’s not breaking any records. For the type of journeys most GTC owners will be taking, the performance is more than enough.
| Horsepower – BHP | 550 |
| Torque – (Nm / lb-ft) | 680 / 502 |
| Top Speed (mph / kph) | 197 / 317 |
| 0 to 60 mph – seconds | 3.7 |
| Weight – (kg / lb) | 1,672 / 3,686 |
1. Mercedes AMG GT Black Series Coupe
The top spot on our list goes to another AMG GT, this time it’s the Black Series. Mercedes have used the ‘Black Series’ moniker for a number of cars in their history, when they have stepped things up a level. To put it into simple terms, a Black Series badge means your car is almost too powerful for everyday roads.
This reputation continues with the AMG GT Black Series. This is the ultimate version of the AMG GT, with 720 bhp and a 0 to 60 time in under 3 seconds. That is true supercar territory, and this is definitely a supercar, in performance, looks and price. Starting at $325,000 this is a car built solely to show off the skills of the AMG division, and I have to admit it works.
If you have the budget for an AMG GT Black Series, you should know what you’re getting yourself in for. This is a track-focused car, make no mistake, and not suitable for daily driving. Everything on the Black Series is focused on performance, with a firmer suspension, an adjustable front splitter, and plenty of carbon fibre.
Want the fastest Mercedes Benz currently on sale? There’s nothing on the horizon that looks like it will beat the Black Series, so if you’re after performance, you better start saving up. Did we mention this also tops out over 200mph? If you needed any more convincing, that might have just done it…
| Horsepower – BHP | 730 |
| Torque – (Nm / lb-ft) | 800 / 590 |
| Top Speed (mph / kph) | 202 / 325 |
| 0 to 60 mph – seconds | 2.9 |
| Weight – (kg / lb) | 1,639 / 3,615 |
Summary
There we are; the five fastest Mercedes Benz cars you can buy right now. Like the other German manufacturers, it’s great to see Mercedes continue to produce performance saloons alongside their sportscars. For plenty of owners, a two-seater convertible like the SL63 will be top of their list, but there’s something special about a family car with over 500 bhp and a V8 inside.
5. Mercedes Benz AMG C63 S
4. Mercedes Benz AMG E63 S
3. Mercedes Benz AMG SL63 Performance
2. Mercedes Benz AMG GTC Coupe
1. Mercedes AMG GT Black Series Coupe
We are fortunate right now to see another Black Series model too. This is only the sixth car in Mercedes history to have that title, and for any of you that have the budget, it’s a car that is only going to appreciate in value over the years.
Finally, with Mercedes committing to a hybrid-focused platform in their next generation of performance cars, we’ll be saying goodbye to the V8s that have made so many models. I’m sure that the AMG team can continue their record of incredible performance, but it will certainly feel different, and if these are the last V8 models, it’s a great encore.
Thanks for reading. If you’ve enjoyed this article and want to find out more, check out the links below:
The Most Expensive Aston Martin Cars
Which Mercedes Benz Models Have Ambient Lighting?
The Most Expensive Lexus Sports Cars
Mercedes Driver Assistance Package Explained
