From the invention of the world's first patented gas-powered engine, Mercedes-Benz has come a long way. The brand's slogan "The Best or Nothing" demonstrates their desire to produce the best cars possible, which is why Mercedes today is synonymous with luxury and refinement.
Over the years, Mercedes-Benz has built some truly iconic sports cars such as the 1955 Mercedes 300SL Gullwing. In collaboration with AMG, some seriously powerful models have been produced. The cars on this list, reflective of the brand as a whole, demonstrate a range of body types and styles. From sleek coupes such as the SL 65 AMG Black Series to performance wagons like the E 63S and all-electric offerings such as the SLS AMG Electric Drive, they all have one thing in common, massive power. Here are the most powerful models Mercedes has ever built.
10 Mercedes AMG CLS 63 4MATIC (557 hp)
Produced between 2011 and 2017, the AMG CLS 63 offered buyers a sportier-looking saloon or shooting brake alternative to the C-Class. Under the hood is a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 allowing for a limited top speed of 155 mph and a 0-60 mph time of 4.1 seconds.
Fitted with an AMG rear-axle limited-slip differential lock as standard, traction is enhanced and more of the car's power can be transferred to the asphalt.
9 Mercedes-AMG E 63S (611 hp)
Available as both a saloon and a wagon, the Mercedes-AMG E 63S is a great daily driver. Reliable, fast, spacious, and good-looking, the E 63S will easily cope with the demands of everyday life. The car is so versatile you can fill it with stuff to take to the garbage tip, then go for a track day on the way home.
The car is powered by a turbocharged 4.0-liter V8 engine sending power to all four wheels via a 9-speed automatic transmission. 0-60 mph takes 3.5 seconds and the car's top speed is 186 mph.
8 Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (626 hp)
One of the most successful partnerships within motorsport, McLaren and Mercedes have had a lot of success in F1 together. Similarly, their collaboration has produced the excellent SLR McLaren. Essentiality, a very luxurious grand tourer with supercar performance.
The powerful 5.4-liter, 24-valve, supercharged V8 enables a 207-mph top speed and a 0-60 mph time of 3.8 seconds. Demonstrating the two companies' F1 involvement, the design of the SLR has certain standout features such as the pointed nose which emulates that of an F1 car.
7 Mercedes SLS AMG Black Series (631 hp)
Unsurprisingly on a list of the most powerful Mercedes cars ever, a third Black Series makes an appearance. Produced between 2013 and 2014, the SLS was a seriously fast car road-legal car. The top speed is 196 mph and 0-60 mph takes just 3.5 seconds.
The car is powered by a 6.2 liter V8 that produces an additional 59 hp compared to the standard SLS AMG. Other changes include stiffer suspension, a 75 kg weight reduction, and an 8000 rpm extended rev range.
6 Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss (650 hp)
Having an F1 driver as legendary as Stirling Moss in its name, the Mercedes SLR Stirling Moss creates a high level of expectation. Powering this limited-run car is a supercharged 5.4-liter V8 producing 650 hp.
The SLR Stirling Moss is a rare vehicle, just 75 examples have been produced. The car has a striking and unique design, the most obvious is the open cockpit. With a massive top speed of 217 mph, a helmet is definitely recommended.
5 Mercedes AMG EQS 53 4Matic+ (658 hp)
The AMG EQS 53 is a rapid all-electric saloon car. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a supposedly more environmentally friendly fast car. Fitted with a 107.8 kW battery, the car is capable of a 350-mile range. In reality, and especially if driven spiritedly, the real-world mileage is likely to be a fair bit lower.
The 0-60 mph run takes 3.8 seconds while the top speed is capped at 137 mph. Ever stringent emission regulations mean fast petrol-engined cars are unfortunately likely to become a dying breed, and the EQS demonstrates that powerful cars can continue to be produced with an electric powertrain.
4 Mercedes SL 65 AMG Black Series (670 hp)
The second Black Series vehicle on our list, the SL 65 is another very powerful Mercedes. Being a Black Series vehicle this car is significantly lighter than the standard SL 65 AMG and has more aggressive styling.
On the inside, carbon fiber buckets seats can be found. The car can complete 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds and its top speed is just shy of 200 mph. All of this power comes from a 6.0 liter twin-turbo V12 that has been specifically remapped for the Black Series.
3 Mercedes AMG GT Black Series (730 hp)
The most hardcore and track focussed version of the AMG GT. Compared to the GTR range, there have actually been a fair few modifications made. Firstly, while the same 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 can be found under the hood, the crankshaft is now flat-plane rather than cross-plane. Other changes include a 10mm lower ride height, adjustable front and rear torsion bars, and increased underbody strengthening.
The car is hugely expensive, with a list price of $325,000. The car's top speed is 201 mph while 0-62 mph takes 3.2 seconds. The car is part of a rare club, just 6 Black Series cars have ever been made.
2 Mercedes SLS AMG Electric Drive (751 hp)
Unveiled in 2012, the SLS AMG Electric Drive was really groundbreaking at the time. The car produced 751 hp from a combination of four electric motors: one per wheel.
The 0-6 mph run takes 3.9 seconds and the top speed was 155 mph. Compared to the standard SLS, the Electric Drive weighed significantly more, 1234 lbs, to be accurate.
1 Mercedes AMG GT 63 S E Performance (843 hp)
Topping our list, the massively powerful AMG GT 63 S E Performance produces 842 hp. Generating this power is a 639 hp AMG 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 combined with a 204 hp electric motor, making this a rapid hybrid.
The power doesn't go to waste, 0-60 mph is achieved in just 2.9 seconds. Electric-only range is fairly woeful, however, at just 7 miles! But drivers can travel at up to 80 mph during those limited miles. Given the motor combination and its associated weight, carbon-ceramic brakes are thankfully included as standard.