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Over the years, we’ve handpicked our favorite cars from Affalterbach, selecting the very best from Mercedes’ in-house tuner, AMG.
If you seek sharp handling and precision, a BMW M car is ideal. For blazing speed and performance, an Audi RS car is the way to go. But if you crave thrilling, sideways action and an exhilarating ride, a Mercedes-AMG is the perfect choice.
For decades, BMW M, Audi RS, and Mercedes-AMG have each had their unique personality. While their distinctions have blurred as they expand their vehicle ranges, Mercedes-AMG remains the wild, fun-loving rebel. These cars are like that one friend who’s always the life of the party—bold, over-the-top, and endlessly entertaining.
With over 50 years of tuning expertise and 25 years as an official division, AMG has crafted some of the most exciting Mercedes models ever. To celebrate their legacy, we’ve compiled a list of the top 10 AMG models, ranging from the exceptionally refined to the delightfully outrageous.
10. Mercedes G65 AMG
The G65 AMG earns a spot on our list not for its handling prowess—and while we haven’t driven one ourselves, we can safely say it’s not the sharpest performer.
Instead, it’s here because it’s hilariously over-the-top. Imagine a boxy, military-style SUV, wrapped in luxury leather and powered by a 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12 churning out 621 bhp. It’s so extravagantly out of sync with modern trends that the fact it was still sold in some markets until 2017 is truly astonishing.
And that’s exactly why we love it—a wild, unapologetic relic of excess that refuses to be forgotten.
9. Mercedes-AMG One
You know that famous Jurassic Park quote about scientists being so focused on whether they could that they never stopped to think if they should? That question must have echoed countless times during the five-year journey of turning the Mercedes-AMG One from concept to reality.
Can you build a road-legal car with a genuine Formula 1 engine? Yes. But should you? Even those who developed the AMG One might hesitate to say yes.
Very few have driven it—aside from Mercedes engineers, select journalists, and deep-pocketed owners who may never take it beyond their climate-controlled garages. Still, as an engineering marvel, its very existence secures its place on this list.
8. Mercedes SL73 AMG
AMG models are now a common sight in the Mercedes lineup, but in the early days, they were far more exclusive and rare. This exclusivity was especially evident in the AMG-tuned versions of the R129 SL during the 1990s, making them some of the most unique and sought-after models of that era.
The ultimate AMG creation for the R129 SL was the SL73 AMG, a time when badges reflected engine sizes. Under its hood was a massive 7.3-liter V12, delivering an impressive 518bhp—all within a car that looked nearly identical to the modest SL280.
As a true engineering masterpiece, this powerhouse engine later found its way into the Pagani Zonda, further cementing its legendary status in automotive history.
7. Mercedes E63 Estate W212
It might be a car journalist cliché, but no AMG list is complete without a high-performance estate. Our pick? The pre-facelift W212 E63—or the S212, if you prefer the estate version. This model perfectly blends practicality with raw power, making it a standout among performance wagons.
This luxurious estate featured a spacious boot while secretly housing AMG’s monstrous 6.2-liter M156 naturally aspirated V8 under the bonnet—despite Mercedes’ long-standing claim that it was a 6.3-liter. If you’re concerned about fuel economy, well, that wasn’t exactly a priority here.
And just a heads-up: this won’t be the last time you see an M156-powered beast on this list!
6. Mercedes-AMG GT R
The AMG GT showed promise, but it was the GT R that truly proved AMG’s expertise extended beyond just smoking tires. While it still had that wild, adrenaline-fueled spirit, the GT R also displayed precision and skill, making it a serious contender among top drivers’ cars, challenging even the best from BMW—and dare we say it, Porsche.
Building upon the standard AMG GT, the GT R took everything to the extreme—wider, lower, lighter, and sharper. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 cranked out a thrilling 577bhp, but the real game-changer was its nine-stage traction control, which let drivers toggle from stable and secure to full-on chaos, hoping the trees stay out of the way. Wrapped in an aggressively widened body, the GT R was a true Porsche 911 GT3 rival, proving that AMG wasn’t just here to play—it was here to dominate.
5. Mercedes SLS AMG
The SLS AMG could have been just a flashy tribute to the past, remembered solely for its iconic gullwing doors. But instead, it became so much more—a breathtaking grand tourer that blended elegance and power, all thanks to the legendary 6.2-liter M156 V8, making it an unforgettable masterpiece in the AMG lineup.
While the hardcore Black Series was undeniably impressive, the original SLS stands out for its timeless beauty. It may not have been the sharpest or most refined supercar, but that was never its purpose. Designed for long, luxurious journeys, it delivered an electrifying V8 soundtrack, all while making a bold statement with its signature gullwing doors—a true symbol of style and performance.
4. Mercedes CLK GTR
No worries! Here’s the info you’re looking for… just kidding.
The CLK GTR might not have AMG in its name, but since it was built at Affalterbach, it unquestionably deserves a spot on this list. And honestly, do we even need to explain why?
No ’90s GT1 racing homologation special is as insanely cool as the CLK GTR. Under the hood, it packed a monstrous 6.9-liter V12, delivering a staggering 622bhp. While it was essentially a road-legal race car, it still managed to feature a surprisingly luxurious interior. The designers even attempted to connect it to the more conventional CLK coupe by borrowing elements like the grille, headlights, and taillights—a move that was both amusing and oddly effective.
And speaking of CLKs…
3. Mercedes CLK DTM AMG
Choosing between the DTM and Black Series versions of the second-gen C209 CLK coupe was no easy task, but in the end, the DTM model won out.
The CLK DTM was a pleasant surprise, far beyond just a commemorative edition with stickers and plaques. Instead, Mercedes-AMG went all out, crafting a wider, lighter, and more aggressive machine. Under the hood, it packed a 5.4-liter V8, pushing it to an impressive 199 mph, even outpacing the later Black Series.
And the real kicker? It was also available as a convertible, a feature that still amazes and delights enthusiasts today!
2. Mercedes AMG Hammer
Second place goes to the Hammer, a true icon from the pre-Mercedes AMG era. If you haven’t heard of it, this beast was a heavily modified W124 Mercedes, the predecessor to the E-Class. Even before Mercedes fully took over, AMG had already crafted a high-performance version, rivaling the Porsche-assembled 500E.
The Hammer came in multiple versions, with the top model featuring a 6.0-liter V8 pumping out 375bhp—insanely powerful for a practical saloon in the late ’80s. It was available as a saloon, a coupe, and even a one-off estate, all sporting flared bodywork, sleek black paint, and body-colored split-rim wheels.
But what truly makes it legendary and almost earns it the top spot? Its unforgettable name—The Hammer.
1. Mercedes C63 AMG Black Series
The hardcore Black Series models have always been among the most revered AMGs, and we believe the C63 Black Series stands at the pinnacle of this legendary lineup. Under the hood, it packed the M156 V8, now tuned to unleash a mighty 510bhp, accompanied by an exhilarating roar that defines AMG’s raw power.
Beyond its brutal engine, the C63 Black Series came with a host of chassis upgrades, including fully adjustable KW suspension, a limited-slip differential, and a three-stage stability control system. These enhancements didn’t just sharpen handling—they enabled the car to perform long, smoky drifts, embodying the quintessential AMG driving experience.
Visually, the C63 Black Series sported aggressively widened bodywork, giving it an intimidating presence on the road. Much like the BMW M3 CSL, it took a compact executive coupe and transformed it into an ultra-cool, high-performance street machine. This perfect blend of power, style, and sheer driving pleasure is what earns the C63 Black Series the top spot on our list.
Conclusion
Mercedes-AMG has consistently crafted extraordinary performance machines, seamlessly blending luxury with raw power. From the legendary Hammer to the groundbreaking AMG One, each model reflects the brand’s relentless pursuit of engineering excellence and exhilarating driving dynamics.
Whether it’s the brute force of the SLS AMG or the track-honed precision of the C63 Black Series, every car on this list marks a pivotal moment in AMG’s storied history. But these machines are about more than just blistering speed—they embody a deep passion for driving, solidifying AMG’s iconic status in the automotive world.
