Aufrecht Melcher Großaspach, more commonly known as AMG, can trace its roots back to 1965. To celebrate Mercedes-Benz at its most bonkers, we pick 25 of the best AMG cars.
AMG 300 SEL ‘Red Pig’ (1971)
Messrs Aufrecht and Melcher created the AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 in 1971 and it finished second overall at the 24 Hours of Spa. The ‘Red Pig’ was the first major milestone on the AMG journey.
Mercedes-Benz 300 E 5.6 AMG (1986)
AMG moved to its current home in Affalterbach in 1976 and, 10 years later, created the 5.6-litre V8 300 E. At the time it was the fastest production saloon car in the world.
Mercedes-Benz 190 E AMG (1989)
The 225hp 190 E AMG is significant for being the first AMG model to be available through Mercedes-Benz dealerships and with a full M-B warranty.
Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG (1993)
The 280hp C 36 AMG of 1993 is even more significant, as it was the first AMG car to be jointly developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. Looks remarkably subtle by modern standards.
Mercedes-Benz SL 73 AMG (1995)
The SL 73 AMG is a rare beast, as only 85 were ever made. It was a tad heavy and very, very expensive, but who wouldn’t want a 7.3-litre V12 SL? With a fuel card, preferably.
Mercedes-Benz S 70 AMG (1996)
Talking of rarities, how about the S 70 AMG? Only 112 of these Autobahnstormers were built, each one with a 500-horsepower 7.0-liter V12 engine.
Mercedes-Benz C 43 AMG (1997)
The C 43 AMG of 1997 was a tad more affordable, but no less alluring. Available as a saloon or estate, it was powered by a V8 engine developing 306-horsepower.
Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR (1999)
The first of the Top Trumps-winning AMG cars. The CLK GTR was created for homologation purposes and only 26 were built (20 coupes, six roadsters).
Pagani Zonda C12 (1999)
Yes, we know the Pagani Zonda doesn’t wear an AMG badge, but it has the beating heart of Affalterbach. Power was sourced from the same 7.3-liter found in the earlier SL 73 AMG.
Mercedes-Benz E 55 AMG (2002)
The year 2002 was a big one for Mercedes-AMG. Five new models were launched, including the E 55 AMG super-saloon, which represents a formidable used car bargain.
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren (2004)
Formula One technology and a hand-built supercharged AMG V8 engine. What’s not to like about the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren?
Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG (2004)
It’s hardly a name that rolls off the tongue, but the Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG was capable of giving supercars a bloody nose. Top speed was knocking on 200mph and it would sprint to 60mph in 3.8 seconds.
Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Black Series (2006)
The first Black Series car arrived in 2006, in the form of the Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG. These track-focused special editions were designed for those who found ‘standard’ AMG products just a tad tame.
Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series (2007)
Designed to take on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, the CLK 63 AMG Black Series of 2007 was a brutal machine. Jeremy Clarkson bought one. And then complained about it. A lot.
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Estate (2008)
There have been many Mercedes-AMG F1 safety cars over the years, but the C 63 AMG Estate is one of our favourites. Under the bonnet you’d find a hand-crafted 6.2-litre V8 engine. Nice.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (2009)
The gull-winged SLS was the first car developed entirely by AMG and was designed to be a successor to the SLR McLaren. It featured the same 6.2-litre engine you’d find in the C 63.
Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black Series (2009)
What an absolute legend of a car. Top speed limited to 199mph and a 0-60 time of 3.8 seconds provide some clues as to this track warrior’s potential. It cost £250,000 when new.
Mercedes-Benz S 63 AMG (2010)
One of the world’s greatest limos treated to a full-fat AMG makeover. What’s not to like about that? Later, it would be offered as a coupe, too.
Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG Coupe (2011)
Could this be one of the most accomplished AMG cars of all time? It was the last AMG C-class to have a naturally-aspirated engine, meaning superb throttle response.
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Roadster (2012)
How would sir like his SLS? Coupe, with the iconic gullwing doors? Or Roadster, to enjoy the magnificence of the 6.3-litre V8 engine? We’d take the latter, please.
Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMG (2013)
Mercedes-Benz has been accused of diluting the AMG brand in recent years, but the A 45 AMG proves it can also get it right. This is a hot hatch, AMG-style. Bonkers, but brilliant.
Mercedes-Benz G 63 AMG 6×6 (2013)
And speaking of bonkers… We could have included the ‘normal’ G 63 AMG, but that would be foolish when there’s a 6×6 in existence.
Mercedes-AMG C 63 AMG (2015)
For similar reasons, we’d probably opt for the estate version of the current C 63 AMG. The modern version isn’t quite a match for its forebears, but it remains a formidable machine.
Mercedes-AMG GT S (2015)
And then there’s the achingly good looking Mercedes-AMG GT S. It boasts a fantastic chassis and a soundtrack to rival that of the Stuttgart Radio Symphony Orchestra.
Mercedes-AMG GT R (2016)
In June 2016, none other than Lewis Hamilton helped Mercedes-AMG reveal a new 585hp AMG GT R. This is the AMG GT at its most hardcore, with a stiffer chassis, rear-wheel steering and a huge wing. How does 0-62mph in 3.6 seconds and a top speed of 197mph grab you?
- Track test: which is the best Mercedes-AMG GT?
- Mercedes-AMG GLA45: the quickest ugly car on sale
- Mercedes-Benz EQC electric SUV is Germany’s first response to Tesla and Jaguar