The Best Mercedes Benz Sports Cars of All Time
We rank Mercedes Benz's most notable, desirable, and hardcore cars. Updated annually, or whenever a new entrant is released.
About Our Selections
Mercedes-Benz is a powerhouse in the automotive industry for several reasons. Their commitment to engineering excellence and innovation stands out among competitors. With over a century of experience, Mercedes-Benz has consistently pushed boundaries, leading the way in technology and setting industry standards.
The exceptional quality and craftsmanship of Mercedes-Benz vehicles are genuinely remarkable. However, one aspect that has been definitive in the history of Mercedes-Benz vehicles is performance. Whether it's their sporty sedans, coupes, or cutting-edge AMG models, the German automaker has a remarkable lineup of sports cars.
These iconic models are symbols of timeless appeal, boasting robust powertrains and a design language faithful to their German roots. All the cars on our list are visually captivating and easily recognizable without being overly styled, always prioritizing advanced engineering and high performance.
Today we celebrate the most iconic sports cars ever made by Mercedes-Benz.
The Most Notable & Desirable Mercedes-Benz Cars Ever Made
The models in this category have a high collector's status and inherent value because of their impact on the industry.
Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evo II
The homologation gem
What Makes It Special
There are several reasons why the 190E Evolution II is so desirable. First, its initial production run in 1990 was only 502 units, making it highly sought-after among collectors.
Second, the 190E Evolution II boasted some impressive performance capabilities. Mercedes relied on British automotive engineering company Cosworth to develop a new head and all the necessary parts to create a twin-cam, 16-valve competition engine. Racing rules required a homologated road-going version to allow the rally version to compete.
The 190E Evolution II has a 2.5-liter, 16-valve inline-four engine that generates 232 horsepower at the rear wheels. It featured a dog-leg five-speed manual and limited-slip differential and could go from 0 to 60 mph in 6.9 seconds. The car showcased its performance on the racetrack, specifically in the Touring Car Championship (DTM), and succeeded wildly.
Lastly, the allure of the 190E Evolution II lies in its timeless and captivating design. Today, its sleek and aggressive aesthetics continue to turn heads. For those seeking a combination of rarity, speed, and aesthetics, the Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II presents a choice. However, owning one comes at a premium price due to its exclusivity.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 2.5L DOHC 16-Valve Inline-Four
Power: 235 hp
Torque: 181 ft-lbs @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Mercedes-Benz 190E Evolution II has a remarkable racing pedigree thanks to its success in the German Touring Car Championship (DTM). In the 1992 season, the 190E 2.5-16 Evo 2 won 16 out of 24 races and took the top three spots in the drivers' standings.
The 190E Evolution II also performed excellently in the 1993 FIA World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), winning two races and finishing third in the manufacturers' championship.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR
A sick, road-legal race car
What Makes It Special
The Mercedes-Benz CLK GTR stands out as a supercar manufactured in limited numbers in the late 1990s. It marked Mercedes's initial venture into hypercars, boasting a mid-mounted 6.9-liter DOHC V12 engine that delivers an astonishing 604 horsepower and propels the car from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds. These are impressive numbers, even by modern standards.
Designed to compete in the FIA GT1 World Championship, the CLK GTR enjoyed success in that series. It clinched the championship title in both 1997 and 1998. It emerged victorious at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1998.
The CLK GTR distinguishes itself in many ways. Firstly, it's one of the race cars that's also street-legal. Secondly, it offers speed and power, genuinely leaving an impression. Lastly, its design is breathtakingly beautiful, capturing attention effortlessly.
If you are a fan of supercars, then the Mercedes-Benz CLK-GTR is a car you need to know about. This exceptional vehicle epitomizes the echelons of engineering and stands as a testament to unparalleled innovation in the industry.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 6.9L DOHC V12
Power: 612 hp
Torque: 568 ft-lbs @ 5,250 rpm
Transmission: 6-speed manual
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The CLK GTR was a racing car playing a crucial role in reestablishing Mercedes Benz's dominance in motorsport. It won the FIA GT Championship in 1997 and 1998. To add to their accomplishments, Bernd Schneider and Klaus Ludwig, the drivers of the CLK GTR, clinched the drivers' championship in both those years.
Furthermore, out of 22 races, the CLK GTR triumphed in 17, with its performance reflected in setting the fastest lap time in those same 17 races.
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Mercedes-Benz SL600 R129
The cool, classy convertible
What Makes It Special
The Mercedes-Benz SL600 R129, produced from 1993 to 2002, was part of the iconic SL-Class and holds a special place in automotive history. Today, it's a sought-after classic car because its classic roadster profile combines luxury, performance, and style, which are hard to find in any other vehicle, and because it had a limited production of 11,086 units.
The SL600 R129 is known for its luxurious grand touring capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and timeless design. For instance, the retractable hardtop allowed drivers to effortlessly convert the car from a coupe to a roadster, offering versatility for various driving conditions.
Additionally, it was the last V12-powered SL-Class roadster. This 6.0-liter unit produced 389 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque sent to the rear wheels, giving the SL600 plenty of poke for effortless cruising or spirited driving and going from 0 to 60 in 5.9 seconds.
And we're not forgetting about the SL600's luxurious interior, with features like heated and ventilated seats and a burl walnut dashboard. The SL600 was simply a beautiful car with sleek lines and a classic roadster profile.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 6.0L 48-Valve DOHC V12
Power: 389 hp
Torque: 420 ft-lbs @ 3,800 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Mercedes-Benz SL 600 R129 was not explicitly intended for racing. It belonged to the SL Class, which primarily emphasized luxury, comfort, and grand touring features.
Even though the SL 600 R129 doesn't have a racing history, car enthusiasts still hold it in high regard and respect as a timeless classic. Its exquisite design, impressive performance, and advanced engineering contribute to its lasting appeal.
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Mercedes-Benz 300 SL
The gullwing
What Makes It Special
Enthusiasts and experts agree that the Mercedes-Benz SLS 300 is one of the greatest cars ever made. It gained fame for being among the sports cars to boast gullwing doors, which open upwards, resembling a seagull's wings.
Originally designed to facilitate access in a vehicle with a roofline, these doors soon became a distinctive and instantly recognizable feature of the Mercedes-Benz SL300.
Ferdinand Porsche drew inspiration from the racing cars of the 1950s when designing the Gullwing, giving the 300 SL its iconic shape.
A solid 3.0L inline-six engine complemented the car's beautiful design. This remarkable powertrain provided 215 hp, allowing the vehicle to reach a speed of 163 mph, which was very fast at the time.
During its time, the 300 SL Gullwing was considered a high-luxury vehicle. For instance, its interior boasted leather trimmings and offered various amenities, including a heater, radio, and power-operated soft top.
With 1,400 units produced, the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Gullwing remains highly coveted by collectors worldwide.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 3.0L SOHC Inline-Six
Power: 240 hp
Torque: 217 ft-lbs @ 4,800 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Mercedes-Benz SLS 300 boasts several achievements in motorsport, including the Carrera Panamericana in Mexico in 1952 and 1953. Then, in 1955, it clinched the Mille Miglia, a grueling 1,000-mile race through Italy, and the Sebring 12 Hours in Florida with none other than Juan Manuel Fangio behind the wheel.
The SLS 300's racing success and timeless silhouette helped solidify Mercedes-Benz's reputation as a leading company in high-performance automobiles. The car's gullwing doors and sleek styling made it an icon of 1950s automotive design.
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The Best Performing Cars From Mercedes-Benz
Performance machines on and off the track, these sports cars from Mercedes-Benz helped solidify the German automaker's reputation as an engineering powerhouse.
SLR McLaren 722
A match made in heaven
What Makes It Special
Mercedes-Benz's passion for high-performance sports cars was reignited when they teamed up with McLaren to continue the legacy of the SLR. The modern SLR intelligently combines design influences from the SLR and the 2003 Formula 1 Silver Arrows, bringing cutting-edge motorsport technology to the streets like the iconic SLR Coupe did back in 1955.
The collaboration between Mercedes-Benz and McLaren in Formula 1 showcases both companies' expertise in crafting high-performance machines, resulting in groundbreaking advancements, breathtaking capabilities both on and off the track, and exceptional driving dynamics in the SLR.
This remarkable collaboration truly honors the heritage of Mercedes-Benz and McLaren, pushing the boundaries of automotive excellence.
This contemporary version of the SLR embraces state-of-the-art technology, evident in the V8 engine under its hood. With a displacement of 5.5 liters and a screw-type compressor, the SLR unleashes 617 horsepower and 575 lb-ft of torque, available between 3,250 and 5,000 rpm.
With such output, the car ranks among the finest in its class. It can go from 0 to 60 mph in a mere 3.8 seconds and has a top speed of 207 mph.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.4 SOHC Supercharged V8
Power: 617 hp
Torque: 575 ft-lbs @ 3,750 rpm
Transmission: 5-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The SLR was mainly created as a top-notch road vehicle. Even though it incorporated design aspects from the Mercedes-Benz Formula 1 Silver Arrows, its primary purpose wasn't competitive racing.
That being said, there were some racing variations and exclusive editions of the SLR that did take part in racing events and competitions. A notable example is the Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren 722 GT, a version of the SLR focused on track performance but sadly not a suitable race series.
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Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series
From Formula 1 to the streets
What Makes It Special
The CLK63 AMG Black Series stands out for several reasons. Firstly, its production was limited to 700 units, making it rare and coveted by car enthusiasts.
Secondly, the CLK63 AMG Black Series was specifically designed to focus on track performance. It boasts enhancements like a powerful engine, a firmer suspension, and wider tires. These upgrades allow it to handle speeds and corners with efficiency.
Moreover, the Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Black Series is essentially the street version of the Formula 1 safety car used in 2007. As a track-oriented vehicle, it leaves little to be desired compared to the cars it guides during Grand Prix events. Its impressive powertrain consists of a naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine paired with rear-wheel drive and a 7G Tronic sequential gearbox.
Notable features of this car include a limited-slip differential, 19-inch racing wheels, an integrated roll cage for added safety, and sports seats for comfort. Unlike Mercedes AMGs from that era, the top speed of the Black Series was not electronically limited to 155 mph; instead, it could reach 186 mph.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 6.2 DOHC 32-Valve V8
Power: 507 hp
Torque: 465 ft-lbs @ 5,000 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The primary focus of the Mercedes-Benz CLK63 AMG Black Series was to be a high-performance car for road use instead of racing purposes. However, it did participate in the endurance racing series known as VLN (Veranstaltergemeinschaft Langstreckenpokal Nürburgring) in Germany.
The VLN races occur at the grueling Nürburgring Nordschleife. The CLK63 AMG Black Series joined forces with privateer teams to demonstrate its performance capabilities.
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SLS AMG Black Series
A brutal twenty-first century gullwing
What Makes It Special
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series blends performance and elegant aesthetics, focusing on track performance. The car stands as the pinnacle of the SLS AMG lineup, effortlessly capturing attention wherever it roams.
Underneath its hood lies a robust 6.2-liter V8 engine that generates 631 horsepower and 468 lb-ft of torque. Paired with it is a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. The power is delivered to the rear wheels seamlessly; accelerating from 0 to 60 mph takes 3.6 seconds with a 204 mph top speed.
The Black Series boasts enhancements that cater specifically to track enthusiasts—a suspension, broader tires, and a more aggressive body kit—elevating its performance above the standard SLS AMG.
Beyond its capabilities lies its captivating beauty. The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series takes design cues inspired by the timeless elegance of the 300SL Gullwing. The Black Series exudes an allure that cannot be ignored.
Limited to 1,700 units produced worldwide, this rare gem has become highly coveted among enthusiasts seeking dynamic on-track abilities and aesthetic excellence.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 6.2L 32-Valve DOHC V8
Power: 622 hp
Torque: 468 ft-lbs @ 5,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed DSG
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series didn't achieve any success in racing. However,
In 2013, the SLS AMG Black Series participated in the VLN Endurance Championship in Germany.
The SLS AMG Black Series also participated in the 24 Hours of Spa race, finishing 11th overall.
These examples highlight some of the racing endeavors undertaken by the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series.
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The Best Looking Sports Cars Mercedes-Benz Ever Made
Mercedes-Benz cars have a timeless character and appeal that go beyond design trends. Every Benz in history was created with a philosophy that combines high technology with traditional craftsmanship and genuine pleasure.
Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG
"The Hammer"
What Makes It Special
The Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer holds a place in the world of automobiles. Born in the 1980s as a saloon and coupe, it revolutionized automotive engineering with its perfect balance between power, luxury, and refinement.
The Hammer was the brainchild of Hans Werner Aufrecht, who established AMG as Mercedes-Benz's in-house tuning division in 1967. While based on the W124 E Class, it underwent modifications to enhance its performance. These included a 385-horsepower V8 engine, an upgraded suspension system, and a wider body kit.
Apart from its blistering performance, what set the AMG Hammer apart was its sophisticated design. The pronounced flared wheel arches, front apron, and discreet badging hinted at the powerful performance concealed beneath its refined exterior. Inside, the car boasted luxurious materials combined with cutting-edge technology.
The saloon version was the first in its class to break through the 300 km/h (186 mph) barrier, which helped the Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer undoubtedly etch its name into history. It stands as a lasting symbol of the partnership between Mercedes-Benz and AMG, opening doors for the creation of a breed of high-performance vehicles.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 6.0L DOHC 32-Valve V8
Power: 385 hp
Torque: 417 ft-lbs @ 4,000 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
Although the Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer had no racing achievements. Its lack of racing pedigree can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, it wasn't homologated for racing, which meant it couldn't compete in motorsports. Secondly, the car was too heavy and powerful, which made it less suitable for racetracks.
But despite its lack of racing acumen, the Mercedes-Benz 300 E AMG Hammer continues to enjoy respect in the automotive world. It's regarded as one of the most exquisite cars of its time.
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Mercedes-Benz 190SL
The laid-back luxury cruiser
What Makes It Special
From 1955 to 1963, Mercedes-Benz produced the 190SL, a roadster. It was created by Paul Bracq, who took inspiration from the Mercedes-Benz 190 sedan. The 190SL was more accessible than the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, making it a favored choice among young professionals and enthusiasts.
Under its hood, the 190SL housed a 1.9-liter inline-four engine that generated 105 horsepower. Buyers could opt for a removable hardtop based on their preferences. With its capabilities, the 190SL could reach a speed of approximately 170 km/h (106 mph).
This sports touring car possessed all the qualities associated with Mercedes vehicles, such as excellent road grip, responsive steering, and reliable braking power. Notably, it boasted a single-pivot rear swing axle suspension system that added to its appeal in terms of handling, comfort, and stylish design.
A total production count of 25,881 units solidifies the popularity and legacy of the Mercedes-Benz 190SL. Today, this classic car remains sought-after by collectors and enthusiasts due to its laid-back yet luxurious character and overall enjoyable driving experience.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 1.9L SOHC Inline-Four
Power: 104 hp
Torque: 105 ft-lbs @ 3,200 rpm
Transmission: 4-speed manual
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
Although the 190 SL had no racing achievements, in 1955, Mercedes considered a racing version (the 190 SLR) in the spirit of the 300 SL roadster, with aluminum doors and a smaller windscreen, before abandoning the project to concentrate on Formula 1.
Its engine, prepared by SL specialists Atelier SL, had two sets of large Weber 40 carburetors instead of the original, sober Solex carburetors ill-suited to a sporty driving style. Electronic ignition, two aluminum footrests, and a map-reading light have been installed. Two profiled headrests serve as roll bars.
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2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG
A little roadster with a big engine
What Makes It Special
The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is undoubtedly a car for anyone who loves a big engine in a little roadster with rear-wheel drive. This convertible masterpiece was born from merging Mercedes-Benz's SLK roadster and AMG's high-performance expertise.
The SLK 55 AMG's core is a handcrafted 5.5-liter V8 engine that delivers 415 horsepower and 398 lb-ft of torque to the rear axle, making it the most powerful SLK ever built.
Yet its innovative AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine with cylinder shut-off made it the world's most fuel-efficient V8 engine of its era. And with its lightning-fast 7-speed AMG Speedshift transmission, this car can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.5 seconds.
The SLK 55 AMG offers exhilarating performance and showcases a sophisticated design with sleek contours that give it an athletic appearance. Its retractable hardtop adds versatility and practicality to its charm.
Additionally, high-quality materials, ergonomic controls, and cutting-edge technological innovations in the cabin elevate the driving experience. The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG is an excellent example of German engineering prowess and pays homage to the sheer joy of driving.
Engine & Drivetrain Specifications
Engine: 5.5L DOHC 32-Valve V8
Power: 415 hp
Torque: 398 ft-lbs @ 4,500 rpm
Transmission: 7-speed automatic
Accomplishments, History, & Racing Achievements
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG was primarily created as a powerful convertible for drivers who craved an exhilarating experience on regular roads.
Although this model didn't boast any racing achievements, other AMG models and Mercedes-Benz vehicles have demonstrated performance in motorsports events, such as Formula 1 DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters) and GT racing.
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