EVERY MERCEDES-AMG GT AND SLS RANKED BY THEIR 0-60 MPH TIME

The Mercedes-AMG SLS and the first-generation AMG GT that followed it are both iconic pieces of automotive history, being the first two standalone models created independently by AMG. Last year, AMG revealed the second generation of the GT, including a departure from tradition with a non-V8 model. In this ranking, we will look at the SLS, the first-generation GT, and the two-door version of the GT’s second generation. While the second-gen GT is also available as a four-door coupe, the list focuses on the two-door halo sports cars, from the slowest to the quickest.

Mercedes-AMG GT 43

The latest addition to the lineup for the AMG GT’s second generation, the GT 43 shocked the automotive world when it was revealed, as it represented a break with the GT’s long history of V8 power. The GT43 ditches the twin-turbo V8 in favor of a 2.0-liter four-cylinder, with the help of an e-turbo and a mild hybrid system that produces 416 hp, sent to the rear wheels via a nine-speed automatic transmission. The result isn’t quite as exciting or as quick as the V8-powered models. However, it does save 250 lbs in weight.

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Mercedes-AMG GT

First introduced in 2015, the entry-level model in the AMG GT lineup is also the slowest, lacking some of the equipment sported by its quicker siblings. The 456-hp GT came with a mechanical limited-slip differential rather than an electronically controlled one and was not equipped with the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension or the Race Mode setting. The Roadster version, which shares the same 0-60 time, arrived two years after its hard-top sibling, being introduced to the world at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL Prototype

The slowest member of the SLS family, the E-CELL is an all-electric prototype first revealed at the 2011 North American International Auto Show with a striking highlighter-yellow matte paint job. The E-CELL is powered by four electric motors, producing a total of 526 hp. That's quite low for a performance EV. Its 400 Volt lithium battery was built through a collaboration with German chemical company Evonik and is equipped with a temperature management system to ensure optimal charging.

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Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive

Two years after the electrified E-CELL version of the SLS made its debut, a more powerful all-electric version was announced, only 9 examples of which were ever produced: the Electric Drive was officially revealed at the 2012 Paris Motor Show, and production began the following year. Its four electric motors produce a combined output of 740 hp, and its unique transmission allows each individual motor to selectively drive all four wheels.

Mercedes-AMG GT S

The next step up from the entry-level GT, the GT S also made its debut in 2015, with a limited-edition model called the Edition 1. This variant added some extra aerodynamic elements in gloss black, plus red brake calipers and red accents dotted throughout the interior. The GT S comes with a higher power output (503 hp) and several mechanical upgrades. These include the Race Mode and Race start settings, an electronically controlled limited-slip differential, the AMG Ride Control adaptive suspension, and an AMG Performance exhaust.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Coupe

Before the AMG GT, there was the SLS, designed as a modern interpretation of the iconic 300 SL Gullwing. The first version of the SLS was introduced at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and went on sale the following year. It was powered by a 6.2-liter V8 engine producing 563 hp, paired with a 7-speed Speedshift transmission. A Roadster version, which swapped the SLS’ gullwing doors for a soft top, arrived about a year after the hard-top model, but reception was less enthusiastic, and today the Roadster has depreciated more than its hard-top counterpart despite originally costing a few thousand dollars more.

Mercedes-AMG GT C

First introduced two years after the GT’s debut, the GT C is a high-performance version that further increases the power output to 550 hp. The GT C comes with the AMG Dynamic Plus and Lane Tracking packages as standards; it also comes with active rear steering and has a wider body than the GT S. As was the case with the GT S, the GT C also got its very own special edition to celebrate its arrival on the market, called the Edition 50 and limited to 500 units. The Edition 50 distinguished itself through exclusive shades of paint, unique design touches in the interior, and custom “1 of 500” lettering on the steering wheel.

Mercedes-AMG GT R

At the 2016 Goodwood Festival of Speed, an even more powerful high-performance version of the GT was introduced to the world: the GT R, with a power output of 577 hp and a top speed of 198 mph (a single mph above the GT C, and eight above the GT and GT S). Later that year, it also broke the record for the fastest rear-wheel-driven production car around the Nürburgring. The GT R comes with several mechanical upgrades, including a 9-mode traction control system and a manually adjustable rear wing. Some of the other variants’ luxury features, such as power side mirrors and the premium sound system, are available as options rather than standard.

Mercedes-AMG GT R Pro

Not content with the performance the GT R offered, AMG decided to up the stakes further in 2018 and create a track-oriented variant, of which only 750 units were built. The GT R Pro is equipped with carbon fiber bucket seats, a carbon fiber roof, and carbon ceramic brakes as standard, as well as redesigned aero elements and forged wheels. An optional track package adds a fire extinguisher, four-point harnesses, and a steel roll-cage.

Mercedes-AMG GT55

The newly-released GT 55 isn’t quite on the same level as its more powerful GT63 sibling, however, it makes a great entry point into the GT world for drivers who want a V8-powered car. The GT 55’s 4.0-liter turbocharged V8 engine produces 469 hp, sent to all four wheels through a nine-speed AMG Speedshift automatic transmission; paddle shifters are also available for a more engaged driving experience. The 4Matic+ variable AWD system can operate as a fully RWD setup under certain conditions; all GT55s also come with the AMG Active Ride Control suspension with roll stabilization as standard.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT

Arriving on the market two years after the entry-level SLS, the SLS GT is a high-performance variant that ups the power output to 583 hp. The GT is equipped with a number of performance-oriented features, including AMG Ride Control Performance suspension, an upgraded transmission with quicker response times in manual mode, and the AMG Drive Unit which allows the driver to select from several suspension modes. The interior has also been upgraded, with black Alcantara upholstery, sports seats with contrasting stitching, and red accents throughout the cabin.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series

The next step up for the SLS comes in the form of the Black Series, first revealed in 2012 at the LA Auto Show; power output is bumped up even further to 622 hp, and the engine has been given several upgrades, including modified camshafts, redesigned intake air ducts and a higher redline. Thanks to the extensive use of carbon fiber throughout the bodywork, as well as a titanium exhaust system instead of a steel one, the Black Series also saves 70 kg of weight compared to the standard model.

Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series

When the pandemic hit, Mercedes-AMG had to get creative to introduce its new version of the GT to the world: the Black Series was revealed through the brand’s YouTube channel in July 2020. The Black Series is a high-performance version of the GT which produces 720 hp and is equipped with a slightly modified version of the M178 engine with a flat-plane crankshaft. It also comes with an upgraded suspension system, a carbon fiber anti-roll bar, and active aero. Carbon fiber is used for several parts of the bodywork, such as the roof and the hood. Shortly after its release, the Black Series broke the record for the fastest production car around the Nürburgring, dethroning the Lamborghini Aventador SVJ.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3

This race-ready version of the SLS was built according to the FIA’s GT3 regulations and introduced at the 2010 New York Auto Show. Nearly every aspect of the car was reworked to make it track-ready and compliant with regulations: the suspension, steering, and braking system were all upgraded, and a racing seat with a six-point harness and HANS (Head and Neck Support) device was installed in the car’s safety cell. The GT3 came with a racing transmission with steering column-mounted shift paddles.

Mercedes-AMG GT63

One of the first two models of the second-generation GT to be unveiled, alongside the GT55, the GT63 is a modern, sleek take on the original GT’s design. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine produces 577 hp, propelling the GT63 close to the 200-mph mark thanks to its lightweight body and improved aero. One of the new aerodynamic upgrades is an active underbody carbon-fiber element that echoes the tech found on the Porsche 911 GT3 RS. A nine-speed automatic transmission (with paddle shifters available for increased driver engagement) sends power to all four wheels via the variable 4Matic+ AWD system, which can act as a purely RWD setup.

Mercedes-AMG GT63 PRO

The GT63 PRO, unveiled around a year after the non-Pro version, may have the same 0-60 time as its sibling, but overtakes it by a hair in terms of top speed (a single mile per hour, to be precise- 197 against 196). The GT63 PRO comes with several performance upgrades; these include a 26-hp boost in power output (603 hp against the regular GT63’s 577 hp), two extra radiators in the front wheel arches to maximize cooling, longer-lasting brakes made from carbon ceramic and titanium, and some additional aero elements.

Mercedes-AMG GT Track Series

The GT Track Series, a track-only version of the Black Series rich with motorsport DNA, was launched in 2022. The Track Series is a highly exclusive model created to celebrate AMG’s 55th anniversary; only 55 vehicles were built. Its 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 has been tuned to squeeze an additional 14 hp out of it, going from the Black Series’ 720 hp to 734 hp. Several race-ready features, including a roll cage, upgraded aero, and a fire suppression system, ensure optimal performance and safety when out on the track.

Mercedes-AMG GT63 S E Performance

The new GT63 S E Performance, launched in April and expected to hit dealerships later this year, shares the top spot with the GT Track Series and is the only other car on the list to break the three-second barrier. This feat is achieved thanks to its plug-in hybrid powertrain, which combines a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 with a rear-mounted electric motor for a total output of 805 hp. The battery uses tech borrowed from the hybrid systems in Mercedes’ Formula 1 cars and has a direct cooling system that enables optimal performance at all times. Rear-wheel steering comes as standard for additional stability when cornering at high speed.