Some of the world’s top premium carmakers have a division that makes their cars sharper, better performing and arguably more interesting to look at.
Like M division is to BMW, AMG is to Mercedes-Benz, and Mercedes-AMG models can go from the sublime to the ridiculous rather quickly. So here is a brief guide about the sporty subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz and what cars they have on offer.
What does AMG stand for?
AMG stands for ‘Aufrecht, Melcher und Großaspach’. The ‘Aufrecht’ and ‘Melcher’ parts are for the two founding members, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, who were Mercedes Motorsport engine technicians and broke away from the brand to start tuning engines on their own. They were then employed by Mercedes again to do their racing engines. The ‘Großaspach’ is the Southern German town where Aufrecht grew up and started the business.
You can read a brief run-down of the AMG story and their best cars by clicking here.
How much is a Mercedes AMG?
Mercedes vehicles are, to be honest, quite pricey even from the base A-Class model. So, when AMG fits its own engine and equipment the price does start to increase quite rapidly on all the tuned vehicles.
The starting price of the Mercedes-AMG A 45 – the tuned version of the A-Class and smallest AMG model – is £41,875, while the incredibly luxurious and very fast Mercedes-AMG S 65 Cabriolet – the tuned soft-top version of the S Class – starts from £195,920. There are 40 AMG models that come with different engines and equipment, so there is plenty of choice and you will most certainly find what you’re looking for.
Difference between AMG and regular Mercedes?
The main factor that distinguishes normal Mercedes models and Mercedes-AMG units apart is the power unit under the bonnet. AMG use four different engines to take Mercedes models from being comfortable with a mellow flavour, to ones that can feel staggeringly quick but still like a normal Merc whenever you want it to be. The AMG 43, 45, 63 and 65 units offer impressive outputs of more than 300bhp up to a staggering 621bhp, with some extra power able to be added on top of that.
As well as the vastly different engine line-up, AMG models are usually more dynamic thanks to improved setup pieces that are derived from motor racing, such as a limited-slip differential and adaptive sports suspension. Body kits also offer either subtle or ridiculous changes to how the car can look, with flared wheel arches, rear wings and larger alloys the norm. All models also come with the Mercedes 4Matic all-wheel drive system.
Mercedes AMG Models
As we’ve previously said, there are more than 40 AMG models to choose from, so here are some of the best models, which includes AMG’s very own sports car.
A 45
This is Mercedes-AMG’s take on the hot hatchback, and this one feels like muck off a shovel sometimes. It is quick, nimble and is still quite practical – despite what the rear wing on the back tells you.
C 43 Saloon
This may have the least powerful engine AMG has to offer, but if you didn’t know that you’d still be more than happy driving it. A great cruising machine and one that when needed is a bit of a bruiser too.
E 63 S Saloon
For many petrol heads, this is one of the best cars in the world right now. Amazingly comfortable when you need it to be, but as soon as you reach an empty track and engage drift mode, this is an absolute riot. It also sounds like there’s a caged thundercloud under the bonnet. It is quite something.
CLS 63 Shooting Brake
In what is arguably the best body shape Mercedes produce, AMG fits the excellent 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine and give the estate an extra oomph that can take you where you need to go in comfort with superb performance.
GLC 43
Yes, AMG even has a go at the Mercedes SUV line-up and the GLC 43 is arguably the best looking of the lot. With the 3.0-litre V6 43 engine under the bonnet, the GLC 43 offers excellent practicality with level-headed performance.
G 63
The G 63 is based on the soon-to-be-updated G Wagen which has been part of the Mercedes for a long time now. The off-roading specialist comes with a bucket load of power and even works well on the rough stuff – plenty to like.
S 65 Coupe
Elegance, style and comfort. That sums up the S Class range. It represents the pinnacle in the range with, its swooping roofline and what seems like an atomic bomb under that beautifully designed skin. It cruises beautifully and is in many eyes a work of art.
GT R Coupe
This is AMG’s very own sports car, and this one is the most savage version they’ve ever produced. Developed on the Nürburgring race circuit, the GT R is built to devour race tracks and twisty roads with ease, and that’s exactly what it does. It also comes with a bespoke version of the 4.0-litre biturbo V8 seen in other AMGs.
S 65 Cabriolet
The most expensive of the lot, and it is quite a thing to look at. If you live for warm weather and supreme comfort, this is the car for you. With the roof down it looks divine, and with the roof up it can offer protection from the elements in luxury.
SL 63
The purpose-built Mercedes convertibles also get the AMG treatment, with the SL 63 one of the wackiest cars they’ve produced. It comes with big power and performance, and is one of the brand’s best looking models, while giving you the chance to take the roof down and enjoy the noise whenever you want.