Few letters in the world of motoring pack as much punch as AMG. The high-performance Mercedes-Benz subsidiary is synonymous with some of the world’s finest engines – and in this article, we explore the full history of AMG.
The latest instalment of our On Your Marques! series dives into the German brand and its astounding contribution to the motoring world, from its famous partnership with Mercedes to its most iconic cars.
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AMG history timeline & origin of the brand
Since the middle of the 20th century, AMG has consistently made waves across the world of motoring. Here are some of the highlights.
1960: Blossoming partnership
The AMG origin story starts in 1960 as two German engineers, Hans Werner Aufrecht and Erhard Melcher, work on the 300 SE racing engine at Daimler-Benz, before the company discontinues all motorsports activities.
1965: Off to a winning start
Mercedes-Benz works driver Manfred Schiek wins the German Touring Car Championship with the 300 SE engine developed by Aufrecht and Melcher, cementing them as engineering experts.
1967: AMG established
Aufrecht and Melcher establish their own engineering firm to build and tune engines. It’s called ‘Aufrecht, Melcher, Großaspach’ or ‘AMG’.
1971: Major milestone
The AMG Mercedes 300 SEL 6.8 wins second place overall in the 24 Hours of Spa, resulting in global recognition.
1976: New home
With a dozen-strong workforce, AMG moves from its original facility in an old mill to a purpose-built workshop and office in the municipality of Affalterbach.
1984: Innovation for growth
AMG becomes an engine manufacturer after Melcher develops an innovative independent cylinder head with four valves per cylinder.
1986: The Hammer
AMG adds a thumping V8 engine into a modified W124 sedan and a motoring legend is born. The iconic 300 CE 6.0 – best known as The Hammer – quickly gains international fame.
1990: Mercedes era
A cooperation contract with Daimler-Benz AG is signed, ushering in a new era in AMG history. Soon, AMG options and cars are offered in Mercedes-Benz showrooms.
1993: First jointly developed vehicle
The Mercedes-Benz C 36 AMG is revealed as the first jointly developed vehicle since the cooperation, and becomes the Formula 1 Safety Car. AMG is recognized as a trademark by the Patent Office.
2005: Move to new ownership
After the majority stake is transferred to DaimlerChrysler AG in 1999, the company becomes sole owner of AMG in 2005.
2024: Continued growth
With a global reputation for high-performance and efficiency, Mercedes-AMG GmbH continues to grow, with more than 2,000 workers employed at its Affalterbach plant.
What are the greatest Mercedes-AMG models of all time?
Some of motoring’s most legendary cars have sported an AMG engine under the hood. Here are what we consider to be the greatest cars in AMG history.
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AMG 300 CE 6.0 ‘The Hammer’
While several AMGs have had the nickname ‘The Hammer’, it’s best associated with the 300 CE 6.0. Released in 1992, this muscular sedan had a huge 6.0-litre V8 engine under the hood, delivering an abundance of raw power and a sound as menacing as its design. This family car could outrun the Countachs and Testarossas of the era, which speaks volumes about the performance of what is potentially the best AMG ever made.
Image: drive.com
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG
The SLS AMG was the first car designed from the ground up by Mercedes-AMG – and what a debut. This was both beautiful and beastly, with a sleek lightweight body, aircraft-style cockpit, and iconic gullwing doors. Many people class the SLS AMG as the best looking AMG of all time, and its performance was just as absorbing. It featured a naturally aspirated 6.2-litre V8 engine producing speeds of 197 mph (317 km/h). No wonder it’s seen as one of the all-time greats.
Image: topgear.com
Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren
The Mercedes McLaren SLR epitomises automotive excellence, marrying Mercedes-Benz luxury with McLaren’s racing heritage. While there were no AMG badges on the car, under the hood sat the powerful heart from Affalterbach – arguably one of the greatest ever supercharged V8s to be built in Europe. This AMG engine delivered 617 hp and a top speed of 207 mph (333 km/h), combining tech, precision and luxury.
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Mercedes AMG GT R
The Mercedes AMG GT R is the daddy of the GT range and my favourite car in our incredible fleet. This achingly handsome ‘racing car for the road’ is bursting with power thanks to the tuned twin-turbo V8. It sits in the front, right behind the front axle, which nearly makes this a mid-engine car. The handling, performance, style and attitude combine for a very cool car that’s equally pleasurable on winding alpine roads as it is on the track. Part of our own fleet, we can’t get enough of driving the GT R through its home turf on our luxury German driving holiday.
Image: mercedes-amg.com
Mercedes AMG ONE
The hotly anticipated Mercedes AMG ONE finally arrived in 2023. This complex road-legal racing car features a Formula 1 world championship-winning engine and optimised aerodynamics to match, making its case as one of the best-handling AMGs ever made. Limited to 275, this hybrid hypercar boasts a 1.6-litre single turbocharged V6 engine with four electric motors that can take you from a standstill to 186 mph (300 km/h) in 15.6 seconds. Before release, this mind-blowing hypercar set a new record as the fastest production road car around the Nürburgring Nordschleife track. A modern classic in the making.
Image: Unsplash - Théo Malliacas
Like you, we love the AMG GT — but which variant is best?
Motorists are spoiled for choice with the extensive Mercedes AMG GT range – but when even the base model is outstanding, is there really a ‘best’ AMG GT? Ultimately, it all depends on what you are looking for.
The entry-level GT in the range certainly sets the tone. With the same 4.0-litre twin-turbocharged V8 as the higher-level models, it accelerates from 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) in 4 seconds, while handling and sounding superb. A real pleasure to drive and, for many, this will be enough.
Yet as we progress through the series, price increases are matched with improved power and handling. The next-level GT S packs more power under the hood, and with bigger brakes, improved ride control and steering, it feels more like an all-out supercar than the original. With a generous 522 hp, it will comfortably out-accelerate the entry-level car.
One of the best picks of the bunch is the mid-range GT C, with wider rear arches and active rear-wheel steering. Even though it’s a bulkier car, this muscularity boosts both the precision and its aesthetics. The power is also enhanced, with 557 hp propelling it to a searing top speed of 197 mph (317 km/h).
The mood in the room changes to aggressive as the GT R enters – quite possibly the best looking Mercedes AMG on the market. Brash and bold, this beast is a racing car approved for use on public roads. The aerodynamic upgrades and super-tuned V8 engine combine for a sublime track experience, scorching its way to 62 mph from a standstill in 3.6 seconds. A consummate all-round performer, it’s also one of the best luxury cars for road trips.
If you prefer to stick to the track, then you may consider the GT R Pro, dialling everything up another notch with an integrated roll cage and manually adjustable suspension. Or, you could go all out with the brutal GT Black Series, sporting a thoroughly enhanced engine, evolved body and tons of tech that make this the pinnacle of the collection.
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Experience an AMG Mercedes on Europe’s greatest driving roads
If you want to experience the power of one of the best Mercedes AMG models, as part of a jaw-dropping fleet of the world’s finest supercars, then join us for one of our bucket-list luxury European driving tours. From breathtaking short breaks to epic cross-continent adventures, this is luxury like you’ve never experienced.
To learn more about these tours in 2024 and beyond, talk to our friendly travel concierge team today.
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