What is Mercedes-AMG? Explaining the performance brand
We take a look at Mercedes-AMG and explain exactly what you can expect from the brand
One of the most iconic and well-loved performance brands on the market, Mercedes-AMG is well worth the hype. If you’re a fan of luxury cars with a powerful edge, these are the options for you.
What does AMG stand for?
If you’re asking yourself ‘what does AMG mean in Mercedes cars?’ - we can help by first explaining what AMG stands for.
Founded by two Mercedes-Benz engineers in 1967, AMG stands for ‘Aufrecht, Melcher and Großaspach’.
The first two words are the names of the founding engineers, with Großaspach being the name of the German city in which Aufrecht was born.
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History of the Mercedes-AMG brand
The Mercedes-AMG brand was born on the hope that road vehicles could be modelled on racing cars.
During the '60s, Melcher and Aufrecht worked on the successful 300 SE racing engine at Daimler-Benz.
Work was eventually discontinued by the brand for motorsport activities, but the two engineers continued to work on the engine in their spare time.
This engine eventually went on to win 10 times at the 1965 German Touring Car Championship, making it a staple for motorsports teams.
The brand continued to make a name for itself in the motorsport world, eventually reaching a pinnacle moment with the 1986 E-Class Coupe. This housed a 5.0-litre V8 engine and was nicknamed the ‘Hammer’.
At this point in the '80s, you could send your W124 E-Class to AMG and they’d give it a full upgrade, transforming it into the Hammer.
In January 1999, shares of AMG were acquired by DaimlerChrysler AG (known now as the Mercedes-Benz Group) and was renamed Mercedes-AMG.
Now, Mercedes-AMG offers performance enhancements to vehicles and striking styling upgrades. They’re some of the most sought-after cars on the market.
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How do Mercedes-AMG cars differ from regular Mercedes?
While Mercedes-AMG and regular Mercedes models can look similar, they’re drastically different underneath.
AMG offers engines with serious power and ensures the cars are primed to handle these upgrades with touches like firmer suspension and impressive brakes.
While Mercedes cars are still impressive to drive and can be feisty, AMG models are on another level.
They get some styling upgrades as well that are there to make the car more aggressive. Think aerodynamic improvements and massive grilles, plus levelled-up interiors.
Most popular Mercedes-AMG models
There's a range of Mercedes-AMG models that you can buy brand-new or on the used market, including the C-Class AMG and the CLA AMG S.
Take a look at some of our favourite picks:
1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.8 AMG
There are plenty of Mercedes-AMG models to choose from these days, but there’s a standout pick that really started the trajectory for the AMG we know today.
The 1971 Mercedes-Benz 300SEL 6.8 AMG was given the unflattering nickname of the ‘Red Pig’ - but it’s done everything in its power to show that it can bring home the bacon.
The Red Pig features a ginormous 6.8-litre engine and kicks out 422hp. Predecessor to the S-Class, we owe the 300SEL for all the AMG goodness we have today.
2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG
Another legendary model, the 2004 Mercedes-Benz CLK DTM AMG carried the torch for setting the AMG standards we have today.
It’s a rare, limited-edition, high-performance take on the CLK, with a 5.4-litre V8 engine producing 582hp.
If that’s not enough, it can also hit 0-62mph in just 3.9 seconds.
Mercedes-AMG E63
For something more modern that you’ll actually be able to find on the used market, a used Mercedes-AMG E63 is the one to pick for luxury sports saloon life.
You’ll have fun with 612hp and a 0-62mph time of just 3.4 seconds. That comes from a 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine that works in tandem with the nine-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel drive to create a refined but feisty drive.
Mercedes-AMG A35
There are hot hatchbacks and then there’s the AMG A35. We’d call it a ‘boiling hatch’ and have done with it.
You can hit 0-62mph in just 4.7 seconds in this one, and 297hp feels rapid with the redesigned suspension, impressive brakes, and a grippy all-wheel drive system.
Very little is reminiscent of the standard A-Class when behind the wheel, but there’s a hint of A-Class styling underneath the more aggressive AMG looks.
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Is an AMG model worth the higher cost?
AMG models are a cut above everything that Mercedes offers, but they’re also more expensive.
For example, a brand-new C-Class saloon AMG on the Mercedes website currently costs upwards of £67,500.
If you really want the power, performance and styling that comes from a coveted AMG model, then you already know they’re worth the money. You’ll struggle to find this level of finesse from any other models.
You might also consider the AMG-Line trim level on Mercedes-Benz models. These cars get a sporty look with fresh interior and exterior styling, but they don’t have the same build under the bonnet.
AMG-Line models are cheaper to purchase and to run, so they’re ideal if you want a sporty feel but the AMG price tag makes you sweat.
Should I buy a used AMG Mercedes?
We’re always going to say yes if you ask us whether you should buy an AMG model, but only if it suits your needs.
If you want to splash out on a car that’ll give you plenty of thrills and looks stunning on the road, a Mercedes-AMG is worth it.
Bear in mind, running costs for such a spicy car are always going to be higher. Parts can be pricier as they’re higher quality, but they should last longer because of that.
We also wouldn’t say AMG models are efficient, but if you're shopping for a performance car you likely already know that.
A used AMG model can be much cheaper but just as impressive, so keep an eye out for quality pre-owned options to save some money.