The Fastest Mercedes-Benz AMG Models Under $45,000, Ranked By 0-60 MPH

Mercedes-Benz’s catalog of production vehicles has something for everyone. Family-oriented vehicles, luxury cars, performance cars, and the like – there’s a model that caters to each peculiar needs of every motorist. The brand also caters to different budgets, and wealthy Mercedes enthusiasts will surely find the list of the most expensive Mercedes-Benz models ever quite appealing.

That said, humans are often insatiable, and so are gearheads. Hence, to satisfy its customers’ constantly evolving hunger for performance, Mercedes, in 1967, launched a performance subsidiary called the Mercedes-AMG. Interestingly, the most powerful Mercedes-AMG ever is a family sleeper sedan, but let’s check out the fastest Mercedes models you can buy on a $45,000 budget.

UPDATE: 2024/02/20 17:17 EST BY OLAKUNLE BALOGUN

How we got our model selections:
HotCars analyzed all Mercedes-AMG models on the used market today. Models under $45,000 with a zero to 60 mph time of 5.0 seconds or less were factored in while sourcing prices from Kelley Blue Book and Classic.com. Performance figures were sourced from Mercedes-Benz. All models were ranked from slowest to fastest according to their 0-60 mph times.

10 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Sedan: 0-60 MPH In 4.6 Seconds

Performance

The 2004 Mercedes-Benz E-Class E55 AMG Sedan Is A 469-HP Sleeper

The Mercedes-Benz E55 AMG was first unveiled at the 2003 North American International Motor Show in Detroit. From the exterior, there was very little to signify just what a powerhouse the E55 was. In this sense, it is the literal definition of a sleeper. A wolf in sheep’s clothing, masquerading as a family sedan, but with sports car levels of performance. But that’s just one reason why the Mercedes E55 remains an underappreciated sports sedan bargain.

The E55 sports an AMG body kit, albeit a fairly restrained one, 18″ light-alloy wheels, and a small roof-mounted spoiler. Power comes from a supercharged 5.4-liter V8, putting out a substantial 476 hp. 0-60 mph was possible in just 4.6 seconds, and like many other fast German cars, the top speed was limited to 155 mph. For the 2004 model year, examples can be picked up from just $18,737 according to Classic.

Pricing

9 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG Sedan: 0-60 MPH In 4.5 Seconds

Performance

The 2008 C63 AMG Sedan Is Powered By A Naturally Aspirated V8

Available for an average price of $26,049 according to Classic, the 2008 Mercedes-Benz C63 AMG sedan is an exceptional bang for the buck. The model provides impressive performance figures under the disguise of a compact and practical European sedan.

Under the hood, this C63 AMG houses a glorious 6.2-liter naturally aspirated V8 wonder; 451 horsepower was transferred to the rear wheels only via a 7-speed automatic transmission. For information about today’s model, check out the 2024 version of the C63 AMG here.

Pricing

8 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC43 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.3 Seconds

Performance

The 2017 SLC43 AMG Uses A 9G-TRONIC 9-Speed Automatic

Before the 2017 model, the SLC43 AMG was known as the SLK55 AMG. Along with the name change, the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC43 AMG gets its power from a then newly introduced AMG-enhanced 3.0-liter V6 biturbo that sends out 362 horses. AMGs are among the coolest Mercedes-Benz cars ever made, and thanks to the 2017 Mercedes-Benz SLC43 AMG’s amazing specifications, the model falls within this category as well. Other upgrades on the model include a new driver’s information screen, LED daytime running lights, and a redesigned front and rear fascia for the perfect facelift.

Pricing

7 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG Roadster: 0-60 MPH In 4.1 Seconds

Performance

The 2012 SLK 55 AMG Roadster Features 7-Speed Automatic Transmission

The Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMG roadster is a rapid car that gearheads should consider buying, and it’s built around a great engine. Under the hood, a naturally aspirated 5.5-liter V8 generates an impressive 415 horsepower and 398 pounds-feet of torque. With all that power, the 0-60 mph sprint took only 4.1 seconds, while the model also boasted a 175-mph top speed.

Being a roadster, buyers got the best of both worlds. A convertible model that gives owners the option to drive with the top down, and a sleek-looking silhouette with the roof closed the rest of the time. According to Classic, you can snap up a 2012 SLK 55 AMG Roadster for an average price of $38,400.

Pricing

6 2020 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Coupe: 0-60 MPH In 4.0 Seconds

Performance

The 2020 AMG CLA 45 4MATIC Is The World’s Most Powerful 4-Cylinder Car

Currently available from $45,768 according to KBB, the Mercedes-Benz AMG CLA 45 4Matic is a slick package. The car’s fabulous design is completed by the inclusion of AMG’s signature Panamericana grille, signifying there is power under that hood.

Compared to other AMG models on this list, the AMG CLA 45 has a fairly diminutive 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-four. The unit was not short on power, however, with an impressive 382 horsepower generated. Notably, the engine was the world’s most powerful series-production four-cylinder. For more information, check out these things you should know before buying the 2022 version of the AMG CLA 45.

Pricing

5 2018 Mercedes-Benz GLE63 AMG S SUV: 0-60 MPH In 3.9 Seconds

Performance

The 2018 GLE63 AMG S Uses A 7-Speed AMG SPEEDSHIFT Automatic Transmission

The 2018 GLE63 AMG S SUV (W166) only received minor updates to the infotainment and the driver features, in comparison to its preceding model. Powering the 2018 GLE63 AMG S is a handbuilt AMG 5.5-liter V8 Biturbo with an output of 550 horses and 516 lb-ft of torque; a powerplant that could soon earn the model a place on the list of the most reliable Mercedes-AMG cars to buy used. The car’s top speed has been electronically limited to 174 mph, and as one of the fastest Mercedes AMG models, it’s able to cruise from rest to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds.

Pricing

4 2018 Mercedes-Benz AMG GLC 63 4MATIC SUV: 0-60 MPH In 3.8 Seconds

Performance

The 2018 AMG GLC 63 4MATIC SUV Is Powered By A 4.0-Liter Twin Turbo V8

Mercedes-Benz launched the first generation of its mid-size GLC SUV (here’s an overview of its pros and cons) back in 2016. A high-performance AMG GLC 63 version followed and provided jaw-dropping power and performance. The model was kitted out with AMG powertrain components found in the C63 range of variants. Under the hood, a 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 enabled the GLC 63 to blast from 0-60 mph in 3.8 seconds.

Power was transferred to the asphalt via a nine-speed automatic transmission, and an all-wheel-drive system known as 4Matic+ ensured maximum traction. At this time of writing, a 2018 example is available for $43,303 according to KBB.

Pricing

3 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG Coupe: 0-60 MPH In 3.8 Seconds

Performance

The 2012 CLS 63 AMG Coupe’s Top Speed Is 186 MPH

At the time of launch, the Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG coupe had a very hefty price tag. Starting at around $115,000, the model was a sizable investment when new. However, KBB suggests a 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 63 AMG coupe is currently worth $20,791 in good condition and without many miles on the odometer, making it a very tempting proposition.

Under the hood, a 5.5-liter twin-turbo V8 produced a mighty 518 horsepower and 516 pounds-feet of torque. As a consequence, 0-60 mph was possible in only 3.8 seconds, and the model would go all the way to a whopping 186-mph top speed. Check out a deep dive of the CLS 63 AMG here for more information before purchase.

Pricing

2 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Roadster: 0-60 MPH In 3.7 Seconds

Performance

The 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Roadster Generates 621 HP

At the time of its launch in 2013, the Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG roadster was firmly out of reach for most buyers. The model attracted an eye-watering list price of $215,000, and ticking the options list would elevate this even further. Thanks to depreciation over the last decade, a 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Roadster is worth $40,625 according to KBB.

While we appreciate this is still a sizable amount of cash, you really are getting a hell of a lot of car for your money. The powerplant is seriously special in its own right and boasts an incredible twelve cylinders. The six-liter twin-turbo V12 generates a huge 621 horsepower and will blast from 0-60 mph in only 3.7 seconds, making it one of the fastest Mercedes cars ever. With such a high original MSRP, you may question why buyers would have stumped up the cash over rival models.

Pricing

1 2014 Mercedes-Benz E63 AMG S 4MATIC Sedan: 0-60 MPH In 3.5 Seconds

Performance

The 2014 E63 AMG S 4MATIC Uses Performance-Oriented AMG 4MATIC AWD System

The list of Mercedes-AMG models available for 2024 shows that the brand has no plan to stop championing performance, dynamic purpose, and efficiency in the automotive landscape. Back in 2013, for the 2014 model, Mercedes-AMG fitted the E63 AMG S 4MATIC sedan with a freshly developed performance-oriented AMG 4MATIC all-wheel-drive system which contributed in no small part to the amazing overall performance prowess of the model.

The new S-Model is powered by AMG’s 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine, churning out a potent 577 horsepower and 590 lb.-ft. of torque, earning the car a 0-60 mph performance time of just 3.5 seconds. Hence, the 2014 E63 AMG S 4MATIC is the fastest affordable Mercedes on our list.

Pricing

Sources: Classic, KBB, Zero To 60 Times, Mercedes-AMG