Fastest-Accelerating Mercedes-Benz Cars Under $30,000

Mercedes-Benz has a strong reputation for producing high-performance cars that have left their mark on the road. This fact, combined with its rich history in motorsports, impressive engineering capabilities, cutting-edge technology, and focus on luxury, has earned the marque a well-established and respected position in the automotive world. However, the level of quality and meticulous workmanship that goes into creating these marvels comes at a cost, especially when it comes to the faster models.

Let’s take the 2024 Mercedes-AMG GT 43 4-Door Coupe as an example. With the ability to go from zero to 60 mph in just 4.8 seconds, it undoubtedly packs a punch. However, to own this sleek machine, you’d have to be prepared to shell out at least $98,950 (MSRP). And let’s not even get started on the price tags of the outrageously expensive GT63 and GT63 S variants. Such high prices can unfortunately put these cars out of reach for many potential buyers who don’t have deep pockets.

Luckily, there are still affordable, fast Mercedes-Benz cars that can be picked up for just under $30,000. These models offer impressive acceleration and can meet your need for speed without stretching your budget.

How we made our model selections
: HotCars extensively searched the used car market for fast-accelerating Mercedes-Benz models with 0-60 times of 4.5 seconds or less. To be eligible, a car must also have an average used price of $30,000 or less.

All the vehicles have been ranked from the least fastest to the quickest. In cases where two or more Mercedes-Benz models have the same acceleration time, we consider prices as a deciding factor, with the more affordable models receiving higher rankings. All used prices were sourced from Classic.com, while acceleration times were gathered from Zeroto60times and Automobile Catalog.

10 2014 Mercedes CLA45 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.3 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The 2014 Mercedes CLA45 AMG Features The World’s Most Powerful Four-Cylinder Engine

When a car boasts the most powerful four-cylinder engine in the world, you just know it’s going to be lightning-fast. And the CLA45 AMG doesn’t disappoint. With its 2.0-liter, twin-scroll turbocharged, M139 four-cylinder engine, the CLA45 AMG pumps out a mind-boggling 355 horsepower and 332 lb-ft of torque, giving you an adrenaline-pumping 0-60 mph time of just 4.3 seconds.

But the fun doesn’t stop there. Keep your foot on the pedal, and the CLA45 AMG will keep pushing until it hits a top speed of 155 mph.

9 2010 Mercedes S63 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.3 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The S63 AMG Is A High-Performance Four-Door Machinery With Up To 518 HP On Tap

When you think of Mercedes S models, luxury is usually the first thing that comes to mind. But the 2010 Mercedes S63 AMG takes things to a whole new level. This four-door high-performance sedan packs a punch, thanks to a beastly naturally aspirated 6.2-liter V8 engine that churns out a whopping 518 horsepower.

With such incredible output, it can blast from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds. That’s not just impressive, but it also earns the S63 AMG a spot among the fastest Mercedes-Benz cars you can snag for under $30,000. Beyond its speed, this sedan is also one of the most powerful naturally aspirated cars on the road.

8 2007 Mercedes CL600: 0-60 MPH In 4.3 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Zeroto60times)

The CL600’s V12 Engine Delivers High Amounts Of Torque At Low RPM

The CL600’s 5.5-liter twin-turbo V12 puts out 510 horses at 5,000 rpm and an impressive 612 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm. With all that torque available at low speed, this engine doesn’t waste any time getting power to the wheels. That means when you step on the gas, you get a quick and efficient blast of acceleration. In fact, it can go from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.3 seconds.

As well as its impressive performance, this grand tourer comes with a price tag that’s hard to beat, as you can snag one for an average of $25,532. For the price, there aren’t many other performance cars out there that can give you that much bang for your buck. And let’s not forget that this car is built on the S-class platform, so you’re looking at a compelling Mercedes-Benz car with the luxury and grand touring chops that few others can match.

7 2005 Mercedes CLS55 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.3 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The CLS55 AMG Is A Lot Of Car For The Money

With an average price of just $8,592, the 2010 CLS55 AMG is the cheapest model on this list of the best cars under $40,000. Its low price might give an indication that this coupe makes many compromises, but you’ll struggle to find any beyond its lack of an all-wheel drive option. Part of the C219-generation CLS-Class, which is often credited with popularizing the term “four-door coupe,” the 2010 CLS55 AMG offers four-door practicality without compromising on style.

Aside from its stylish and sculpted exterior, the 2005 Mercedes CLS55 AMG boasts a luxurious interior and a robust 5.4-liter supercharged V8 that delivers 469 hp and 516 ft-lb of torque. With that much power, it can sprint to 60 mph in 4.3 seconds, making it a bargain among luxury cars.

6 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.2 seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Zeroto60times)

The 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG Sprints To 60 MPH In 4.2 Seconds

While it may not be as cheap as the CLS55 AMG mentioned above, the 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG compensates with slightly more powerful acceleration. And, in case you were wondering, the powertrain in the CL63 is the same as the one found in the 2010 Mercedes S63 AMG mentioned earlier.

Like the S-Class, the 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG is electronically limited to a top speed of 155 mph. But without that pesky limiter, it can push all the way to 200 mph.

5 2009 Mercedes C63 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.1 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The C63 AMG Is A Compact Sedan With Mighty Power

The C63 AMG may be one of Mercedes’ smaller sedans, but it certainly doesn’t skimp on power or performance. It features a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 engine that cranks out an impressive 451 horsepower and 443 lb-ft of torque.

In addition to the remarkable engine, the W204 C63 AMG also comes equipped with a sport-tuned suspension, upgraded brakes, and a limited-slip differential. These enhancements not only promise exceptional handling and control but also contribute to the car’s quick acceleration, with the C63 able to achieve 0 to 60 mph in a breathtaking 4.1 seconds.

4 2006 Mercedes CL65 AMG: 0-60 PH In 4.0 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The CL65 AMG’s 738 Pound-Feet Of Torque Allows It To Accelerate Rapidly

The 2006 Mercedes CL65 AMG is a steal if you’re looking for a high-performance Mercedes-Benz under $30,000. With its mammoth 604-hp, 6.0-liter twin-turbo V12, it cranks out an impressive 738 pound-feet at just 3000 rpm. This allows the coupe to hit 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds from a standstill.

But the CL65 AMG is not just about power and speed – it also boasts a luxurious interior and eye-catching design. Little wonder the CL65, along with its C215-generation CL-Class siblings, is regarded as the epitome of Mercedes’ lineup in the 2000s.

3 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Cabriolet: 0-60 MPH In 4.0 seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The CLK 63 AMG Cabriolet Sprints To 60 MPH In 4.0 Seconds

With an average price of $26,057, the 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLK 63 AMG Cabriolet isn’t the cheapest Mercedes-Benz car on this list of the fastest cars under $40,000. However, you’re certainly getting a lot of car for your money.

It boasts a 6.2-liter V8 engine with an impressive output of 475 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, delivered to the rear wheels through a 7-speed automatic transmission. With that, it can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in just 4.0 seconds. This makes the CLK 63 AMG Cabriolet one of the top choices for budget-conscious gearheads seeking one of the fastest-used Mercedes-Benz cars.

2 2007 Mercedes CLS63 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 4.0 seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Zeroto60times)

The CLS63 AMG Is One Of The Cheapest Fast Mercedes-Benz Cars

The 2005 Mercedes CLS55 AMG’s average used price of $8,592 is hard to beat. But if you’re looking beyond that model and still want to stay budget-conscious, the CLS63 AMG might be your next best buy. With an average used price of $21,109, it’s cheaper than many other Mercedes-Benz cars on this list. And don’t worry, affordability doesn’t mean sacrificing performance in this case. Its 6.2-liter V8 engine churns out 507 horsepower and 465 lb-ft, enabling a 0-60 mph sprint in just 4.0 seconds.

1 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG: 0-60 MPH In 3.8 Seconds

Performance, Specs, And Pricing

(0-60 mph time courtesy of Automobile Catalog)

The E63 AMG Is The Fastest-Accelerating Mercedes-Benz Car Under $30k

The E63 AMG, as the arch-rival to the BMW M5, needed to be exceedingly fast to surpass its Bavarian competition. To accomplish this, Mercedes equipped it with the same 518-hp, naturally aspirated V8 engine found in the top-tier 2010 Mercedes S63 AMG and 2008 Mercedes CL63 AMG above.

The result is a car that can sprint to 60 mph in just 3.8 seconds – 0.1 seconds quicker than the 2010 BMW M5. Remarkably, that also makes the 2010 Mercedes E63 AMG the fastest-accelerating Mercedes-Benz car available for under $30,000.

Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Automobile Catalog, Zeroto60times, CarBuzz