Mercedes-Benz Now Offers Eight AMG Tuned Models

AMGs Start as Low as $51,400 for the C32 Right Up to $119,750 for the SL55

For those times when the normal performance attributes of a standard Mercedes-Benz model simply arent enough to satisfy, the German luxury brand now offers eight AMG units.

The starting price for an AMG-equipped Mercedes is $51,400, but you can spend up to $119,750 for a really serious model.

All AMG models of course come with more standard equipment than youll find on a regular Mercedes-Benz, especially in the performance area.

All Mercedes-AMG models feature the following: hand-assembled AMG engine, AMG aerodynamics, AMG SpeedShift automatic transmission, AMG brakes and suspension, AMG free-flowing exhaust system and exclusive exterior and interior trim.

Like every other Mercedes-Benz passenger vehicle sold in the United States, the AMG models also have the following standard features: Electronic Stability Program (ESP), ASR traction control, anti-lock brakes, Brake Assist, BabySmart child seat system, anti-theft system with remote door locking, climate control, power windows, cruise control, high-performance audio system, integrated garage door opener, and free scheduled maintenance for the vehicle warranty period of four years or 50,000 miles.

That list of features does help fill out the list of attractions for an AMG model, but really its their performance attributes that gladden the hearts of their owners.

The entry-level AMG model is the C32 AMG, and its billed as being capable of a 0 to 60 mph time of 5.0 seconds, courtesy of a 3.2-litre supercharged V6 that develops 346 hp and 332 lb.-ft. of torque and delivers them to the four-door sedans rear wheels through a five-speed automatic transmission.

For $55,450 you can get an SLK coupe or roadster with the same engine, but since the two-seaters a little lighter it will do 0 to 60 in 4.9 seconds.

Next up is the CLK55 AMG Coupe at $69,900 and Cabriolet at $79,500. These models get the 5.5-litre V8 good for 362 hp and 375 lb.-ft. of torque through a five speed to the rear wheels. No 0 to 60 mph times are provided, but you can bet its quick as well as comfortable, given the long list of things featuring leather that youll find inside.

The 5.5-litre V8 in the $77,650 E55 AMG helps to make the E-Class sedan one of the fastest family-haulers in the world, delivering 469-hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque, which is 117.25 hp and 128 lb.-ft. per door, if you were wondering. No launch times are given, probably because that would be unseemly in a family sedan.

For the fans of classic SUVs, the G55 AMG might be an attractive bet at $92,700. Its not really meant to go that quick, but it does get the 5.5-litre V8 with 349 hp and 387 lb.-ft. or torque. Given that its an SUV, it will probably excite buyers to know that it comes with full-time four-wheel-drive featuring three mechanical differential locks and four-wheel electronic traction control.

If youre really in a rush to get four people somewhere and money is absolutely no problem, consider the $117,100 CL55 AMG, a two-door coupe that will go from 0 to 60 mph in 4.7 seconds. This rapidity in such a big car comes from the versatile 5.5-litre V8 tuned to crank out 493 hp and 516 lb.-ft. of torque.

Fittingly, the most expensive AMG model is the fastest from a standing stop, and that would be the two-seat SL55 AMG at $119,750. This roadster will do 0 to 60 mph in 4.6 seconds, thanks to those 493 and 516 power ratings.

These models make the regular Mercedes-Benz models, which are pricey in the normal world, seem like remaindered hardcover books.