Mercedes-AMG Black Series Is Back: Mercedes Confirms Hardcore Performance Cars

Mercedes is clearly trying to win back some goodwill with AMG fans. Firstly, the new GLC 53 is finally returning to a true six-cylinder engine and doing away with the four-cylinder hybrid setup that no one really asked for. Nor will that engine remain exclusive for very long. Soon, you can anticipate seeing it in other models.

But what's the big picture? There will be another Black Series! Despite Mercedes recently launching the ultra-exclusive Mythos lineup, AMG CEO Michael Schiebe told Car and Driver that the Black Series badge isn't being retired. He claims that the Black Series is essentially an obligation for AMG. It is inherent to the brand.

He was very clear: a car must earn the Black Series badge before it can be worn. That's a serious performance. It must be radical. Fast and loud. In a good way, a little out of control. Mercedes hasn't confirmed anything yet, but the AMG GT Track Sport concept that was teased last year seems like a strong contender.

For comparison, the last Black Series model, which was based on the AMG GT, was released in 2021. The SLS, C63 coupe, SL65, and even the small SLK55 that began it all were all Black Series models prior to that. All of them were designed with the same goal in mind: turn harder, go faster, and frighten you a little.

So, where does Mythos fit into the picture? It’s playing a completely different game. Mercedes introduced the Mythos line in 2022 as a series of ultra-exclusive collector cars. The first model, the PureSpeed roadster, doesn’t even have a windshield and will be limited to just 250 units. It’s bold and dramatic, but it’s built more as a statement piece than a track weapon.

Yes, both Black Series and Mythos cars will be expensive. And yes, both will be fast, but they’re aimed at different buyers. Black Series owners are the kind of people who might actually show up to a track day and push their cars hard. Mythos buyers? Their cars are more likely to sit under soft lights in a perfectly controlled garage, coming out occasionally for special events.

Basically, Mercedes is splitting the room. One side gets the hardcore AMG machines that exist purely to perform. The other gets rare, high-drama collector pieces.