Mercedes-AMG’s celebrated Black Series performance line appears to be making a comeback after a five-year absence. The last model to carry the Black Series badge was the Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series, released in 2021, and since then the high-performance sub-brand has remained dormant. Now, the performance division of Mercedes-Benz is preparing to revive the line, with hints that the next iteration could be radically different from its predecessors.
Black Series vehicles are positioned as the pinnacle of AMG’s engineering capabilities—built to deliver the most extreme performance and track-ready dynamics the division can offer. Historically, these models have been among the most revered in AMG’s lineup. A previous review of the GT Black Series described it as possibly the best expression of the Black Series to date.
A Return After a Long Pause
The absence of a new Black Series model has puzzled enthusiasts, especially given the line’s strong reputation. The automotive landscape has changed significantly since 2021, marked by the pandemic, accelerating electrification, and major shifts within Mercedes-Benz itself—such as the introduction of Mythos, the brand’s ultra-exclusive sub-label.
Despite these changes, Michael Scheibe, CEO of Mercedes-AMG, recently confirmed to Car and Driver that the Black Series will return.
“We have been very successful with it. This is such a strong brand, it’s an obligation,” Scheibe said.
“If you want to develop a Black Series, then it really has to convince in terms of performance. It needs to be radical. But we want to definitely carry that into the future.”
2020 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series
What Could the Next Black Series Look Like?
Industry speculation suggests that the next Black Series model could be based on the Concept AMG GT, which would align with the need for a radical new direction. Given AMG’s ongoing shift toward electrification, the next Black Series car may even be fully electric—representing a major milestone for the performance line.
If the next model does become electric, it would mark a significant evolution for Black Series, which has traditionally relied on powerful internal combustion engines and track-focused tuning.
A Legacy to Uphold
The next Black Series car will need to compete with a legacy of standout models, including the SLS AMG Black Series—famed for its iconic gullwing doors—and the SL 65 AMG Black Series, widely regarded as one of the strongest entries in the lineup. The SL 65, launched in 2009, featured a 6.0-liter V12 engine producing 662 horsepower and sprinted from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds. With an original price tag of around $300,000, the model has maintained or even increased its value over time.
With such a legacy, the next Black Series release will face high expectations. Yet, as AMG’s CEO suggests, the brand is committed to delivering something “radical” that upholds the Black Series’ reputation for uncompromising performance and engineering excellence.