An active real spoiler is a performance feature usually found on fast and expensive sports and super sportscars. Mercedes also offers an active spoiler on its top-of-the-line sports car models like the AMG GT 2-door or the AMG GT 4-door Coupe.
Only these two current Mercedes models offer an active rear spoiler but Mercedes also offered an active rear spoiler on the two predecessors of the AMG GT, the Mercedes McLaren SLR, and the Mercedes Benz SLS AMG.
It’s worth mentioning that not all of the aforementioned models got an active rear spoiler, some of them were offered with fixed rear spoilers, like the SLS AMG Black Series or the AMG GT-R and GT Black Series models.
Mercedes AMG GT models with an active rear spoiler
The most performance-oriented serial production model Mercedes currently offers is the 2-door version of the AMG GT. This car is offered with a 4.0-litre V8 BiTurbo engine ranging from high 400hp for the earliest models, all the way up to 700+ horsepower configurations. You can choose between a coupe or a roadster for the entry-level GT’s.
The lineup starts with the AMG GT that costs around $120k for the 2 door variant that’s pushing out 520hp. The next in line are the Mercedes AMG GTC models which cost around $150k and offer around 550hp. Mercedes also offers 2 track version of the 2-door named the GT-R and the GT-R Pro which can cost up to $200k.
If you think that two doors are not enough you can always opt for the 4-door version of the AMG GT called the AMG GT 4-door Coupe. The 4-door Coupe comes in 3 different variants, the 43 AMG, the 53 AMG, and the range-topping 63 S AMG model.
The AMG 43 models start at around $90k, the AMG 53 model costs $10k more and the range-topping AMG 63 model costs $162k. All three of these come with active rear wings from the factory, and the 63 AMG model can be optioned out with a fixed rear wing option if you prefer a racier look.
Mercedes SLS AMG
The Mercedes SLS AMG is a strict two-door coupe or roadster introduced in 2010 and discontinued in 2015. The SLS is powered by a 6.2-litre naturally aspirated V8, an engine many believe is one of the greatest Mercedes engines of all time.
A used SLS costs around $150k for a decent model and some models like the SLS AMG Black Series cost upwards of $600k. The SLS also offered legendary Mercedes Gullwing doors, just like the 300SL and Mercedes pitched the SLS AMG as the spiritual successor of the beautiful 300SL.
All versions of the SLS come with active rear spoilers besides the range-topping limited-edition SLS Black Series which offered a fixed rear wing. The SLS is expected to rise in value in the upcoming years due to the engine, the design, the doors, and the driving characteristics.
Mercedes McLaren SLR
The Mercedes McLaren SLR was a joint-production model made by Mercedes and McLaren. The SLR was introduced in 2004 and was discontinued in 2009. During the lifespan of the SLR, a couple of different models were introduced and all of them were offered with factory-issued active rear spoilers.
The SLR was positioned as a super GT, a car capable of reaching 200+mph in all the luxury Mercedes features available in 2004. The SLR is also the only time Mercedes and McLaren jointly developed a car. The SLR is powered by a 5.4-litre supercharged V8 engine making 625PS.
This engine was the most powerful engine mated to an automatic transmission when this car arrived, and the prices for the SLR are also continuing to climb, especially for the 722 models or the range-topping limited edition SLR Sterling Moss Speedster tribute.
The SLR costs as low as $230k these days for a decent standard model, and way up into the millions for the limited edition SLR Sterling Moss.
FAQ Section
What’s the function of an active rear spoiler?
An active rear spoiler is used to provide additional downforce on higher speeds that improve the car’s high-speed stability. The active part is due to the manufacturer not wanting to put a fixed rear wing because it might compromise the design lines or the aero profile of the vehicle is best when equipped with an active rear spoiler.
Active rear spoilers are adjustable, and they can tilt to a degree that is perfectly set up for various driving positions. So if you plan on making high-speed runs, the spoiler might retract or obtain a mild angle so it does not provide any drag to slow the car down.
If you are in a track environment and grip and agility are being prioritized over top speed, the wing will raise and provide additional downforce over the rear wheels which enable the car to grip a lot better while turning.
Why are some models of the AMG GT and the SLS offered with fixed rear wings?
The SLS AMG Black Series and the AMG GT-R, GT Black Series models are offered with fixed rear wings as opposed to a regular active rear wing. This is mostly because these models are the ones mostly track-oriented and don’t prioritize top-speed as opposed to grip and track driving.
A fixed rear wing does not require any additional wirings nor electric motors so it’s a lot lighter which is also a clear benefit of track-focused vehicles. These models also offer a track-biased design and a fixed rear wing suits the rest of the design language.
Is Mercedes expected to offer new models with active rear spoilers?
Mercedes is soon to drop the highly anticipated multi-million dollar Project 1 hypercar which will also feature an active rear wing besides many other active aero features. Active rear wings are also becoming more and more popular as some car manufacturers like Audi, BMW and Porsche offer active rear wings on some of their regular sedans.
The AMG GT successor is likely to offer an active rear wing, and the new Mercedes SL is also rumored to maybe offer an active rear wing as well.
