Mercedes-AMG’s Black Series name has always carried a certain weight because it represents the brand at its most unfiltered. After a long quiet stretch since the last one, outgoing AMG CEO Michael Schiebe has now confirmed what enthusiasts have been hoping to hear: Black Series cars are not dead, and future versions are absolutely happening. Schiebe’s take is blunt and refreshing. He says Black Series is more than a label, it’s an obligation, and if AMG is going to build one, it has to deliver the kind of performance that justifies the badge.
That matters because AMG is juggling more sub-brands and special projects than ever, including newer ideas like Mythos. When asked where Black Series fits in, Schiebe didn’t hesitate. The message was basically that AMG has been too successful with Black Series to walk away from it. The catch is that the bar remains extremely high. In his words, a Black Series has to convince on performance, and it needs to be radical. That one word tells you AMG understands these cars cannot be incremental, not in a world where buyers can get huge power numbers from all kinds of vehicles.
As for what the next Black Series might be based on, AMG may already be leaving breadcrumbs in public. The Concept AMG GT Track Sport that was teased while testing last summer looks like the kind of track-leaning foundation that fits the Black Series playbook. The second-generation AMG GT is already positioned as AMG’s serious two-door weapon, and the previous-generation GT is also the most recent model to wear the Black Series crown. If AMG is going to “go radical” again, a hardcore GT variant is the obvious place to do it.
It’s worth remembering just how extreme the last one was. The 2021 Mercedes-AMG GT Black Series was not a mild upgrade package. It came with an enormous rear wing, a flat-plane-crank twin-turbo V8 making 720 horsepower, and it backed up the drama with real track credentials. That car helped cement the modern idea of Black Series as AMG’s no-excuses, no-compromises statement piece, built in limited numbers and aimed directly at the people who care about lap times, aero, and feel.
The Black Series story goes back further than many newer fans realize, and the history reads like a greatest hits album of AMG excess. It began with the SLK55 AMG Black Series, a lighter, harder-edged roadster with a hand-built 5.5-liter V8 and very limited production. Then came the CLK63 AMG Black Series with a hand-built 6.2-liter V8 and a reputation for being hilariously serious, followed by the SL65 Black Series with a twin-turbo V12 that made it feel like AMG built a cruise missile for the street.
After a short hibernation, Black Series returned with monsters like the C63 Black Series and the unforgettable SLS AMG Black Series, which remains one of the most visually dramatic AMGs ever thanks to its gullwing doors and motorsport attitude. That legacy explains why Schiebe calls the badge an obligation. It has always meant AMG at its most intense, and it’s also why the next one can’t be safe or polite. If AMG follows through on its “radical” promise, the return of Black Series could end up being one of the most exciting performance stories of the next few years.
Lloyd Tobias is a seasoned automotive journalist and passionate enthusiast with over 15 years of experience immersed in the world of cars. Whether it’s exploring the latest advancements in automotive technology or keeping a close pulse on breaking industry news, Lloyd brings a sharp perspective and a deep appreciation for all things automotive. His writing blends technical insight with real-world enthusiasm, making his contributions both informative and engaging for readers who share his love for the drive. When he’s not behind the keyboard or under the hood, Lloyd enjoys test driving the newest models and staying ahead of the curve in an ever-evolving automotive landscape.
