Mercedes-Benz Releases Official Details on All Electric SLS AMG Gullwing

In spite of the fact that we're still a couple of months away from the public unveiling the conventionally-powered SLS AMG Gullwing, Mercedes-Benz came out with an official release today confirming the development of an all-electric version of its forthcoming supercar. Mercedes did not say when the SLS AMG with electric-drive will enter production, but various reports citing inside sources suggest that sales could start as early as 2015.

Whereas the 'standard' SLS AMG comes with a front-mounted 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 571HP (420kW) and 650Nm (479 lb-ft) of torque with power being delivered to the rear wheels through a new seven-speed dual-clutch transmission, the zero-emissions Gullwing model is equipped with four electric motors that are positioned near the wheels and produced a combined output of 526HP (392kW) and a peak torque of 880Nm (649 lb-ft).

Mercedes says that one transmission per axle transmits the power with the intelligent all-wheel-drive system allowing the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels.

In terms of performance, the Stuttgart automaker claims that the all-electric SLS AMG is in par with its conventionally-powered sibling accelerating from zero to 100 km/h (62mph) in around 4 seconds. This compares with the standard SLS AMG's 3.8 seconds and 315 km/h or 196 mph maximum speed.

During the first development phase, the pure-electric SLS AMG is equipped with a 400-volt liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery that is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whils the car is being driven. The battery modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats, a solution that is said to have advantages in the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution.

According to the German firm, the transformation of the SLS AMG into a pure-electric model required no changes whatsoever to the aluminium spaceframe body while the company also claims that there were very few constraints in concern of passive safety and long-distance comfort.

"With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the super sports car," said Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH. "For us, it is not just about responsibility. We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMGperformance."

3 Comments

Anonymous » July 16, 2009

UBER COOL!!!
Anonymous » July 16, 2009

So the prohibitaly expensive technology will only come out on cars costing $100K+

Makes me think just how much it actually costs to make an SLS.
Anonymous » July 17, 2009

'Prohibitively!'

Tesla, City Car, and others, have, or are readying for production, electric vehicles in the $25.000 to $60.000 range.

Being and 'old fart', I'm anxious to see this technology brought down to affordable levels soon.

Thanks to 'MB' for using the 'SLS' to bring attention to the performance aspects of electric vehicles. Few, are as well positioned in the automotive hierarchy then 'MB' and the 'SLS'. Mercedes Benz decision to embrace this technology, advances and lends credibility to this emerging system of vehicle propulsion.

GM, where's our electric Corvette.

300 mile range, 80% charge in one hour, limiting entry cost to around 20% - 35% above segment pricing, and conveniently located charging stations (Think McDonald's), at work, shopping centers, movie theater complexes, urban city parking garages, etc., will move us into using this vitally necessary technology.

3Deuce27