Mercedes-Benz to put the SLS AMG E-Cell into production

"The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL is the most technically advanced super sports car in the 125-year history of the automobile, and shows just how fascinating electromobility can be," said Dr. Dieter Zetsche, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz Cars. "Our customers will be able to order it from their Mercedes-Benz dealers from 2013 onwards."

The SLS AMG E-Cell is powered by four synchronous electric motors, which can spin up to 12,000rpm and produce 526bhp and 880Nm of torque. This allows it to go from 0-100km/h in 4 seconds, just 0.2 seconds slower than the petrol-powered SLS AMG. The motors are charged by a 48kWh 400V liquid-cooled lithium-ion battery which can be recharged through the car's regenerative braking system, or through the usual sources like the power outlet.

Mercedes-Benz have given much thought to the design and engineering of the SLS AMG E-Cell, and through measures such as positioning the electric motors as close to the wheels as possible and distributing the battery modules throughout the chassis, it has managed to achieved near perfect weight distribution for the car, thereby further emphasising its performance ability. Other performance features include the new front suspension, with a multilink setup with pushrod damper struts, as well as the ceramic composite brakes.

Styling-wise, the SLS AMG E-Cell receives a few changes from the petrol model for differentiation. Among the changes include LED headlights, a wider radiator grille, a revised hood, and a more aggressive rear diffuser, as well as matte black accents, an extendable front splitter that moves 7cm downwards at speeds above 120 km/h, and exclusive 10-spoke light-alloy wheels. Inside, the car gets Nappa leather upholstery, Alcantara accents, a new instrument cluster, and a revised centre console with 25cm touch-screen display. Mercedes-Benz has not revealed whether the Detroit show car's "AMG lumilectric magno" paintwork will be offered to customers.

According to Ola Källenius, chairman of the board of Mercedes-AMG GmbH, "We take social responsibility very seriously and with the SLS AMG E-CELL we are demonstrating a further milestone in our 'AMG Performance 2015' strategy. It is our goal to continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance."