2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive

The folks at Mercedes-Benz must have a guilty conscience when it comes to the SLS AMG supercar. Why else would the German automaker follow up the snarling V8-powered debut of the modern gullwing with theSLS AMG E-Cell, and now the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive? While the retina-searing E-Cell was a merely prototype, the vehicle you see here is a production version, and can be yours for a cool half a million bucks.

Mercedes-Benz says this electrified gullwing is the most powerful vehicle in the AMG stable. With four electric motors – one at each wheel – producing a combined 740 horsepower and 737 pound-feet of torque, the SLS Electric Drive can rocket to 62 miles per hour in just 3.9 seconds. For reference, the conventionally powered SLS AMG GT puts out 583 hp, but can do the 0-60 sprint in 3.6 seconds.

The all-electric SLS employs a KERS system that was developed with help from the Mercedes-AMG Formula One team. A specially designed wall box charging unit has been designed that allows a customer's home to possess the same three-hour quick charge capabilities as a public station. Without the wall box, the EV supercar charges in about 20 hours.

If you can afford the €416,500 ($537,930) entry fee, throwing down the extra dough for a wall box should not be an issue. Mercedes-Benz calls the SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive "the most exclusive and dynamic way to drive an electric car." With the blue chrome finish, we would also add "eye-catching," to that description.

A new dimension of driving performance - a convincing synonym for the AMG brand promise are the outstanding driving dynamics which come courtesy of AMG Torque Dynamics as well as torque distribution to individual wheels, which is made possible by means of wheel-selective all-wheel drive. The most "electrifying" gullwing model ever has been developed in-house by Mercedes-AMG GmbH. The high-voltage battery for the SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is the result of cooperation between Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth (GB). This is an area in which the British Formula 1 experts were able to contribute their extensive know-how with KERS hybrid concepts.

Main Sources:http://www.autoblog.com/2012/09/28/mercedes-benz-sls-amg-electric-drive-paris-2012/Andhttp://www.netcarshow.com/mercedes-benz/2014-sls_amg_coupe_electric_drive/04.htm