The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive will feature an innovative drive system, including four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm.

The motors are positioned near the wheels, substantially reducing the unsprung masses compared to wheel-hub motors. One transmission per axle transmits the power.

This intelligent all-wheel-drive system allows dynamically optimised power transmission without any losses by means of Torque Vectoring – in other words the specifically targeted acceleration of individual wheels.

In its first pilot phase, the SLS AMG with electric drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery of modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The 400-volt battery is charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking whilst the car is being driven.

The swing-wing model accelerates from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds – putting it on the same high level as the SLS AMG with a 6.3-litre V8 engine developing 420 kW/571 hp.

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

The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase.

The four electric motors and the two transmissions can be positioned near the wheels and very low down in the vehicle.

The same applies to the modular high-current battery, whose modules are located in front of the firewall, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats.

Advantages of this solution include the vehicle's low centre of gravity and the balanced weight distribution – ideal conditions for optimum handling.

The installation of the drive components required no changes whatsoever to the swing-wing model's aluminium spaceframe body.

And there were just as few constraints when it came to maintaining the excellent level of passive safety and high degree of long-distance comfort.

Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive - Technical Specifications

• Max. output: 392 kW
• Torque: 880 Nm
• 0-100 km/h: Approx. 4 s
• Rated capacity: 40 Ah (at 400 V)
• Energy content: 3x 16 kWh = 48 kWh

(Source: Mercedes-Benz)