Mercedes-AMG is accepting the challenges of motoring of the future: the SLS AMG E-CELL is evidence of the state-of-the-art development of an exciting electric super sports car featuring a zero-emission high-tech drive.
The gullwing with electric drive is part of the company strategy entitled “AMG Performance 2015” which aims to continually improve fuel consumption and lower emissions.
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL with electric drive transforms the vision of powerful and locally emission-free super sports cars into reality thanks to an innovative drive system: powerful forwards thrust is provided by four electric motors with a combined peak output of 392 kW and a maximum torque of 880 Nm.
Power in the SLS AMG E-CELL is routed through four electric motors, one at each wheel. With 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque—the latter available from 0 rpm—the SLS E-Cell is in league with some venerable supercars, even though it tips the scales at a considerable 4400 pounds.
The electric power allows the supercar to deal with the 0 to 62 mph (100 km/h) sprint in 4 seconds flat, a figure that can be translated into a 0.2s increase over the time posted by the 571 hp combustion engine version of the vehicle.
The SLS AMG E-CELL drive incorporates a liquid-cooled high-voltage lithium-ion battery featuring a modular design with an energy content of 48 kWh and a capacity of 40 Ah. The maximum electric load potential of the battery, which consists of 324 lithium-ion polymer cells, is 480 kW.
The intelligent parallel circuit of the individual battery modules helps to maximize the safety, reliability and service life of the battery. The 400-volt battery is also charged by means of targeted recuperation during braking while the car is being driven.
A high-performance electronic control system converts the direct current from the high-voltage battery into three-phase alternating current which is required for the synchronous motors and regulates the energy flow for all operating conditions. Two low-temperature cooling circuits ensure that the four electric motors and the power electronics are maintained at an even operating temperature.
The technology vehicle is slowed with the aid of AMG ceramic composite brakes, available as an optional extra for the series production model, which feature extremely short stopping distances, a precise actuation point and outstanding fade resistance, even in extreme operating conditions.
The over-sized discs—measuring 402 x 39 mm at the front and 360 x 32 mm at the rear—are made of carbon fiber-strengthened ceramic, feature an integral design all round and are connected to an aluminum bowl in a radially floating arrangement.
The ceramic brake discs are 40% lighter in weight than the conventional, grey cast iron brake discs. The reduction in unsprung masses not only improves handling dynamics and agility, but also ride comfort and tire grip. The lower rotating masses at the front axle also ensure a more direct steering response—particularly noticeable when taking highway bends at high speed. The ABS and ESP systems have been adapted to match the special application spectrum of the permanent all-wheel drive.
The air outlet openings on the hood and the vehicle sides have been modified for enhanced aerodynamics. The front apron has not only been brought further forward, but also helps to guarantee an optimized airflow in the area of the underbody. This improves air resistance while reducing downforce.
An extendable front splitter enhances this effect: in parallel with the automatic rear spoiler, it extends downwards by seven centimeters at speeds above 120 km/h (75 mph) and helps to further accelerate the air which travels beneath the car. When it reaches the area of the rear axle, the air enters the rear diffusor which, due to the lack of an exhaust system, features a steeper angle, thus increasing downforce at the rear axle and in turn further enhancing the aerodynamic balance.
The AMG instrument cluster and center console both feature a new design. The new AMG instrument cluster provides information on speed, charge status of the battery and the estimated range. The newly designed center console now houses a 25 cm touchscreen, which driver and passenger can use to conveniently operate all of the audio, climate and navigation functions, and also obtain information on the flow of power from the four electric motors.
The AMG Drive Unit, which is angled towards the driver, houses buttons for starting the motor, and the ESP functions, the AMG memory function and the extendable front splitter and rear spoiler. Using three new buttons, the driver can switch simply between P, R and D. The park setting is also enabled automatically by switching the electric motors off.
Key data:
| SLS AMG E-CELL | |
| Max. output | 525 hp |
| Torque | 880 Nm |
| 0 – 62 mph | 4.0 s |
| Rated capacity | 40 Ah (at 400 V) |
| Energy content | 3 x 16 kWh = 48 kWh |
