German Car Zone

New swing-wing model with purely electric high-tech drive system: Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG with electric drive – the exciting future of the super sports car
PRESS RELEASE
Jul 16, 2009

Affalterbach – Mercedes-AMG is paving the way ahead: with the new SLS AMG with electric drive, the performance brand within Mercedes-Benz Cars is developing an exciting super sports car with zero-emission high-tech drive. This model sees Mercedes-Benz and AMG displaying their expertise in the development of alternative drive solutions for high-performance super sports cars, delivering further proof of their pioneering status in this market segment.

The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGwith 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. The four electric 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.

Acceleration from zero to 100 km/h in around 4 seconds
When it comes to dynamics, the electrically driven SLS AMGdelivers an unequivocal statement: 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 AMGperformance," says Volker Mornhinweg, Chief Executive Officer of Mercedes-AMG GmbH.

Optimum weight distribution and low centre of gravity
The purely electric drive system was factored into the equation as early as the concept phase when the new swing-wing model was being developed by Mercedes-Benz and AMG. It is ideally packaged for the integration of the high-performance, zero-emission technology: by way of example, 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, which the electrically powered SLS AMG shares with its petrol-driven sister model.

Key data at a glance:


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 that are hallmarks of Mercedes cars.

Strategic alliance for fast electrification of the car
The electrically powered SLS AMG sees Mercedes-Benz and AMGcontinuing to pursue their aim of minimising the amount of time it takes to bring about the electrification of the car. Their strategic involvement in Deutsche Accumotive GmbH & Co. KG, a joint venture between Daimler AG and Evonik Industries AG, will provide the battery technology required in future. Daimler has the leading role in this joint venture for the development and production of batteries and battery systems for automotive applications.

[Source: Daimler]

Humph....now what was that nonsense about Mercedes not being with the environmental times? If produced this will be an in your face supercar that is "socially acceptable" and all that jazz.


M

Expect this drive train to spread across the upper spectrum of the MB line-up i.e S, SL and CL. What has me puzzled is capacity and reach. Having to constantly charge the car doesn't sound like much fun to me. The technology is a bit premature for me right now and will probably not buy an electric car until they are quick to recharge and have a long reach.

All these early adapters models are bound to have horrible resale value as they'll become obsolete over night when electric cars enter the phase of rapid advancement. Sort of like buying a flat screen TV, 3-6 years ago.

very nice marketing gimmick by mercedes.

a) build a flagship super car, already to be sold at a high premium low number and dubious profitability.
b) use it to prove MB doesn't need anybody to build a sports car that handles, essentially marking a twist int the AMG way of doing things.
c) whore market it before it is released to make it perceptually the best thing since sliced bread.
d) before it is revealed slap in immature electric tech that would definitely not be technically and realistically usable in this case.
e) whore market it as the best green invention since human feces as natural compost, sell it in very small (2 figure numbers) with a loss and capitalize on MB being the greenest car maker with an electric supercar.
f) use it to hide the fact most mercedes engines are a generation behind anybody else in the market except the americans, with relatively high consumption.

WOW, MB marketing is one upping BMW creative marketing on this one!

^lol
By 2013 this car will be vastly improved and diffrent i suspect..

That's exactly what this is, a gimmick. Of course, you can't really blame them though. Everyone is jumping on the "Green" bandwagon, why not MB?

Heh, imagine the possibilities with 4 individual motors at each wheel. 0 degree turning radius baby!
Some cool shit.

It is most certainly not a vanity project, this car will be as profitable as an SLS. The engine, gearbox, center console, satnav and thousands of other components will be shared by the entire AMG range. Only the structure and chassi will be exclusive to this car. Everything else will be found in the next gen S, SL, CL, facelifted E63 AMG and other cars. This is the reason the car will be much more affordable than the SLR which had nothing in-common with any other Mercedes.

I read where the next SL will be based in part on this chassis or use certain pieces of it. Hopefully that will mean much lighter weight and better handling with no ride penalty.


M

The next SL will indeed partake into the brand new aluminium structure of the SLS. Which makes the next SL quite a bit lighter. Also, I am impressed by the e-drive, though I see it as far more relevant to the Rest of the Mercedes range. I wonder how this electric supercar sound, what with no exhaust outlet, or an engine!