2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell

E-Tron, 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 SLS E-Cell offers four modes of regenerative braking in addition to being completely off in the manual powertrain setting, which leaves you “sailing” with minimal drivetrain drag. Paddles on the steering column allow you to gradually increase the resistance; steps one and two feel like a regular car coasting; step three is a bit more aggressive, and step four decelerates the SLS so strongly that AMG considered switching on the brake lights as soon as you take your foot off the accelerator. Unlike Tesla, AMG decided not to. This mode is perfect for extreme driving, when you are standing on one of the two pedals at all times anyway.  

The E-Cell’s Achilles’ heel, unsurprisingly, is its range. This prototype carries a 48-kWh lithium-ion battery, but AMG hopes to fit the car with a 60-plus kWh battery pack when it becomes available to customers. The current range is about 90 miles, which is likely to grow to more than 130 miles. The current claims are perhaps even conservative: After a sharply driven 60 miles, battery capacity was still about 30 percent. With a fast-charging station, it took an hour to recharge the batteries to almost 100 percent. Extended trips still require planning, but the progress in battery technology is tangible.

If all goes according to plan, you will be able to buy the SLS E-Cell by late 2012 or early 2013—six or so months after Audi launches the E-Tron. There is no word yet on pricing, but figure on a premium of $50,000 to $100,000 over the regular SLS. Just having the money won’t be enough to get you an E-Cell, though, as customers will be handpicked.