2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept Review with Images

Mercedes Benz had about a year back declared plans to build a fully electric version of their SLS AMG supercar. They have kept to their word and revealed a proto type model of the car which they have named as “SLS AMG E-Cell”.

Four electric motors each placed near the wheels replace the original 571 hp 6.3 liter V8 petrol engine of the SLS AMG. The four separate motors provide heightened effectivity to the vehicle and make it a proper four wheel drive car. Mercedes has used this technology as compared to the wheel hub motors there is reduction in unsprung mass and that too of substantial amount.

The combined effect of the four motor produces 392 kW of power which is equivalent to 526 hp. It also produces a maximum 880 Nm or 649 lb-ft. of torque and the best thing is, all of this torque is available right from the moment the motor starts.

With its zero emission advantage comes the other advantage of high pick up speeds, making the 0 to 100 kmph (62 mph) sprint in just 4 seconds.

The additional front-wheel drive called for a newly designed front axle: unlike the series production vehicle with AMG V8 engine, which has a double wishbone axle, the SLS AMG E-CELL features an independent multilink suspension with pushrod damper struts. This is because the vertically-arranged damper struts in the series SLS had to make way for the additional drive shafts. As is usual in a wide variety of racing vehicles, horizontal damper struts are now used, which are operated via separate push rods and transfer levers.

Thanks to this sophisticated front-axle design, which has already been tried and tested in the racing world, the agility and driving dynamics of the electrically-powered SLS AMG attain the same high levels as the V8 variant. Another distinguishing feature is the speed-sensitive power steering with rack-and-pinion steering gear: the power assistance is implemented electrohydraulically rather than just hydraulically.
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept Pic
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept Back
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept Front
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept Tyres
The transformation from gasoline to electric super sports car also called for some specific changes to the interior. As a result, the AMG instrument cluster and center console in particular 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 10-inch 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.

The interior appointments are dominated by high-quality premium leather in a black/white color combination - it has been used not only on the sports seats, the performance leather/alcantara steering wheel and the door linings, but also on the broad center console which runs towards the back of the vehicle between the seats.
2010 Mercedes Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Concept Interior