Merc Provides More Details, Including Acceleration, on SLS AMG Electric Gullwing

Merc Provides More Details, Including Acceleration, on SLS AMG Electric Gullwing

By Scott Doggett July 6, 2010

Last month Daimler released some information about Mercedes-Benz's high-voltage yellow SLS E-Cell prototype that's slated for sale, in very limited and pricey numbers, around the end of 2012.

We learned it's powertrain is being developed by Merc's AMG tuning division and consists of four electric motors, one on each corner and all connected to a single-speed gearbox; that together they develop 526 horsepower and 649-lb-ft of torque; and, that the prototype is good for about 93 mile of travel on a single charge.

Now, the German automaker is reporting that this high-voltage, locally-emissions-free gullwing sports car can accelerate from zero to 62 miles per hour in 4 seconds. That means it's nearly as quick as the gasoline-powered SLS AMG fitted with a 6.3-liter V8 engine developing 571 hp, which can accelerate to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds.

By comparison, Tesla Motors' fourth-generation Roadster - the recently unveiled Roadster 2.5 - can reach 60 mph from a standstill in 3.7 seconds. Yes, there's a slight apples-and-oranges thing going on here (60 isn't 62, we're aware), but it does indicate that the Tesla would reach 60 and 62 mph from zero before the SLS E-Cell. And that is a huge life-affirming deal for some people.

As the Merc is still being worked on, it's possible Daimler will be able to close the speed gap. To use a favorite expression of journalists everywhere, only time will tell. Yeah, it's not particularly witty expression. But there it is, with apologies all around.

While Daimler held back on the acceleration details last month (and the automaker  still isn't discussing price), it went bonkers supplying media types like us with photos of the SLS E-Cell this week. Go to the jump (by clicking on "Continue reading") to see some.

Scott Doggett:  is an AutoObserver.com Associate Editor.