Currently reading: Electric SLS hits 60mph in 4.0sec
All-electric SLS 'will match petrol version's performance and handling'

The all-wheel-drive electric SLS AMG will hit 60mph in 4.0sec and will have handling to match its petrol twin, Mercedes has revealed.

The car, dubbed eDrive, will be launched after the standard SLS, which will make its first public appearance at the Frankfurt show in September.

Twitter - follow autocar.co.uk

Power comes from four motors placed near the wheels, reducing the unsprung masses compared with wheel-hub motors.

One transmission per axle transmits the power from a liquid-cooled lithium ion battery with an energy content of 48kWh. The 400-volt battery can be recharged under braking.

Maximum power is 517bhp and the SLS eDrive has a handy 649lb ft of torque.

The battery’s modules are located just ahead of the front bulkhead, in the centre tunnel and behind the seats, giving a low centre of gravity and balanced weight distribution, says AMG boss Volker Mornhinweg.

"With the SLS AMG with electric drive, we wanted to redefine the supersports car. For us, it is not just about responsibility,” he added. “We attach just as much importance to excitement and classic AMG performance."

See all the latest Mercedes reviews, news and video

Add a comment…