With a tradition for high-powered, high-performance vehicles, it should come as no surprise that the world's most powerful electric sports car comes from the Mercedes-Benz AMG department.
Featuring four electric motors - one for each wheel - a whopping 740hp and 1,000Nm of torque is developed; figures that dwarf those of the standard petrol model. Being electric, all that torque is available from standstill, sending the car from 0-100km/h in 3.9 seconds and onto a limited top speed of 250km/h.
Limited range is the Achilles' heel of most electric sports cars, but thanks to the collaboration between Mercedes-AMG and Formula 1's expertise at AMG's High Performance Powertrains unit in Brixworth, England the SLS Electric Drive will travel 155 miles between plug sockets. To help with charging speeds - which can take up to 20 hours from a conventional socket - Mercedes-Benz will install a 'wall-box' at buyers' homes, providing a 22kW charging panel that has the SLS at full capacity in three hours.
"The SLS AMG Coupé Electric Drive is setting new standards for cars with electric drive," comments Ola Kallenius, Chairman of the Board of Management at Mercedes AMG GmbH. "With the help of our colleagues at Brixworth, we are bringing the exciting technology from Formula 1 to the road."
Visually, darkened tail- and headlamps set the model apart from the petrol variant; as does a carbon-look front splitter, diffuser-look rear bumper and 'aerodynamically efficient' air intakes. "Electric Drive" is found on the side of the car, above AMG five-spoke lightweight alloy wheels. Exclusive to the electric model is the "AMG Electricbeam Magno" matt paint finish, however five other colours are also available.
The new model is to be launched in June 2013 with prices starting at €416,500 (in Germany). Right-hand drive production has not been confirmed as yet.