Mercedes Debuts 740-hp Electric SLS Coupe

Daimler AG's Mercedes-AMG unit says the electric version of its SLS AMG gullwing coupe will debut next year in Europe at a sticker price of $534,100.

The car, unveiled at the Paris auto show last week, uses four electric motors and a 60-kWh lithium-ion battery to deliver 740 hp. The motors, each of which weighs 99 lbs, spin at speeds as high as 13,000 rpm. They power each wheel independently through an axially arranged transmission.

The car is AMG's most powerful production vehicle ever and, according to Daimler, the world's fastest production EV. The most powerful version of the piston-powered SLS, the SL65 Black Series, makes 661 hp.

The electric SLS's powertrain can propel the two-seater from zero to 62 mph in 3.9 seconds and an electronically limited top speed of 155 mph, according to the company. Drivers can select "controlled efficiency," "sport" and "sport plus" transmission modes.

AMG developed an artificial sound that plays through the 11-speaker audio system to give the car an appropriately sporty "engine" note during spirited acceleration.

Daimler says its Formula One engineers contributed KERS (kinetic energy recovery system) hybrid technology to the SLS. The car's 1,200-lb battery consists of 12 modules, each containing 72 cells and mounted inside a central carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic monocoque.

The company says owners can recharge the car in three hours at home with an optional 22-kW "wall box." Charging with normal household current takes 20 hours.

Mercedes-AMG replaced the standard SLS's double wishbone front suspension with an independent multi-link system that uses race car-inspired horizontal pushrod damper struts. Exterior styling changes include a special front splitter, body color air intakes and grilles, darkened headlamp covers, custom wheels and standard matte-finish paint.