The Most Powerful Mercedes-AMG SLS Didn’t Even Have An Engine
The Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG[1] is a mighty machine, remembered as the German automaker's first supercar, which is now reasonably priced on the used market[2]. As for the hardcore Black Series of the SLS AMG, it remains one of the greatest models to ever spawn from the AMG factory. When the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series[3] debuted, there was no other car from the German automaker that had as much power as it did.
2014 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black SeriesMercedes-Benz
Of all the Black Series models, it is the third most powerful, beaten by the Mercedes-AMG SL65 BLack Series[4] by nearly 40 horsepower.
Still, when it was alive, there was nothing at the time that trumped it in pure power output. Actually, it's more accurate to say that it only applies to cars from Mercedes-Benz with combustion engines, because the truth is, it wasn't even the most powerful SLS AMG. That honor goes to its all-electric sibling called the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, which served as a precursor to the high-performance AMG models of today.
In An Era Of Gullwing Doors And Mighty V8s
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Exterior Finished In Blue DrivingMercedes-Benz
In the latter half of the 2000s, Mercedes-Benz introduced what was intended as a revival of the Mercedes-Benz 300SL Gullwing, remembered as one of the greatest models in the German automaker's history.
That modern revival was called the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG, which featured the iconic gullwing doors and, in this base form, was already a mighty sports car. From its M159 V8, which displaced 6.2 liters and offered 563 hp that was directed to the rear wheels, it was more than enough to put a smile on anybody's face. However, a few years later, we saw the introduction of the SLS AMG GT, which was distinguished by its improved hardware and enhanced performance.
Then, in 2013, Mercedes-Benz unveiled the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series, which, as we've mentioned already, was one of the mightiest cars from Mercedes' performance division to bear the Black Series name[5]. Compared to its stablemates, it was in an entirely different league, distinguished by its supercar-slaying performance and muscular but functional physique. It was, without a doubt, the pinnacle of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
However, there was one variant of the SLS AMG that was more powerful and more special.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Exterior Finished In Blue Mercedes-Benz
That was the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive. As the name suggests, it was an electrified version of Mercedes-Benz's gullwing beauty, underpinned by an advanced electric powertrain relying on technology derived from Formula 1. It was and still is, the most powerful gullwing ever created by Mercedes-Benz.
"The SLS AMG Coupe Electric Drive is setting new standards for cars with electric drives.
As the most powerful gullwing model ever, it is also representative of the enduring innovational strength of Mercedes-AMG. Our vision of the most dynamic electric vehicle has become a reality. With the help of our colleagues at Mercedes AMG High Performance Powertrains in Brixworth, we are bringing exciting advanced technology from the world of Formula 1 to the road" - Ola Kallenius, chairperson of the Mercedes-AMG Board
Mightier Than The Black Series
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Exterior Hood Close-UpMercedes-Benz
|
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive |
Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series |
|
Four independent electric motors |
6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 |
|
740 hp |
622 hp @ 7,400 rpm |
|
738 lb-ft |
468 lb-ft @ 5,500 rpm |
|
3.9 seconds |
3.6 seconds |
|
155 mph |
196 mph |
In this variant of the German automaker's gullwing model, there was no mighty and massive V8 engine tucked beneath its hood.
Instead, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive relies on four compact synchronous permanent-magnet electric motors, each weighing approximately 99 lbs, which collectively total 396 lbs. This is lighter than the Black Series' naturally aspirated V8 engine, which weighs roughly 452 lbs. These electric motors, while being compact and capable of spinning to an impressive 13,000 rpm (which is only 2,000 rpm less than the Porsche Taycan Turbo S), were also relied on by Mercedes-Benz's Torque Dynamics system, which allowed for independent distribution of torque similar to the torque vectoring systems we see on today's high-performance electric vehicles.
This allows the Torque Dynamics system to aid the Electric Drive model by:
- Optimizing its cornering characteristics
- Reduced understeer and oversteer
- Increased yaw damping
- Reduced steering effort and steering angle requirements
- Minimized the use of the ESP intervention
- And improved traction
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Exterior Finished In BlueMercedes-Benz
The powerful electric motors draw their strength from a 60 kWh lithium-ion battery, with an electric load potential of 600 kW, while weighing 1,208 lbs, which were impressive figures for an electric vehicle of that era. Additionally, the SLS AMG Electric Drive features two low-temperature cooling circuits that maintain the electric motors at optimal operating temperatures. These circuits also adjust the cooling based on external temperature, allowing the system to compensate for extreme conditions by adjusting the operating temperatures accordingly.
With a revision of its powertrain came a change in its weight, and Mercedes-Benz accommodated this by using the hefty battery as a load-bearing member that was affixed to the chassis' spine. Additionally, its physique was revised, gaining new carbon fiber-reinforced plastic elements that resulted in a 50% reduction in weight compared to steel counterparts, while retaining its stability. Beyond weight savings, the electric motors and two transmissions were positioned as close to the wheels and as low as possible to achieve better weight distribution and a lower center of gravity.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Exterior Finished In Blue RearMercedes-Benz
Powerful, quick, and silent, the Electric Drive was supported by a new front axle suspension design that consisted of a double wishbone axle, along with independent multi-link suspension, complemented by pushrod damper struts.
The latter were introduced to accommodate the additional drive shafts. This suspension system was introduced to achieve the same driving dynamics and agility as its V8-powered counterparts, considering that it weighed roughly more than 1,000 lbs compared to the Black Series.
2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive Exterior Finished In Blue Driving On Race Track Mercedes-Benz
Add to that the fact that the Electric Drive model had a driving range of between 120 miles and 160 miles, depending on which sources you rely on, making it a niche offering that could only be enjoyed for comparatively short periods. Still, despite its weight, the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive remained the most powerful gullwing ever.
In the same year it debuted, the German automaker took the electrified SLS to the famed Nurburgring Nordschleife, where it managed to lap the famed German circuit in 7:56.234 minutes, making it the fastest all-electric production car in the world around the German track.
It Wasn't The First Electrified SLS
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL Prototype Exterior Finished In YellowMercedes-Benz
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Four electric motors |
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526 hp |
|
649 lb-ft |
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4 seconds |
|
155 mph |
While we've touted the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive as the precursor to the German manufacturer's high-performance electric vehicles today, there was another electrified version of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG that replaced its V8 engine with a group of electric motors, serving as a precursor to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive. That SLS offshoot was the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell prototype, unveiled at the 2011 North American International Auto Show. It followed a similar formula to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, but with some notable differences.
"We take social responsibility very seriously and with the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell we are demonstrating a further milestone in our 'AMG Performance 2015' strategy.
It is our goal to continually reduce the fuel consumption and emissions of new models in the coming years, while at the same time enhancing the core brand value of performance." - Ola Kallenius, chairperson of the Mercedes-AMG Board
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-CELL Prototype Exterior Closer Look Under The HoodMercedes-Benz
One of the most notable differences was its power output. Despite being powered by a similar four-motor configuration that drew power from a similar battery as the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, it only generated 526 hp and 649 lb-ft of torque. This lower output translates to a slightly slower 0-60 mph sprint than its fully realized successor.
Still, beyond its power output, all of its hardware is also found in the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, which - while it seems more than palatable today - was too ahead of its time when introduced, becoming a notable reason for its failure[6]. However, we use the word "failed" in a loose sense.
Mercedes-AMG's Modern High-Performance EVs
2022 - 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQS V297 (1st Gen)Mercedes-Benz
Only nine examples of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive were produced, with one sold privately in 2021 for approximately £1.3 million. This value is more than double that of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series on today's used market, according to Hagerty's valuations.
Since then, Mercedes-AMG has unveiled many electrified performance vehicles, with some of its high-strung models, like the Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+[7], commanding 751 hp and nearly as much torque from its dual-motor configuration that allows the much heavier EQS, in comparison to the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive, to sprint to 60 mph from a standstill in nearly a second quicker than the electrified SLS from the early 2010s. However, the most promising electrified prospect in the Mercedes-AMG electric vehicle stable is the AMG GT XX concept, which could shape up to be the rebirth of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive[8]. This concept showcases the automaker's electric vehicle technology and potential performance, while furthering its zero-emission ambitions.
In this case, the AMG GT XX concept is a sleek concept based on the new AMG.EA platform.
Press image of Mercedes-Benz breaking EV Endurance record with Concept AMG GT XXMercedes-Benz
According to Mercedes-AMG, this offers unprecedented power and torque density, achieved through the use of advanced axial flux electric motors that are highly compact and slated to debut in series production by 2026. With these advanced motors, the AMG GT XX concept is capable of producing an output of over 751 hp, while reaching speeds of 224 mph. The battery architecture is also designed to allow for recuperation of 248 miles in just five minutes.
Mercedes-Benz Concept AMG GT XX breaking EV Endurance recordMercedes-Benz
Beyond its performance potential, the AMG GT XX concept has also set a new distance record for EV endurance[9], covering 3,405 miles in 24 hours, surpassing a record previously set by a Chinese sedan[10].
Alongside that, it was also able to cover enough distance to circumnavigate the world after driving nearly continuously for eight days. Mercedes-AMG's electric future is bright, with its all-electric Porsche Taycan hunter on the horizon[11]. Alongside that, its solid-state battery tests are entering the real-world testing phase, which we can expect to see in series production vehicles by the end of the decade.
This will significantly enhance the viability and feasibility of zero-emission mobility.
Sources: Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG[12][13]
References
- ^ Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG (carbuzz.com)
- ^ now reasonably priced on the used market (carbuzz.com)
- ^ Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Black Series (carbuzz.com)
- ^ Mercedes-AMG SL65 BLack Series (carbuzz.com)
- ^ the mightiest cars from Mercedes' performance division to bear the Black Series name (carbuzz.com)
- ^ was too ahead of its time when introduced, becoming a notable reason for its failure (carbuzz.com)
- ^ Mercedes-AMG EQS 4Matic+ (carbuzz.com)
- ^ could shape up to be the rebirth of the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Electric Drive (carbuzz.com)
- ^ set a new distance record for EV endurance (carbuzz.com)
- ^ a record previously set by a Chinese sedan (carbuzz.com)
- ^ its all-electric Porsche Taycan hunter on the horizon (carbuzz.com)
- ^ Mercedes-Benz (www.mbusa.com)
- ^ Mercedes-AMG (www.mbusa.com)