2013 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell Prototype Unveiled

Following last month's preview, Mercedes-Benz has officially revealed the full dirt on the electric version of its SLS AMG, the 2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG E-Cell.

Bathed in AMG's Lumilectric Mango paint, the SLS AMG E-Cell is powered by four electric motors - two per axle - producing a combined 392kW and 880Nm of torque. 

The E-Cell's electric motors draw energy from a set of lithium-polymer batteries, located in the centre tunnel and a second area directly behind the cabin.

According to Mercedes, that's enough power to push the E-Cell to 100km/h in a very supercar-like 4.0 seconds - a mere 0.2 seconds slower than its conventionally-powered progenitor.

Similarly, the run to 200km/h - perhaps the true test of a supercar - comes up in just 10.8 seconds.

While the SLS AMG E-Cell is similar in construction to its conventionally-powered sibling, Mercedes says that the size and position of the front electric motors meant that the double-wishbone suspension had to be replaced with a multi-link arrangement, with push-rod dampers.

Braking is managed by a system that utilises both traditional disc brakes and a regenerative braking system in the motors, recharging the batteries in the process.

While the E-Cell shown here is a prototype, Mercedes has every intention of putting the car into production, confirming in the past that it would look to introduce the SLS AMG E-Cell to market in 2013.

According to Auto Bild, the electric supercar will carry a price tag in Europe of around 250,000 euros, or about AU$350,000.