A Super Gullwing EV with 0-100 km/h Acceleration in 4 Seconds

The latest super sports car, the "Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG," which garnered applause at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show and recently made headlines upon its arrival in Japan, is sure to turn heads with its signature gullwing doors. Interestingly, an electric version of this model was announced from the outset. Don't dismiss it as just another Mercedes EV. While in Japan, electric and hybrid vehicles are reflexively associated with "eco-cars," this EV presents a striking departure from that norm.

This is a genuine super sports car, boasting a maximum output of 533 ps, a top speed of 250 km/h, and 0-100 km/h acceleration comparable to the gasoline version's 3.8 seconds. This model, designated "E-CELL," is currently a one-of-a-kind functional prototype in the world. However, the development team has explicitly stated, "We have no intention of letting this remain a show car." In other words, it is a prototype intended for commercialization, with a projected release within the next few years. The time to acquire the world's first gullwing EV is fast approaching.

The E-CELL features subtle exterior refinements, such as LED headlights and a widened front grille. While the prototype showcases a striking "fluorescent yellow" livery, its fundamental styling remains consistent with the gasoline version.

The body structure, an aluminum spaceframe, shares the same construction. However, the mechanical components and their layout are naturally significantly different. To achieve all-wheel drive, a drive unit, integrated with a reduction gear, is mounted at the center of each axle, with one unit per wheel. The 48 kWh lithium-ion battery, approximately three times the capacity of the one in the Mitsubishi i-MiEV, is distributed across three locations: forward of the front cowl, within the center tunnel, and behind the seats. This arrangement is primarily aimed at optimizing weight distribution.

Notably, the front suspension has been completely redesigned from the gasoline version's double wishbone to a pushrod-actuated multi-link type with horizontally arranged strut units, akin to racing cars, to accommodate the new drive shafts. Auxiliary systems that rely on engine power, such as the electro-hydraulic power steering and the electric air conditioning compressor, have also been modified.

A Precious Test Drive Experience on a Runway

The international test drive event, held in Norway with this single, precious vehicle, began with a zero-start acceleration experience – conducted on a runway of a local airport, mind you, between civilian flights (!). Unlike modern cars with launch control systems, there's no need for the ritual of "disabling stability control, holding the brake with the left foot, flooring the accelerator with the right, then releasing the brake to start." Simply pressing the start button to activate the driving system and then stepping on the accelerator pedal delivers the exhilarating acceleration that reaches 100 km/h in just under four seconds.

Naturally, there is no engine sound to envelop you at the start, so the difference in sensation, rather than the sheer acceleration force, leaves a stronger impression.


However, after being propelled forward by the immense torque of the electric motors, which deliver powerful force even from near-zero RPM, the experience of only hearing the tire noise and wind rushing past can feel somewhat anticlimactic.

For owners accustomed to the dynamic engine sounds of previous AMG vehicles, this might feel lacking. The challenge of "sound tuning for EVs" is a significant hurdle, not just for the E-CELL, but for sports models in general.

Following the initial acceleration experience, we had the opportunity to try a slalom course on the same runway. While specific details haven't been released, the added weight – reportedly around 200 kg – seemed to slightly diminish the SLS AMG's characteristic agility. However, the sensation of "zero roll" was undeniable, making the comment about achieving a 23mm lower center of gravity by placing heavy components like the batteries and motors low down entirely believable. The gasoline version of the SLS AMG already employs a rear transaxle layout to optimize weight distribution, but the EV offers even greater freedom in layout design due to the placement of these heavy components.

After the runway trials, a test drive on public roads for approximately 80 km

The steering wheel features paddles similar in design to the gasoline version, but their function is "selection of regenerative braking force." Pulling the right '+' paddle reduces regenerative force, while pulling the left '-' paddle increases it, providing an effect similar to adjusting engine braking. The console dial selects from three preset output modes. Choosing the manual mode here sets the regenerative force to zero when the accelerator is released, leaving the driver entirely in control of regenerative force through paddle operation. What proved surprisingly challenging during this public road drive was the lack of straight-line stability. The steering, with its high friction, had a significantly reduced ability to self-center, making the neutral position difficult to discern.

While some aspects of the driving experience present challenges, these are likely issues to be resolved before the production model's release, given that several years remain. More importantly, the very act of offering such an unfinished prototype for test drives underscores the "seriousness" behind AMG's statement that it was developed to "explore new directions for future sports cars."

Indeed, regardless of how much electricity is consumed by the high-output motors, if the energy is generated from renewable sources like wind, water, or solar power, the EV can proudly claim "emission-free" operation. This advantage is a significant reason why various sports car brands are currently showing interest in these "super EVs," as it allows them to project a far more environmentally friendly image than by simply fitting large-displacement engines.