David Coulthard drives Mercedes SLS AMG E-Cell

An EV with handling

Mercedes has released a video of David Coulthard taking a spin in the SLS AMG E-Cell.

The retired Formula One driver was surprised by the acceleration, calling it "instant, but smooth" and "way, way more than I expected." More importantly, the car handles the slalom impressively - thanks to its low center of gravity.

As we have previously reported, the E-Cell has a lithium-ion battery pack which provides power to four electric motors. Producing a combined 392 kW (526 bhp / 533 PS) and 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque, the motors enable the SLS AMG E-Cell to accelerate from 0-60 mph in 4.0 seconds.

Source: Mercedes-Benz

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charlemagne

is it gonna be the new mega-toy? you have (a lot of) money, you got the Bugatti. you have money and big balls, you must show off riding a SLS.

July 3, 2010 3:13 pm

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jale

performance are impressive for EV...must be tooooooo expencive :((

July 3, 2010 4:48 pm

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Joe_Limon

I'm not exactly sure why this car has only one gear... his constant torque description doesn't really make sense. Constant torque through a larger range of rpm's just means you have a far more predictable power plant. If it was geared to hit its redline at standard automobile shifting speeds, it could then put out a lot more power at lower speeds.

July 3, 2010 5:52 pm

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Joe_Limon

on second thought, if he meant that the electric motors provide linear power throughout the rpm range, then yes, it really wouldn't make much of a difference.

July 3, 2010 9:32 pm

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supercharged

Main reason I like petrol SLS is the sound !

July 4, 2010 2:31 am

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mohaon

how come he says one gear only while they show him at min 3:23 playing with the paddle gear box???

July 4, 2010 3:41 am

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mohaon

so in like 10 to 15 yrs we will never hear any engine running, no more V8 engine vrooms, hell no, I'm gonna keep one from now to make some noise by 1230 lol

July 4, 2010 3:43 am

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N20_Purge

There are probably going to be soundsystems which replicate sounds of engines by then. But it won't feel the same. On the up side, cars of the future will have smoother power delievery.

July 4, 2010 6:36 am

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vilivo

Mini is doin that with the sound recording already- WCF had an article on it"

July 4, 2010 2:06 pm

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Hero Sina

is it our future ? don't want it . where is my Dirty 454 Camaro with it's 10 MPG ???

July 4, 2010 3:48 am

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CDspeed

I actually like the silence, it gives the impression that the car can move fast with very little effort. Kind of sounds like a Rolls Royce or a Maybach. I'll miss the sound of a V8 or V12 or even a flat 6 but gas won't last forever and the less of it there is the higher the price will go. We should all be happy that when we achieve zero emissions there will still be sexy fast sports cars, not just electric Minis or Smart cars.

July 4, 2010 9:04 am

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benzboy

When the build it for production and paint it iridium slilver, then I will buy it, maybe have to get different rims though dont like the black wheels. This video was like watching an old Max Headroom episode the dialogue so very out of sync. I think the car is great!!!

July 5, 2010 1:39 am

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McLaren Power

Weight counts against you:) Lukie

July 22, 2010 6:55 am

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