The SLS AMG Coupé Electric DriveMercedes-Benz SLS AMG Cou...Germany, 2013 > present5 photos
goes on sale later this month, and Mercedes-BenzMercedes-BenzGermany, 1924 > present197 models
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wanted to test the car to prove its true mettle at the Nürburgring Nordschleife. The pure electric SLS lapped the famous racecourse in 7:56.234 minutes, a new record for a production electric car.

The SLS AMG Electric Drive uses electric motors in all four wheels to produce a total of 740hp and 738lb-ft of torque. It is capable of accelerating to 100km/h in 3.9 seconds and had an electronically limited top speed of 155mph (250km/h). The car's 60kWh battery pack was a co-development between AMG and the Mercedes AMG Formula 1 team. It gives the Electric Drive a certified range of 155 miles.

Because of the electric motors, the entire supply of torque is available from the start leading to the quick power delivery. However, the motors supply their power directly to the wheels, which leads to the relatively low top speed. 

The other aspect helping the Electric Drive is the car's intelligent all-wheel drive. The car's traction control system can remove power from any of the electric motors to shift traction between the wheels at any time. It allows the driver to dial in just the right amount of cornering and reduces oversteer and understeer. The system has three modes: comfort for forgiving driving, sport for balanced driving and sport plus for sporty, agile driving. 

The Electric Drive models are produced at the AMG factory in Affalterbach, Germany. After initial assembly, they are sent to seven specific production stations to install the electric motors and batteries. 

Mercedes-Benz still has quite a way to go to take the overall electric car record around the Nordschleife. Toyota's P002Toyota TMG EV P002Japan, 2013 > 2013 lapped the track in 7:22.329 in 2012.