The world’s first fully electric supercar, the Mercedes-Benz Gullwing E Cell will go on sale by the end of this year.

Although a price has not been set by the factory yet, it’s assumed to be just under $1 million, because of the intricate build process, cutting edge, super expensive performance electric motors and Lithium polymer battery packs.
Mercedes-Benz AMG said the E-Cell Gullwing will be as quick as the V8-powered SLS AMG, despite the additional 450kg of weight in batteries and electric motors.

The four electric motors, two for each axle in an all-wheel-drive configuration, will turn out a massive 880Nm of torque and around 400 kw of power propelling the E-Cell from 0 to 100km/h in 4.0 seconds compared to 3.8 seconds for the V8 AMG and will have a 200km driving range in ideal conditions between recharging. Peak power is as hefty as the V8-powered AMG it’s based on and the new Ferrari 458 Italia.
There are two boxes of batteries: one behind the cabin and one where the driveshaft would normally go, sitting along the length of the car in the centre of the floor. The rear batteries give the vehicle weight balance, while the centre battery packs give the car a low centre of gravity.

There is a centre console with a 25 cm touch-screen display and display gauges looking like something from a sci-fi star-fighter. Externally, minor changes to the Gullwing design include a new front and new pop-up rear spoiler assisting with aerodynamics at high speeds.

Mercedes has already tested the E-Cell on the Nurburgring circuit but is yet to release a lap time – So watch this space!

The SLS AMG petrol model has a brutal sounding engine. The proposal is that the E-Cell may employ a virtual, petrol model soundtrack on the inside of the vehicle: but what kind of warning sound will it emit outside to make other road users and pedestrians aware that the completely silent Gullwing is present?
More AMG cars are sold per-capita in Australia than in the USA.

Mercedes flogged 44 Gullwings in 2010 and 30 last year in Australia. At $400,000 a pop, it’s an important market for AMG and if it is technically possible to adapt the vehicle to right hand drive and build up a business case behind it, Mercedes may bring it here – Lucky for the very few that can fork out around a million bucks for the privilege of owning one.