The celebrated luxury carmaker known for its technological innovations – Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to start the production of its highly advanced plug-in electric version of SLS AMG Gullwing.

The electric version of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing has been currently names as – “SLS eDrive”. The image of Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing has been featured on the cover of a leading German automobile magazine, AutoBild. The image featured on AutoBild shows the car having fender vents behind the front wheels and featuring the iconic grille.

According to reports, the electric Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing will come with lightweight aluminum body, along with minor changes in chassis and suspension for fitting four wheel-mounted electric motors. With electric motors at each wheel, the electric SLS AMG will be an all-wheel drive car. Each electric motor will be capable of giving a 98kW of power (equivalent to 133 bhp) with a 880 Nm (649 lb-ft) of torque.

The electric SLS AMG eDrive is expected to be equipped with a V8 engine, which will offer 571 hp and 479 lb-ft. The electric car will be able to accelerate its speed from 0 to 100 km in about 4 seconds with a top speed of 193 km/h (120 mph). The SLS eDrive will take 5 to 6 hours for re-charging electric power, on a high-density power-line, while on a standard outlet, the car will take 8 hours.   

The SLS eDrive or electric Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG Gullwing has been developed by Mercedes-Benz AMG, subsidiary of the Mercedes-Benz car company specializing in high-performance luxury cars. The production version of the SLS eDrive will be unveiled at the 2009 Frankfurt Auto Show, on 15 September. The SLS eDrive is expected to be launched in 2010.