Mercedes-AMG SL Plug-In Hybrid

When talking about Plug-in hybrid vehicles, or PHEVs, a battery and an internal combustion engine (ICE) that uses another type of fuel like petrol are used to power the electric motor. Today we are talking about the Mercedes-AMG SL plug-in hybrid. This plug-in hybrid will be seen with speeds exceeding 800bhp in the future. So, through MotorGuide Weekly News, today we are telling you that story.

Mercedes-AMG has launched the first hybrid version of the drop-top grand tourer with an SL 63 S E Performance. It is the AMG performance division's fifth plug-in hybrid and will be one of the fastest convertible cars to go on sale this year.

The Mercedes-AMG widely adopts the same powertrain setup as the GT 63 S E Performance and S63 E Performance saloons. Power to the engine comes from a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8, producing an output of 603bhp. This is paired with a 201bhp electric motor mounted at the rear for a combined output of 804bhp. The torque is 1047lb ft. It achieves 0-62mph in 2.9 seconds. Its top speed is 196mph. However, this speed is slightly lower than that of the Ferrari 296 GTS and Porsche 911 Turbo S Cabriolet.

Stopping power comes from carbon-ceramic brakes clamped by bronze-coloured calipers specific to the PHEV. Michael Schiebe, CEO of AMG, states that this unique concept provides their customers with superior performance as well as an electric driving option.

The motor is directly mounted to the rear axle. It works to boost power under acceleration when overtaking and pulling away from the line. This is a characteristic of the German brand's P3 performance powertrain, which is connected to a two-speed gearbox that operates with the seven-speed automatic gearbox linked to the engine. When rear grip starts to diminish, power can be sent to the front wheels. Rear-axle steering is also standard to assist with both low-speed and high-speed maneuvers of the car.

A mechanical limited-slip differential is fitted to the rear axle to aid grip in high-demand situations. Above this, a lightweight, high-performance 400 V battery developed with knowledge from the Mercedes-AMG Formula 1 team is installed.

Regarding its battery, it provides continuous and reliable performance during high-demand situations. AMG focuses special attention on improved cooling, which allows the car to drive for eight miles on electric power alone. However, it has not been developed to provide the longest possible range.

The driver can choose from eight driving modes, including electric, battery hold, comfort, smoothness, sport, sport plus, race, and individual. Each mode allows for up to four levels of energy regeneration, returning more than 100kW of power back to the battery.

When the car starts, it is only under electric power. The PHEV features aerodynamically optimized alloy wheels, with diameters of 20 or 21 inches. It gains an aerodynamic touch from a carbon fibre front splitter that extends downwards by 40 mm at speeds over 50 mph, and a duck-tail rear spoiler that extends at the same speed.

This is how the Mercedes-AMG SL plug-in hybrid you know arrives with speeds exceeding 800bhp. In addition, many other changes are happening with vehicles. So, to keep abreast of all these developments in the future, stay with MotorGuide.