Akmal Azhar
A Prototype Ride That Goes Beyond Speed
Mercedes recently offered a preview ride in a prototype of its upcoming all-electric AMG model, and while the car is expected to pack more than 1,000 horsepower and compete directly with the Porsche Taycan, raw power wasn’t the headline. Instead, what stood out was the car’s surprisingly convincing simulation of a V8 engine—delivering not just sound, but sensation.
How Mercedes Replicates the V8 Experience
Rather than simply piping engine sounds through the speakers, Mercedes-AMG took a more immersive route. The system combines speaker output with strategically placed resonators in the front seats. These devices vibrate in sync with acceleration and throttle behavior, recreating the feel of a burly V8 engine rumbling beneath the driver. Even throttle lift-off is mimicked with familiar overrun crackles that echo through the seat.
Authenticity That Rivals Combustion
The simulated soundscape is modeled after AMG’s legendary 6.3-liter naturally aspirated V8 engine. It feels more authentic than the synthetic, futuristic sounds from rivals like BMW, or the game-like audio in Hyundai’s Ioniq 5 N and 6 N. The sound delivers personality and punch—emotional cues that many drivers still crave in an EV era.
Optional and Track-Friendly Design
Mercedes-AMG allows drivers to deactivate the sound simulation entirely, an important touch for those chasing serious track times. Turning it off likely frees up additional performance by shedding energy use from the sound system, showing AMG’s intent to balance fun with function.
Blending Emotion with Electrification
What Mercedes-AMG has created is more than just noise. By merging sound with tactile vibration, they’ve tapped into the emotional core of performance driving. It’s an EV that doesn’t just accelerate quickly—it feels alive, mechanical, and unmistakably AMG.
Yusri Ng
