For better and for worse, EVs are quiet. Compared to combustion vehicles, they’re effectively silent. That’s good for providing a calm, quiet, and smooth experience, but it’s a problem for sporty vehicles where much of the fun comes from powertrain sounds. So, automakers are adding sounds back, and they have no limits on what they could do. Some go with futuristic noises, others simulate combustion engines. Some even program the powertrain to adjust power to simulate an engine and transmission.
For AMG’s first EVs, it’s offering a simulation of its combustion models, but the strange part is that you get different ones depending on the model.
2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe electric yellow studio exterior.Mercedes-Benz
It’s Like AMG Imagined Alternate Reality Combustion Versions Of The GT EVs
Both the Mercedes-AMG GT SUV and the GT Four-Door are available with three different powertrains. The base one has the 53 designation with two motors making 536 horsepower. Then the 55 and 63 versions each have triple-motor powertrains making 805 and 1,153 hp respectively. All of them also come with what Mercedes calls AMGForce Sport+ sound, which is the name for the simulated combustion engine sounds and transmission sensations.
They do not, however, simulate the same engine sounds. The GT 53 has the sounds of an AMG-tuned straight-six, whereas the GT 55 and GT 63 have V8 sounds. Also worth noting is that, just as the 53 lacks V8 sounds, the 55 and 63 lack six-cylinder sounds. The sounds are exclusive to their respective models.
Why Would Mercedes Do This?
It’s a decision that, on its surface, seems bizarre, since everything that makes the sounds and sensations possible is just a set of digital files and code, and it would be easy to include all of them on every vehicle. So, we reached out to Mercedes for an explanation, and here’s what a representative had to say:
“The AMGForce Sport+ sound profiles were designed to mirror the established AMG model hierarchy. Just as AMG 53 models have traditionally been associated with six-cylinder engines, while AMG GT 55 and AMG GT 63 models are linked to V8 powertrains, the sound experience reflects those respective vehicle characters. This creates a consistent AMG experience across the portfolio.”—Mercedes-Benz Representative
2027 Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe electric white studio exterior.Mercedes-Benz
That sounds to us like Mercedes wasn’t necessarily trying to lock out a “more desirable” sound from people not willing to pay the money, but to instead give the different models more unique characters. Also, the company is clearly trying to connect specific characters across powertrain and model lines.
CarBuzz Insight – Why This Matters:
We see what Mercedes is trying to do with this sound system, and we commend the company for trying to create unique experiences for its EVs. Still, we can’t overlook the fact that it would cost next to nothing just to put both engine options in all versions of the electric GT models. After all, Mercedes makes some spectacular six-cylinder engines, and someone who wants all the power, but has a soft spot for the higher-pitched inline powertrain, will miss out. Similarly, there are probably people who don’t want to, or can’t, spend the money on the triple-motor vehicles who would like a bit of V8 rumble sometimes.
With all of that said, while we think Mercedes has the right idea, but the wrong execution, we also don’t think it’s going to make or break a sale on its monster EVs.
