Mercedes-AMG's super sedan brings the V8 sound to EVs

Mercedes-AMG is bravely charging into the electric era with a bold statement: its new electric super sedan will offer a V8-like sound and a simulated gearshift experience. This apparently will deliver the emotional engagement that traditional enthusiasts expect, even without a roaring combustion engine.

Mercedes-AMG has been testing and teasing this all-electric challenger for months, with an official unveiling expected later this year. While some might consider AMG a bit late to the high-performance EV party, their strategy seems focused on creating a truly unique offering. Teaser videos and a concept from 2022 have hinted at the sedan's sleek design, but recent previews focused on its auditory experience.

An initial teaser showed a silent prototype performing high-speed maneuvers, typical of an EV. A second, more intriguing clip shows the electric sedan accelerating with a deep, bellowing soundtrack, complete with simulated gear shifts and what sounds like paddle shifter inputs. This artificial sound is supposed to mimic AMG's legendary V8 engines.

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The decision to include simulated engine sounds and a dual-clutch transmission experience is similar to Hyundai's approach with its Ioniq 5 N, which has captivated some combustion engine enthusiasts with its engaging electric driving experience. Will AMG customers embrace this "fake" sound? Many EV purists argue that electric cars should embrace their inherent quietness, but AMG clearly has a desire to bridge the gap for drivers accustomed to the visceral feedback of a gasoline-powered performance car.

Regardless of opinions on its sound, the performance of this electric AMG sedan is unlikely to disappoint. Industry insiders expect power to exceed 1,000 horsepower from as many as three axial electric motors. Each of these Yasa-developed motors can deliver approximately 480 horsepower (358 kilowatts) and 590 lb-ft of torque. This immense power output positions the electric AMG to compete directly with high-performance EVs like the Taycan Turbo GT and Audi RS e-tron GT Performance, which typically achieve 0 to 62 mph in around 2.5 seconds.

This powerful electric sedan is just the beginning of AMG's electric vehicle expansion. The brand plans to follow the sedan's launch with an electric SUV shortly after, built on the same dedicated 800-volt AMG.EA platform, designed from the ground up for high-performance electric models.

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