Mercedes-Benz CEO Endorses Synthetic V8 Sounds for Electric Cars

Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz, expressed strong support for synthetic engine noise in electric vehicles after test-driving the electric AMG CLA 45. The performance sedan uses artificial sounds, seat vibrations, and simulated power interruptions during gear shifts to replicate the sensory experience of a combustion-powered V8 engine.

Källenius described the experience as having the feeling of a V8 but with more power and torque. Despite the effectiveness of these synthetic sounds, he noted that the consumer is not quite there yet regarding a full transition to electric vehicles.

This strategic shift follows the poor performance of the company's first generation of EQ-branded models in the American market. Consequently, Mercedes-Benz has softened its goal of becoming all-electric by 2030 and is now integrating electric drivetrains into existing nameplates rather than maintaining a separate EQ family.