Mercedes-AMG will simulate internal-combustion powertrains in its upcoming EVs in a bid to hit the “emotional” benchmarks set by its previous V8- and V12-powered sports cars.

Speaking to Autocar at the launch of the AMG Concept GT XX, Mercedes-Benz Group tech chief Markus Schäfer suggested that the brand could go as far as simulating gearchanges and the vibration of a V8 to better immerse keen drivers.

He said: “How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift? It has to touch the emotional side of you. And if it doesn't, it doesn't do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that's exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX.”

It has already been confirmed that the production version of the GT XX, due next year, will use speakers mounted in its headlights to emit the noise of an AMG V8. But Schäfer’s comments suggest that it will go further still, following the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in simulating a highly strung combustion drivetrain to boost driver engagement.

Indeed, a video posted to Mercedes-AMG’s social media channels shows the car changing up a ‘gear’ before racing to a stop.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Schäfer cited the flexibility of the GT XX’s axial-flux electric motors – developed by Oxford-based subsidiary Yasa – as essential to this ambition. “It has to be authentic when it comes to power and drivability and track performance,” he said, “but the AMG is also an emotional experience from an acoustic standpoint, from noise and vibration harshness, and that's exactly what you should expect in this car as well.”

He added: “You can expect everything that you have today in the V8, V12 race-oriented AMGs [in this car].”

Schäfer acknowledged that “bringing hardcore V8 fans to an electric vehicle is something that is a challenge.

“A pure-electric car doesn’t do the job.”