Mercedes CEO: Simulated V8s make electric AMGs feel like 'born-again Christian'

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius believes software can replicate the visceral thrill of internal combustion to save the emotional appeal of high-performance cars. In a recent interview with Autocar, Källenius claimed that driving an electric AMG equipped with a simulated V8 engine made him feel like a "born-again Christian."

The endorsement centers on the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45, which utilizes an electric powertrain designed to mimic the auditory and tactile signatures of a V8. According to the company, the system simulates not only the engine note but also the characteristic pops, bangs, and virtual gear-change feedback associated with high-performance combustion engines. Källenius noted that the experience provided the feeling of a V8 while delivering superior power and torque.

The bridge to electrification

This strategic pivot comes as legacy automakers struggle to convert "petrol heads"—enthusiasts who value the mechanical noise and vibration of traditional engines—to electric vehicles (EVs). Mercedes is attempting to bridge this gap by shifting emotional engagement from mechanical hardware to software simulation. This approach follows a growing industry trend toward synthetic soundscapes, similar to those implemented in the Dodge Charger Daytona and Hyundai Ioniq 5 N.

Källenius is uniquely positioned to champion this transition; he previously ran the AMG performance division and oversaw Formula 1 engine operations in Brixworth. Despite his background in peak mechanical engineering, he acknowledges that for traditional car enthusiasts, the transition to electric performance "feels like you’re learning a new language."

Scaling the electric offensive

The simulated V8 experience is a key component of a massive product rollout. Mercedes is on track to launch 40 models by the end of 2027, utilizing the new MB.EA and MMA electric architectures. The high end of this lineup includes the AMG GT electric supercar, revealed in May, which boasts over 1,000 hp and features a similar artificial engine note to maintain the brand's aggressive identity.

Why it matters

For Mercedes, the stakes are financial as well as emotional. The AMG line represents a high-margin segment of the business. If the company cannot convince traditional buyers that an EV can provide the same psychological reward as a V8, it risks alienating its most loyal and profitable customer base. By leaning into synthetic sounds and haptic feedback, Mercedes is betting that the perception of performance is more important than the mechanical source of the noise.

What's next

Industry observers will now watch to see if these software-defined experiences translate into sales among purists. While the technical specifications of the 1,000-hp AMG GT are impressive, the ultimate test will be whether a simulated gear-shift and a digital exhaust note are enough to replace the legacy of the combustion engine in the eyes of the global enthusiast community.