Mercedes' new electric AMG SUV makes fake V8 noise a premium feature

Mercedes has introduced an all-electric AMG GT SUV, but one of its flashiest selling points comes at a premium: simulated V8 engine noise. The feature varies by trim even though all models are battery-powered. Power starts at 536 hp for the GT 53, climbs to 805 hp for the GT 55, and peaks at 1,153 hp for the GT 63. Mercedes ties the synthetic soundtrack to its AMGFORCE Sport+ label: GT 55 and GT 63 get simulated V8 audio, while the GT 53 uses sounds modeled after an AMG six-cylinder. The system uses reference recordings with 16 microphones and adapts in real time to driving and simulated gear changes.