May 24, 2026 | Bonus Episode: Mercedes-AMG’s electric performance gamble
About this episode
Mercedes-AMG’s first all-electric performance car is framed as a luxury EV bet: the pitch is instant torque and even a V8-like sensory experience. Hosts break down how Mercedes uses selectable drive modes and a library of synthesized sounds to shift the cabin “atmosphere” toward a V8 feel, comparing it to the Hyundai Ioniq 5N. The conversation then pivots to dealer fraud concerns and how verification tools aim to keep deals moving, before returning to Mercedes’ autobahn-themed LA reveal strategy.
Automotive News reporter Jack Walsworth elaborates on Mercedes-AMG’s first all-electric performance car, including the complex sound engineering behind the GT 4-Door Coupe and the glitzy, star-studded L.A. reveal event complete with Brad Pitt and Blink-182.
instant torque
"that raw horsepower, the raw torque, the instant torque, as opposed to where EVs [96.0s] really captured the public's attention was with the trucks"
Torque is the force that helps the car pull forward. EVs can often give that force right away, which is why they feel quick when you step on the accelerator.
Torque is the twisting force that accelerates the car. “Instant torque” is the EV advantage where electric motors can deliver strong torque immediately when you press the pedal, rather than waiting for an engine to spool up.
V8 simulation
"“They were big on adding sounds in and outside of the vehicle to simulate as if you were driving a V8-powered car… Now, first of all, let's back up and say, talk about what V8 simulation means.”"
“V8 simulation” means the car plays made-up engine sounds to mimic what a V8 would sound like. It’s meant to make the electric car feel more like a gas performance car.
“V8 simulation” refers to an EV using synthesized audio (and sometimes other sensory cues) to imitate the sound and feel of a V8 engine. In this segment, Mercedes-AMG is described as adding sounds inside and outside the car to make it feel like you’re driving a V8-powered vehicle.
sound files
"“They needed a lot of sound files to make this work.”"
The segment describes using many “sound files” to create believable engine-like audio for an EV. That implies the system maps different driving conditions (like acceleration and load) to different recorded or synthesized sounds so the car’s audio changes in a realistic way.
Hyundai Ioniq 5N
"“I'm thinking of the Hyundai Ioniq 5N has a similar simulation that makes you feel like you're in a manual gas car.”"
The Hyundai Ioniq 5N is a sporty electric Hyundai. It uses fake engine-like sounds to make the driving feel more like a regular gas performance car.
The Hyundai Ioniq 5N is a performance-focused electric crossover from Hyundai’s N brand. It’s known for using sound simulation to make the EV feel more like a traditional “driver’s car,” including a more manual-gas-car vibe.
EV sound/feel simulation to mimic a V8
"it turns the sensor experience from an EV to a V8 engine type atmosphere... You would still hear the noises that you'd expect to hear. You'd still feel some vibrations."
The car is trying to copy the experience of a V8. It does that by playing the right sounds and adding vibrations so the EV feels more like a traditional engine car.
This segment describes an EV “sound and feel” simulation strategy: the car uses drive modes plus audio and vibration cues to recreate the sensory experience associated with a V8. The goal is to make acceleration and other events feel more familiar to drivers who expect internal-combustion character.
Sport Plus Drive
"But basically, if you put it in a certain mode, Sport Plus Drive, I believe is what it's called, it turns the sensor experience from an EV to a V8 engine type atmosphere."
Sport Plus Drive is a driving mode you can select. In this case, it changes what you hear and feel in the cabin to make the EV experience more like a louder V8.
Sport Plus Drive is a named drive mode that changes how the car presents its performance experience. Here, it’s described as altering the cabin “sound and feel” so the EV is made to seem more like a V8-powered car.
V8 audio file
"And basically, for acceleration, gear changes, or even an exosperable... you would hear sounds that are derived from a V8 audio file, basically."
A “V8 audio file” is basically the sound the car plays to imitate a V8 engine. The point is that when you accelerate or shift, you hear V8-style noises even though it’s an EV.
A “V8 audio file” is the recorded/synthesized sound content used to mimic the acoustic character of a V8 engine. The segment describes using these sounds for acceleration and gear changes so the EV’s behavior is paired with V8-like auditory cues.
Scout
"Some of the other brands I cover, like Scout, has talked about this with their upcoming vehicles, how they are trying to really implement good noises..."
Scout is mentioned as another company trying to make EVs more engaging. They’re working on sound design so the cabin experience feels more connected to what you’re doing.
Scout is referenced as another automaker working on how future vehicles deliver occupant experience, including using sound design. In this segment, it’s mentioned to support the idea that multiple brands are experimenting with “good noises” in EVs.
X7 Mercedesbenz X
"Yeah, I think so. I mean, to your point, a couple of Mercedes-Benz X did kind of joke about this, that cost them a lot of money, that they didn't give us a figure."
The X7 is a large luxury SUV made by BMW. It’s designed to carry people comfortably and feel upscale, but repairs and maintenance can be pricey compared with simpler cars. That’s why it might be brought up when people talk about expensive ownership surprises.
The “X7” most commonly refers to the BMW X7, a full-size luxury SUV known for its upscale interior, strong on-road comfort, and family-friendly space. It often comes up in discussions about ownership costs and repair expenses because luxury SUVs can be expensive to maintain when major components need service. In a podcast context, it may be mentioned as an example of how certain vehicles can “cost a lot of money” when unexpected issues arise.
Request an Explanation
Heard something you'd like explained? We'll add it to this episode.
Sign in to request explanations for terms you heard.
Want to learn more?
Browse our glossary for plain-English explanations of automotive terms, jargon, and concepts.
Help improve this episode
See something that's not quite right? Our annotations are AI-generated and can sometimes miss the mark. Click the flag icon on any annotation to suggest a correction.