When Mercedes invited us for a test drive in a prototype of its upcoming all-electric AMG model a few weeks ago, I was excited to experience it.
The prototype is based on the AMG GT XX concept, featuring Bluetooth wheels and aiming to compete with the Porsche Taycan. It’s powered by up to three axial flux motors, promising over 1,000 horsepower.
Photo by: Mercedes-Benz
But the test drive wasn’t primarily about how quickly the C590 prototype accelerates. It was about experiencing its simulated V8 engine, which I found surprisingly enjoyable.
The topic of sound in electric vehicles – whether they should make any noise at all – is quite divided. However, the sounds coming from these cars have improved considerably recently.
The current leaders in this area are BMW’s spaceship-like sounds composed by Hans Zimmer, which create a feeling of being in a sci-fi movie, and Hyundai’s approach. Hyundai simulates a real combustion engine, which you can rev in neutral with a redline that encourages shifting, similar to a gasoline car.
The engine sound that AMG is trying to simulate is very similar to a naturally aspirated V8 from the era when a 63 AMG car had a 6.3-liter engine. It sounds great, and I prefer it to Hyundai’s artificial-sounding engine in its Ioniq 6 N and Ioniq 5 N.
Just like with those other cars, you can turn off the fake engine sound if you want. Since EVs don’t need that sound to perform, it will likely be disabled in the AMG as well.
Check out the video above and let us know what you think.
I’m Rohan Mehta, the voice behind KhelRe—a trusted and steadily growing blog dedicated to electric vehicles (EVs) in India. With over five years of experience as a tech and automotive blogger, I turned my frustrations with owning an EV into a mission: to help others make more intelligent choices in this fast-evolving world of electric mobility. I’ve been an early adopter of EV technology—I repurchased my first electric scooter in 2019. That experience opened my eyes to both the promises and the pitfalls of this new mode of transport. From slow charging times and range anxiety to misleading specs and hidden costs, I’ve faced it all. But instead of walking away, I decided to write about it. That’s how KhelRe was born—a no-nonsense, hands-on blog where I share practical, real-world reviews of EV cars, bikes, and scooters. I break down features, range, performance, and pricing from a user-first perspective. I take pride in simplifying complex tech into clear, valuable insights—offering tips, ownership stories, and advice you won’t find in flashy press releases or sales brochures. Whether you’re a first-time EV buyer or just a curious auto enthusiast, my goal is to help you navigate the EV landscape with confidence. My motto: “EV knowledge should come from experience, not just brochures.” When I’m not test-driving the latest e-scooter or comparing charging networks, you’ll probably find me tinkering with my garage EV setup, chatting with fellow enthusiasts online, or sipping chai while writing my next blog post from a cosy local café.
