Mercedes teased an assortment of electric vehicles last week and now the company has revealed future EQ models will have “selectable soundscapes.”
Since electric vehicles are quiet by nature, Mercedes is working to give them a “multi-sensory experience” which will help to make up for the missing V8 rumble.
As part of this effort, a team of audio experts have created different soundscapes which can be accessed by using the MBUX infotainment system. The company didn’t go into too many details, but noted they paid attention to recreating the “driving sound” found in traditional vehicles.
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The so-called driving sound is pumped through interior speakers and is adjusted in response to nearly a dozen parameters such as acceleration, speed and energy recuperation. It also factors in the selected driving mode as the sound becomes more “dynamic” when Sport mode is selected.
While it’s probably something people that will need to experience to fully appreciate, Mercedes said the driving sound was created to awaken emotions and inspire. The company also hinted additional driving sounds could be added in the future as part of over-the-air updates.
Sound will also play an important role elsewhere as the company is developing a holistic sound concept that will also provide drivers with feedback. In particular, owners can expect acoustic cues when the car is started and when a charger is connected.
Of course, exterior sounds are also important and required in a number of markets for safety reasons. As a result, EQ models will have an Acoustic Vehicle Alert System that uses speakers mounted in the bumpers to warn pedestrians when the vehicle is approaching at low speeds.
