Mercedes-Benz CEO Test-Drives Simulated V8 Electric AMG: Calls Experience 'Like a Reborn Christian'

Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius delivered high praise for the Mercedes-AMG CLA 45 equipped with a virtual V8 sound system during his test drive of the new all-electric C-Class in Finland. He candidly stated: 'The first time I drove the CLA 45 with this system, I felt like a reborn Christian.'

This remark is widely seen as Mercedes-Benz's clearest signal yet: its next-generation high-performance EVs target not only early tech adopters, but also traditional internal-combustion performance enthusiasts. Källenius himself previously led AMG and played a key role in developing the Mercedes-Benz F1 power unit and the McLaren SLR project — lending substantial weight to his assessment.

According to Autocar, the system replicates not only the roar, backfire, and detonation sounds of a V8 engine, but also enhances driver immersion through virtual gear-shift feedback. Källenius remarked: 'It delivers all the physical sensations of a V8 — while producing even greater power and torque.'

This strategy has already extended to higher-tier models — the all-electric AMG GT supercar launched in May also features a powertrain exceeding 1,000 hp and the same virtual engine sound technology. Competitors including Hyundai IONIQ 5 N and Dodge Charger Daytona have adopted similar approaches, confirming that 'software-defined sound' is becoming a shared exploration path across high-performance EVs.

Notably, Källenius emphasized that the technology is fundamentally a 'transitional bridge', not an end goal: 'It acknowledges that emotional connection still partly relies on nostalgia for the ICE era — but it's an effective way to help enthusiasts embrace electrification.' He reiterated Mercedes-Benz's long-term commitment to achieving 'full electrification in major markets by 2030', while continuing — during this transition — to develop 'high-tech hybridized internal combustion engines'.

Additionally, Mercedes-Benz is accelerating its software-defined vehicle strategy. The new all-electric C-Class runs MB.OS, the same operating system deployed in the latest gasoline-powered S-Class and C-Class — signaling that intelligent transformation extends beyond electric platforms alone. By 2027, Mercedes-Benz plans to launch 40 new models based on the MMA and MB.EA electric architectures, including an all-electric CLA with nearly 500 miles (≈805 km) of range, plus new C-Class and GLC variants.