Mercedes-Benz lets drivers choose the sound of their electric vehicles

Mercedes-Benz wants drivers to be able to choose the sounds their future electric vehicles will make.

Future electric vehicles from Mercedes' EQ sub-brand will get a "selectable soundscape" instead of engine sounds, the automaker announced last week.

The concept includes artificially generating driving sounds that will be played through the car's speakers. These sounds would vary according to parameters such as acceleration, speed, regenerative braking levels, and various drive modes.

The customized sounds can also be used when the car is parked. Engineers are developing unique sounds to indicate when the car is unlocked, ready to start, and fully charged, Mercedes said.

These sounds will be added to the sounds that all electric vehicles sold in the U.S. and Europe are required to emit at low speeds as a warning to pedestrians. In Europe, the mandate began in July 2019, while the U.S. regulation is currently being phased in. Automakers were granted an extension earlier this year due to a coronavirus outbreak.

Mercedes is testing different sounds in its EQC crossover and controls the sound through its infotainment system. According to the automaker, more than 120 staff members have test-driven the vehicle and provided feedback on the sound design.

Already on sale in Europe, the EQC was supposed to be the first EQ electric car to be launched in the U.S., but that has now been delayed until at least 2021. Instead, Mercedes may launch its flagship sedan, the EQS, in the U.S. first.

Other automakers are getting creative with the sound of their electric vehicles. Audi used 32 sound samples for its E-Tron GT, including the sounds of a cordless driver and a model helicopter, while Ford said it gave its Mustang Mach E a sound inspired by science fiction movies.