Who says EVs are boring? How Hyundai, Mercedes, and Kia are faking sounds (and gears) to bring back the thrill
Automakers like Hyundai and Mercedes-AMG are using clever software to simulate gear shifts, engine rumbles, and exhaust pops, proving that EVs can be engaging to drive.
In the world of technology and car enthusiasts, electric vehicles (EVs) have become increasingly popular due to their quick acceleration, instant torque, and regenerative braking. However, EVs often lack the engaging experience of driving a combustion engine with manual gear shifts. This has led to a challenge for car manufacturers to bring more fun to the driving experience of EVs.
Hyundai Motor Group and Mercedes-AMG have found a solution by using software and hardware tricks to mimic the gear shifts, sounds, and vibrations of traditional combustion engines.
At Hyundai's Metaplant America factory in Savannah, Georgia, reporters experienced a first-hand tour and drive of the IONIQ 5 and IONIQ 9 EVs. The IONIQ 5N, the performance version of Hyundai's crossover EV, boasts a powerful 601 hp engine, 545 lb-ft of torque, and a rapid 0-60 mph time of 3.2 seconds. What sets it apart is Hyundai's "N" treatment, which includes N e-shift mode that allows drivers to use paddles behind the steering wheel to simulate gear shifts and torque-cut of an 8-speed dual-clutch transmission (DCT) found in combustion engines.
Paired with Hyundai's N Active Sound+, which adds a synthesized soundtrack to the driving experience, the IONIQ 5N provides a more visceral and realistic driving experience. The software also includes N Grin Boost (NGB) feature, which boosts the power output to 650 hp and 568 lb-ft of torque for up to 10 seconds, mimicking the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System) found in high-performance combustion engines.
This innovative approach to EVs is not limited to Hyundai's lineup, as the same technology extends to other performance EVs built on the group's E-GMP architecture, such as the 2025+ Kia EV6 GT, Kia EV9 GT, and Genesis' upcoming GV60 Magma. These features have even been introduced to some existing EVs through software updates. While the future of this technology remains to be seen, it certainly adds an extra dose of fun to the already exciting world of electric vehicles.
Written by urgent.news from Tom's Guide's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
