Mercedes-AMG will simulate internal-combustion powertrains in its upcoming electric vehicles (EVs) in a bid to hit the “emotional” benchmarks set by its previous V8- and V12-powered sports cars, Autocar reports.

Speaking to Autocar at the launch of the AMG Concept GT XX, Mercedes-Benz Group tech chief Markus Schafer suggested that the brand could go as far as simulating gearchanges and the vibration of a V8 to better immerse keen drivers.

“How does the car feel in terms of noise, in terms of sound level, in terms of the vibration, in terms of the gearshift? It has to touch the emotional side of you. And if it doesn't, it doesn't do the job. This is what AMG cars do, and that's exactly what we transferred piece by piece into this AMG GT XX," he explained.

It has already been confirmed that the production version of the GT XX, due next year, will use speakers mounted in its headlights to emit the noise of an AMG V8. But Schafer’s comments suggest that it will go further still, following the Hyundai Ioniq 5 N in simulating a highly strung combustion drivetrain to boost driver engagement.