
What's Your Take on the BMW M5's Fake Engine Sound?
Now, for those of us who live for the deep, aggressive growl of a performance engine, that might sound disappointing. That noise isn't just for show—it's part of the experience. It's what gets your heart racing and makes every acceleration feel alive. But thanks to stricter noise laws, better cabin insulation, and the rise of electrification, the days of naturally loud engines are slipping away. So, BMW had a choice: let the M5 go quiet—or get creative.
Enter Active Sound Design.
Rather than channeling natural intake noise like Ford does with the Mustang, BMW's system takes a fully digital approach. It uses the car's speakers to replicate the sound of the M5's twin-turbo V8. And it's not just some pre-recorded audio loop—it's all synced in real time with the engine's performance. The revs, torque, and speed all influence what you hear inside the cabin. Hit the gas, and you'll get a digitally enhanced growl that rises and falls with your throttle input. Switch to Sport or Sport+ mode, and the sound gets even more aggressive to match the sharper driving dynamics.
Of course, not everyone's a fan. Some drivers argue this kind of tech feels fake and takes away from the purity of the driving experience. Others question whether car speakers can really do justice to the thunderous voice of a true V8. And let's be honest—shouldn't there be an 'off' switch for those of us who just want the real thing, even if it's quieter?
BMW says the system is designed to stay within noise regulations and deliver a consistent, immersive feel for everyone in the car. But it's clearly a balancing act—between performance and compliance, emotion and regulation, tradition and technology.
So, is fake engine sound a clever fix or just a digital band-aid? Depends on what you value most behind the wheel. For some, it's enough to feel the illusion. For others, nothing beats the real roar.
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


ArabGT
2 days ago
- ArabGT
2025 Mercedes AMG GT63 Review
The 2025 Mercedes AMG GT63 makes a thunderous return, solidifying its place in the luxury performance segment with an all-new second generation. Built on the same platform as the new SL roadster, this model marks a bold evolution. It's no longer just a supercar for the weekends—it's been reengineered as a daily driver that blends brute force with modern tech and refined comfort. Exterior The redesigned 2025 Mercedes AMG GT63 is longer and wider than its predecessor, allowing for a 2+2 seating configuration and a more commanding stance. A shorter front end still houses the signature long hood, while new active aerodynamic elements—including adaptive cooling vents and an underbody system—boost downforce by up to 30 kilograms for high-speed stability. A rear diffuser, quad exhaust pipes, carbon-fiber rear wing (optional with the AMG Performance Package), and new 3D taillights complete the aggressive yet elegant silhouette. Weight distribution is precisely balanced at 54% front and 46% rear. Interior Step inside, and you're immersed in Mercedes-Benz's vision of digital luxury. The cabin features an 11.5-inch touchscreen powered by the MBUX infotainment system, a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, and a 5.7-inch Head-Up Display. The Burmester surround sound system not only elevates audio quality but also amplifies the engine note inside the cabin—compensating for tightened noise regulations. A practical touch comes via the front-axle lift system that raises the nose by 30 mm, with location memory that activates the lift automatically when needed. Mechanical Specifications: Abandoning the trend toward downsized engines, Mercedes brings back its legendary 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 in the new AMG GT 63. This engine cranks out 577 horsepower and 800 Nm of torque, propelling the car from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds. During real-world testing in hot and humid conditions, the car still managed a blistering 3.58-second sprint—showcasing the effectiveness of its cooling system and resilience under stress. All-Wheel Drive and Rear-Wheel Steering For the first time, the AMG GT adopts the 4MATIC+ all-wheel-drive system, transforming its character entirely. What was once a raw, rear-wheel-drive sports car has become a more stable, confident, and approachable machine. Rear-wheel steering adds agility at low speeds and stability at high speeds, adapting seamlessly to any driving environment. Drift Mode: Despite the all-wheel-drive layout, Mercedes hasn't abandoned driving purists. A dedicated Drift Mode disconnects the front axle entirely, turning the car into a rear-wheel-drive monster capable of controlled slides and tire-shredding action—perfect for seasoned enthusiasts. 2025 Mercedes AMG GT63 Price In the UAE, the 2025 Mercedes AMG GT63 starts at $245,580 (AED 901,900 or SAR 920,930). It's pitched directly against high-caliber rivals like the Porsche 911 Turbo, Bentley Continental GT, and Aston Martin Vantage—offering a compelling mix of everyday usability and ferocious performance. Gallery


ArabGT
2 days ago
- ArabGT
What's Your Take on the BMW M5's Fake Engine Sound?
While some automakers are doubling down on the raw, nostalgic magic of naturally aspirated engines—just look at Stellantis bringing back the beloved HEMI V8 to satisfy fans—BMW is taking a different route with the new M5. Instead of leaning into the traditional roar of a big engine, the German brand is embracing a digital trick: fake engine sound. Now, for those of us who live for the deep, aggressive growl of a performance engine, that might sound disappointing. That noise isn't just for show—it's part of the experience. It's what gets your heart racing and makes every acceleration feel alive. But thanks to stricter noise laws, better cabin insulation, and the rise of electrification, the days of naturally loud engines are slipping away. So, BMW had a choice: let the M5 go quiet—or get creative. Enter Active Sound Design. Rather than channeling natural intake noise like Ford does with the Mustang, BMW's system takes a fully digital approach. It uses the car's speakers to replicate the sound of the M5's twin-turbo V8. And it's not just some pre-recorded audio loop—it's all synced in real time with the engine's performance. The revs, torque, and speed all influence what you hear inside the cabin. Hit the gas, and you'll get a digitally enhanced growl that rises and falls with your throttle input. Switch to Sport or Sport+ mode, and the sound gets even more aggressive to match the sharper driving dynamics. Of course, not everyone's a fan. Some drivers argue this kind of tech feels fake and takes away from the purity of the driving experience. Others question whether car speakers can really do justice to the thunderous voice of a true V8. And let's be honest—shouldn't there be an 'off' switch for those of us who just want the real thing, even if it's quieter? BMW says the system is designed to stay within noise regulations and deliver a consistent, immersive feel for everyone in the car. But it's clearly a balancing act—between performance and compliance, emotion and regulation, tradition and technology. So, is fake engine sound a clever fix or just a digital band-aid? Depends on what you value most behind the wheel. For some, it's enough to feel the illusion. For others, nothing beats the real roar.


ArabGT
3 days ago
- ArabGT
A Week of Exciting News and Exclusive Test Drives for Car Enthusiasts
This week in the automotive world was packed with major headlines—ranging from iconic engine comebacks to exclusive supercar experiences, safety concerns, and standout test drives. Here's a roundup of the most important developments that caught global and regional attention: HEMI V8 Makes a Triumphant Comeback at Stellantis In a bold move responding to overwhelming market demand, Stellantis reintroduced the legendary HEMI V8 engine in the 2026 RAM 1500 lineup. Despite introducing the more efficient Hurricane engine, 40% of customers still prefer the raw power and unmistakable sound of the V8. The result? Over 10,000 orders in just 24 hours, even with an added cost of $1,200. RAM's CEO openly admitted misjudging the market—proving that for many, power and identity outweigh eco-efficiency. Exclusive Arab Test Drive of Ferrari's F80 Beast ArabGT was the only Arab media outlet among 20 journalists worldwide to get behind the wheel of the all-new Ferrari F80 2025—Ferrari's most powerful road-legal car to date. Driven by Suhaib Shasha'a on Italy's Misano circuit, the F80 stunned with its hybrid V6 twin-turbo system and futuristic aerodynamic design. More than a car, the F80 is an engineering statement, redefining performance and Italian excellence. Range Rover Evoque Recall Due to Airbag Defect Jaguar Land Rover has recalled over 21,000 Range Rover Evoque units in the U.S. due to a critical front passenger airbag defect that could cause severe injuries. Covering model years 2021 to 2025, the recall is expected to expand globally. Though no injuries have been reported, the move underscores the importance of safety compliance even in luxury vehicles. ArabGT's Exclusive Drive of the New AMG GT 63 In a thrilling episode of ArabGT's test drive series, host Karim Deeb took the wheel of the all-new second-generation Mercedes AMG GT 63. The drive offered a fresh perspective on how this German powerhouse evolved—not just in speed, but in everyday comfort, tech sophistication, and overall balance. More than a spec sheet, it was a driving experience that proves AMG still knows how to stir the soul. BMW Sub-Brands Steal the Spotlight BMW's Q2 2025 results revealed a surprising trend: its sub-brands—BMW M, MINI, and Rolls-Royce—are driving growth, while the core BMW brand saw a slight decline. MINI drew buyers with its electrified icons, M Division impressed with sports performance, and Rolls-Royce flourished in wealthy markets. With electric models gaining traction and sub-brands thriving, the future strategy of BMW may be headed in a new direction.