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
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Hamilton holds hands up after ‘unacceptable' qualifying
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium: Lewis Hamilton blamed himself and said he would apologize to Ferrari for an 'unacceptable' performance on Saturday after he suffered another qualifying flop, his second in two days, at the Belgian Grand Prix. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The 40-year-old seven-time world champion, who was eliminated in first sprint qualifying on Friday when he spun at the chicane, repeated his disappointment as he qualified in a forlorn 16th place for Sunday's race. Team-mate Charles Leclerc qualified third after Hamilton had exceeded track limits in Q1 and had his best lap deleted. 'It was the same today as it was for the rest of the weekend,' said Hamilton. 'We made some changes and the car didn't feel terrible. 'It was tough for us. We had to put on our set of tires just to try to get through Q1 so it's not great. 'From my side, I made a mistake so I've got to look internally and I've got to apologize to my team because that is just unacceptable to be out in both Q1s. It's a very poor performance from myself. 'I will start from where I am and see what I can do to achieve the best I can with what we have. This season has been a tricky one.' Hamilton has won the Belgian race five times including inheriting victory last year when his then-Mercedes team-mate George Russell was disqualified after winning in an underweight car. Leclerc was upbeat and surprised to be third on the grid. 'I'm very happy today and it's strange to say that because it's still three-tenths and it's only third place, but I did not expect it,' he said. 'I think we thought we were quite a lot more behind (the McLarens). We knew we had something more in the car and obviously we had the upgrade this weekend, but we still struggled yesterday. 'I had a really good lap and I'm happy with the car. It takes time to maximize the upgrades that we put on the car.2 Hamilton's success last year was the last of his record 105 wins from 368 race starts in arguably the most successful career of all time, but since leaving Mercedes for Ferrari this year he has struggled and has yet to claim his first podium for the Italian team.
Arab News
4 hours ago
- Arab News
Verstappen assures Red Bull he will always deliver
SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, Belgium: Max Verstappen said Red Bull could always count on him, as the four-times Formula One champion gave new team boss Laurent Mekies a winning start in a Saturday sprint at the Belgian Grand Prix. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport The race was the first since Christian Horner, who led Red Bull into Formula One in 2005, was dismissed by the team's owners. Verstappen seized the lead on the opening lap from second at the start and kept McLaren's Oscar Piastri behind him to secure his and the team's first win of any sort since Imola in May. While worth only eight points, the victory was a significant statement after the recent restructure at the Milton Keynes factory. 'The team can always count on me. They will always get my very best, whoever is in charge. They know that. I'm never holding back or anything,' Verstappen told reporters. 'I'm always trying to give them the best possible result, and that's also what they pay me for. For sure, it's positive. We need, of course, positive energy, and that's a great start for us.' Verstappen said it was too early to talk about further changes to be made at Red Bull and Mekies needed to build relationships and see how the team operated. 'Then at one point, you come to conclusions and maybe you want to change something, and this is something that will happen over the coming weeks, months,' he said. 'So, it's really early days, but so far, he's very keen and very motivated, and that's exactly what you want also. I got on very well with him. So, yeah, it's been a very good start.'
Arab News
a day ago
- Arab News
FIA and Formula E agree 10-year extension to electric world championship
LONDON: The FIA and Formula E have agreed a 10-year extension to their partnership, securing the future of the FIA Formula E World Championship until at least 2038. For the latest updates, follow us @ArabNewsSport Announced on Friday, the new multi-year agreement between the Federation Internationale de l'Automobile and Formula E ensures the world's premier all-electric racing series will continue to operate under the FIA's governance for another decade beyond the current deal. The extension is a pivotal moment for Formula E, which has recorded 20 percent year-on-year growth since its inaugural race in 2014. The sport now attracts more than 400 million fans worldwide and reaches a global TV audience of about half a billion. Described by the FIA as a milestone for innovation and sustainability in motorsport, the renewed deal will allow Formula E to accelerate its expansion, pursue long-range partnerships and enhance its position as a testbed for electric vehicle technologies that translate to consumer markets. 'The extension of the agreement governing the FIA Formula E World Championship is a fantastic outcome for the sport and a clear reflection of our ongoing strategy at the FIA to foster long-term stability, innovation, and growth across all areas of motorsport,' said Mohammed Ben Sulayem, president at the FIA. 'This milestone reaffirms our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and technological progress, which are all central to the championship's unique identity and purpose. It also aligns with our broader goal of increasing global participation and driving more accessible motorsport for all. We are delighted to be continuing this journey with Formula E, and I look forward to seeing it grow even further, both on and off the track, in the years to come,' he added. Formula E's cutting-edge credentials were further bolstered by the recent launch of the GEN3 Evo race car, which accelerates from 0-60mph in just 1.82 seconds, about 30 percent quicker than a current Formula 1 car. It has a top speed of 200mph and regenerates nearly half the energy used in a race. Sustainability is a core pillar, with tyres containing 35 percent recycled materials and bodywork incorporating recycled carbon fibre and natural fibres. Craig Edmondson, chief commercial officer at the FIA, added: 'Formula E has not only demonstrated impressive growth since its inception, but has also led the way on sustainable innovation in our industry. This is a landmark agreement for the FIA and Formula E, and we are excited to be working with the championship in the years to come.' The deal also provides the long-term security required to invest further in vehicle performance, fan engagement, and technological advancement. Formula E is targeting faster top speeds, enhanced aerodynamics, better tyre performance, and closer racing. 'We've believed in Formula E since Day 1, and this extension reaffirms our confidence in where it's headed. This is the motorsport of the future, a championship that combines the very latest technology, close-combat racing, and a mission that really matters,' said Mike Fries, CEO of Liberty Global, Formula E's majority owner. 'With the FIA's continued backing, we can now take the next big steps — scaling the sport, growing its global fanbase, and continuing to push the boundaries of what electric racing can achieve. 'With this new agreement in place, Formula E is now positioned better than ever to define the future of motorsport — more innovative, more inclusive, more sustainable — and to inspire the next generation of fans, drivers, and partners around the world,' he added. Formula E's roster includes major automotive manufacturers such as Porsche, Jaguar, Nissan, Maserati, Stellantis, Mahindra and Lola-Yamaha, with 11 teams and 22 drivers competing in cities including Jeddah, Monaco, Tokyo, London, Miami, and Shanghai. Jeff Dodds, CEO of Formula E, said: 'Formula E's growth since its inception has been nothing short of extraordinary, with hundreds of millions of fans and world-class teams and drivers deciding to choose highly competitive electric racing. 'This long-term extension of the partnership enables us to continue building the brand, investing in the product and delivering some of the most captivating racing that has made us famous. 'With this long-term extension, the opportunity that Formula E now has to impact world motorsport will be truly transformational,' Dodds added. Formula E has topped global rankings for environmental, social and governance performance in sport for the past three years and continues to reduce freight emissions while delivering positive legacies in its host cities through its Better Future Fund. With global EV sales forecast to exceed 40 percent of all vehicle sales by 2030 and battery production expected to triple, the series is positioning itself at the forefront of technological and cultural shifts in motorsport and mobility.
