2021 Mercedes EQS to sound like X-Wing Fighter

Mercedes-Benz has revealed that its upcoming pure-electric 2021 Mercedes-Benz EQS limousine will be offered with four different soundtracks when it makes its debut in a few weeks' time.

From its launch later in 2021, the Mercedes-Benz EQS will offer drivers four different modes: Silent, Silver Waves, Vivid Flux and a Roaring Pulse setting.

Apart from Silent, all modes harness the power of a 15-speaker 710W premium Burmester surround-sound system to dramatically change the driving experience.

Created by a team of 250 acoustic sound engineers and software programmers led by sound engineer Thomas Kuppers, the EQS needs a dedicated soundtrack because it's too quiet without any ambient noise.

"Silence is, of course, the ultimate luxury experience in a car and everyone enjoys the feeling of travelling in a safe cocoon, but when a combustion engine is missing your ears focus on everything else going on," Kuppers told carsales at a recent deep-dive tech event held by the German car-maker.

"It's then silence can be oppressive and even stifle liveliness."

Kuppers said that as well as being too quiet, a lack of acoustic feedback can also be disorientating for drivers, which prompted the development of on-board soundscapes or soundtracks for drivers of the advanced EQS.

None replicate the sound of a traditional engine.

"Putting a combustion engine into your EV is like putting typewriter sounds on your smartphone," said Kuppers.

Ensuring each soundtrack caters for different needs and desires for buyers, the first Silver Waves soundscape is said to have been made for those traditional buyers who want to unwind behind the wheel.

Claimed to be soft and elegant, it doesn't intrude and remains in the background, giving just the amount of feedback that enhances the feeling of control and safety on the move.

Vivid Flux, meanwhile, has been designed for the techy EV enthusiasts the car-maker hopes it will poach from Tesla. Inspired by electronic music, the soundtrack is claimed to be playful, altering in the way you interact with the car.

Flatten the throttle and it even sounds like a Star Wars X-Wing Fighter, not that Mercedes could ever claim a link between the EQS and the sci-fi franchise.

Finally, the Roaring Pulse setting has been dedicated to those with a strong association with powerful machines, or big engines or turbines.

Despite not replicating a fossil-fuel-burning engine, the sounds are supposed to evoke power and there's even claimed to be some volcano crackling and thunder strikes in the mix.

As well as a soundtrack on the move, Krupper said it was crucial to use sound to help you interact with the vehicle.

Unlock the car and there's a welcome sound to show you your car is "alive", while plugging or unplugging the EQS from a power source brings yet another external noise indicating to the driver that the process is complete.

What Kuppers' team hasn't been able to achieve is introducing noise cancellation measures because the tech only really works to reduce low frequency noise, like a combustion engine. Any other frequencies would need headphones in order to be effective.

Instead, wind and tyre noise have been reduced using more traditional methods like sound insulation.

Kuppers says he has high hopes for the emerging tech and admits his work is not done. But instead of being sheepish about a job left incomplete, he's overjoyed that he gets to continue creating soundtracks for future EQS owners.

"We haven't finished, but during the lifetime of the car, new sound worlds will follow and be introduced, thanks to over-the-air updates," he said.