AMG’s V8 Models Have More Rumble Outside Of The EU & U.S.
AMG models sold in the U.S. are quieter than models sold in other parts of the world, but why?
Tailpipe emissions and exhaust sounds from AMG models seem to be a hot topic of discussion lately. In our world they aren’t exactly mutually exclusive, but they are closely related. Tailpipe emissions might mean some AMG models will vanish from European roads all together, but now, noise restrictions are corking the existing models already. Considering the U.S. doesn’t have these noise restrictions, you’d assume our models would still have that beloved rumble. At the moment, doesn’t seem like they do. At least that’s according to YouTuber Raz Rahan.
Rahan has taken a Dubai export GLC 63 S for a test run, and can’t get enough of the exhaust note. Simply put, it is louder and better. Even in the quieter “comfort” mode, Rahan notes, “there’s this wonderful V8 rumble. This reminds me of two things. One is my pre-facelift C63 S… and the other thing is some of that sound that you get out of an E63 which is bringing sound from the engine bay into the cabin.”
But AMG’s reign on the high side of the decibel-o-meter in non-EU countries might not last long. Rahan points out the obvious of AMG’s forthcoming economics. He says, “Now going into the future for the most part the exhaust systems that will be available in the UAE will be exactly the same as the ones in Europe because AMG can’t afford different systems for different territories. The software may differ, but the systems will be the same.”
AMG was able to get away with loud cars on previous EU tests due to active exhaust baffling. The tests are now performed with exhaust baffles open, so it is tough to get around. So for us in the US, getting a better sound is just as simple as cutting away the non-required OPF filter, right? Not as easy as it sounds. Air flow meters would likely re-calibrate the ECU for the increased flow of a more open exhaust. If anything, the only solution would seem to be an aftermarket exhaust and ECU tune. If it is properly engineered, it could give more rumble, and keep a warranty. Sadly, it is a lot of work to simply give an AMG its soul back.
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