‘Emotion Start’ Mode on AMG Models Adds More Rumble to Your Day
New mode allows your AMG to literally scare itself awake.
AMG has always had a different ethos than other German in-house performance brands. AMG likes to have fun. Often times that has nothing to do with lap times or top speed. The concept of a big brute of a V8 engine in a small car is a recipe for raucous, loud entertainment. But AMG has switched to turbocharging which mutes that audio pleasure somewhat. That’s where Emotion Start, available on all AMG models, brings back some of that joy. Sure it’s a bit silly, but AMG cars aren’t sensible, and we like that.
Car and Driver performed a video demonstration of this feature, and it works fairly simply. Before you hit the start button to fire up the car, pull back and hold one of the steering wheel paddle shifters. Viola! You’re greeted with some extra bark that will inform everyone in a one-mile radius that your AMG is ready to tackle the roads.
OK, that’s a bit of an exaggeration, but it is still quite loud. Once the car settles into idle, the valves will close again. You’ll either have to push the button for the open valves or change drive modes to get some more decibels back. Alternatively, you can put the car in accessory mode and open the vales before you start the car, which will keep them open.
What is yet to be seen (and heard) is how the various four- and six-cylinder AMG models will sound. On a car like the C43, the exhaust is more raspy and hearty than thunderous. On a CLA45 AMG, it is more of a growl, with lots of back pressure pops and burbles. One thing is for sure, AMG’s exhaust tuning does an amazing job of delivering an exciting tone when wanted.
The best sounds from AMG will of course come from a fully modified exhaust. We all know the best sounding of those was the M156. With no turbos in the way and a healthy 6.2 liters of displacement, it was a thunderous beast. We can’t imagine too many AMG SUV buyers will be eager to throw an aftermarket exhaust system on their ride. That’s something more reserved for the coupes and sedans.
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