Bentley's Electric Vehicle Will Use an Orchestra to Replicate V8 Sound
The luxury brand is recording live orchestral performances to synthesize engine noise for its upcoming EV.
Bentley Motors plans to use an orchestra to create synthetic sound for its forthcoming electric vehicle, replicating the auditory experience of a traditional V8 combustion engine.
What Happened
According to reports, Bentley is taking the unusual step of recording live orchestral performances to synthesize engine sounds for its upcoming EV. The luxury automaker aims to provide drivers with a familiar acoustic experience despite the absence of a traditional internal combustion powertrain. This approach falls in line with regulations requiring EVs to emit audible warnings for pedestrian safety.
Why It Matters
For buyers of luxury performance vehicles, sound has long been part of the driving experience. By using orchestral recordings rather than synthetic digital tones, Bentley appears to be targeting customers who expect refinement and authenticity even in an electric future. The strategy also addresses minimum sound requirements mandated in many markets for EVs operating at low speeds.
The Bottom Line
Bentley's orchestra-based approach represents one automaker's solution to the challenge of preserving brand character as it transitions to electric powertrains. Details on when Bentley's EV will launch and how the synthesized sounds will be implemented remain forthcoming.
