Mercedes-Benz AMG has made changes to several new models (2019 and later) of AMG performance vehicles, resulting in a significantly subdued exhaust note (engine sound). The exhaust note is a signature feature of these vehicles and is promoted heavily to potential customers who pay a premium to Mercedes for the performance engines and exhaust.

AMG is a subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz that hand-builds high-performance engines and products for Mercedes’ cars, SUVs, and trucks. An AMG is generally considered to be the premier configuration of a Mercedes-Benz vehicle. The engine noise and exhaust note are a defining characteristic of an AMG vehicle, and differentiate those vehicles from performance cars offered by other competing automakers. The sound is featured heavily in promotional and marketing material used by AMG to entice customers.

Purchasers of 2019 AMG vehicles have discovered that certain models have been changed to significantly reduce and alter the signature characteristics of these engines--the rumbles, crackles, pops, and engine roar which are generally heard when driving an AMG. This is inconsistent with the engine noise which appear to be present in cars provided to auto journalists and YouTube creators.

When some buyers called Mercedes-Benz to inquire and complain, responses from M-B have varied from being told that “new” US regulations were to blame, or that the buyer has no idea what he or she is talking about. No one is aware of any new US federal or European regulations that would require this type of change, and if there was a new regulation, why would it apply only to certain new models of AMG and not to others?

The AMG version of a vehicle comes at a premium cost of thousands, or tens of thousands, more than the basic or standard configuration of the vehicle. AMG has a reputation for building performance vehicles that are very personal to the owners. For existing AMG owners, and for many who aspire to own an AMG someday, the engine noise and exhaust characteristics are a primary reason to buy an AMG over a comparable BMW or Audi.

Buyers that are affected by this have been told to call Mercedes-Benz and file a complaint, which has been done by many, and even to this date, no response and or updates on any reason or solution have been offered.

By signing this petition, we hope to raise the profile of this issue with the public and finally get an adequate and acceptable response—and fix—from Mercedes AMG.