Can you imagine being able to remix the music you’re listening to literally while driving your car? This isn’t the plot of a science fiction movie, but a reality brought to life by William James Adams Jr., better known as will.i.am, in collaboration with Mercedes-Benz.
I think that when will.i.am first presented this technology, most people reacted just like the journalist riding along: “Will, what the fuck is this?!” And he, laughing, nodded in response: “Exactly!” It’s a true breakthrough moment — a game-changer for in-car audio.
From Passenger to Composer
Sound Drive is a software platform for automotive music conceptualized, created, and implemented by will.i.am in partnership with Mercedes-Benz. By his design, it transforms the dynamics of the car into a sound generator, or as will.i.am calls it, a “composition engine.”
I’m struck by the depth of this idea. When does music truly feel “alive” in real life? Only during a live performance or when a DJ manipulates it. will.i.am asks: “Why can’t this happen during our daily drives?” He proposes that the car can be an “ecosystem for new creative experiences.”
How does it work? Practically every technical input in the car becomes part of the musical composition. Sound Drive monitors acceleration, steering angle, braking, suspension travel, and even energy recuperation. When will.i.am drove journalists in the Mercedes-AMG EQE, the experience was remarkable:
- When the car is stationary, the music can be muted, almost “underwater.”
- As soon as the foot hits the pedal, the track explodes into a dynamic electronic remix, with acceleration driving the progression.
- Turning the wheel adds a synthesizer effect reminiscent of Moog, bending and warping with the steering.
- Hard braking can slow the tempo, matching the drop in speed.
- Changing lanes may add reverb and other effects.
As a result, “every trip creates a unique version of the same song you’re driving to.”
Inspiration and Vision
The idea didn’t come out of nowhere. will.i.am began critiquing the simulated V8 engine sounds in the electric EQS. He wondered: if there’s a simulated V8, how would it react to the environment, gravity, or tunnel reverberation? His solution was to create a sensory experience similar to how visually impaired people “see” with sound, but using the car’s motion and music.
This technology is a new frontier for artists. will.i.am is proud that his vision is forward-looking: “I’ve won Grammys, but this is bigger than Grammys.” He emphasizes that Grammys recognize past cultural impact, while Sound Drive is about shaping the future.
Most importantly, he envisions: “We’ll make every driver a composer… future cars won’t make ‘vroom-vroom’ sounds; they’ll sound like orchestras.”
And What’s Next? A Question for the Reader
This concept raises questions. If the car is now an instrument and the driver a conductor, are we ready for this responsibility?
Currently, for the system to work, specially adapted tracks are needed, where each channel (drums, vocals, bass, etc.) is linked to specific car parameters (braking, steering, acceleration). Initially, around 100 popular tracks are available, including hits by Sister Sledge and the Black Eyed Peas. will.i.am is developing studio software so the creative community can produce “soundscapes” tailored for this technology. Mercedes even hopes AI will help expand the catalog of compatible music.
But will I enjoy listening only to these specially adapted tracks?
On the other hand, this technology promises to make everyday drives more engaging, especially in electric vehicles, which are naturally quiet. Markus Schäfer (CTO of Mercedes) assures that the system includes intelligence to prevent risky behavior: the sound “won’t reveal itself” beyond legal speed limits.
Yet, I can’t help but wonder: if I can add dramatic bass drops during hard acceleration or epic synth effects during U-turns, will I be able to resist the temptation to perform a mini “slalom” at low speed to get the perfect sound? Could this technology inadvertently encourage risky driving to perfect a remix? We’ll see.
Sound Drive became available via over-the-air updates in mid-2024 for Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz models equipped with second-generation MBUX (like the EQE and EQS).
Sound Drive really feels like science fiction come to life, turning a vehicle into an instrument. I’m not sure yet whether it will be offered via subscription or one-time purchase (price is currently unknown), but I’m convinced this technology will forever change how I perceive silence in electric vehicles.
For those curious about how AI-generated music differs from human compositions, check out this insightful guide: How to Distinguish AI-Generated Music from Human Compositions.
