From Studio to Street: How Volvo EX90 Brings Professional-Grade Audio to Your Drive
August 31 2024,
The Volvo EX90 all-electric SUV is set to transform the way we experience audio on the road. This fully electric vehicle combines cutting-edge sound technology with Volvo's commitment to premium experiences, creating an unparalleled auditory environment for drivers and passengers alike. Through a collaboration between Volvo and renowned audio experts Bowers & Wilkins, the EX90 presents a new standard in automotive sound systems, reflecting the evolving landscape of in-car entertainment.
At the heart of the Volvo EX90's audio system lies the expertise of Bowers & Wilkins, a company with a rich history in high-fidelity sound production. Their partnership with Volvo Cars extends beyond mere product integration; it represents a shared philosophy of delivering authentic, high-quality experiences. Bowers & Wilkins brings its "True Sound" approach to the EX90, ensuring that music is reproduced exactly as the artist intended.
The EX90's premium audio system boasts several innovative features that set it apart. A network of 25 speakers strategically placed throughout the seven-seater cabin creates a three-dimensional surround sound experience. This careful positioning ensures optimal sound distribution, enveloping occupants in a rich audio landscape regardless of their seating position.
Powering this speaker array is a robust 1610W system, providing ample power to deliver clear, distortion-free sound even at higher volumes. This substantial power output contributes to the system's ability to reproduce subtle audio details and dynamic range, crucial for an authentic listening experience.
The integration of Dolby Atmos technology further enhances the EX90's audio capabilities. Dolby Atmos allows for precise placement of individual sounds in a three-dimensional space, creating a more immersive and detailed soundscape. This technology enables listeners to perceive audio with greater depth and clarity, bringing a new dimension to music, podcasts, and other audio content.
Recognizing that personal preferences play a significant role in audio enjoyment, the EX90 offers customizable listening modes. The Studio mode aims to replicate the neutrality and purity of a recording studio environment, optimized for any seat in the vehicle. For a more intimate experience, the Individual Stage setting creates the sensation of a private performance. Concert Hall mode, inspired by the acoustics of Gothenburg's Concert Hall, reproduces the ambiance of a live musical performance.
The benefits of this immersive audio system extend beyond mere entertainment. High-quality sound can significantly improve the experience of long drives or daily commutes, reducing fatigue and enhancing overall comfort. The ability to customize the audio environment to personal tastes allows each occupant to create their ideal acoustic space, potentially reducing stress and improving mood during travel.
Volvo's designers and Bowers & Wilkins' audio engineers collaborated from the earliest stages of the EX90's development to seamlessly integrate the audio system into the vehicle's interior. This approach ensures that the premium sound experience doesn't come at the cost of aesthetic appeal. The speaker placement complements the EX90's minimalist Scandinavian design language, with many speakers featuring bespoke double-etched and brushed stainless steel grilles. These grilles are housed in backlit wood panelling, achieving both acoustic transparency and visual elegance.
The Volvo EX90's audio system is a major step forward in automotive sound technology. By combining advanced speaker technology, powerful output, customizable modes, and thoughtful design integration, Volvo and Bowers & Wilkins have created an audio experience that enhances the overall driving experience. As vehicles become increasingly electrified and autonomous, the role of in-car entertainment will likely grow in importance. The EX90's immersive sound system not only meets current expectations for premium audio but also sets a new standard for future automotive audio experiences.