In-car and infotainment experiences at Geneva Motor Show

Audi impresses with 3D audio, courtesy of Bang & Olufsen
The Audi e-tron featuring the Bang & Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System offers the best of what e-mobility and in-car audio technology have to offer.

Featuring scalable Digital Signal Processing (DSP) that relies on the Symphoria 3D algorithm by Fraunhofer IIS, the sound system delivers suitable acoustic quality and precision in sound reproduction regardless of driving conditions - the result of hundreds of hours of tuning performed by sound experts and Tonmeisters.

The sound system comprises 16 loudspeakers, each selected for optimal performance, as well as a 15-channel amplifier providing a total output power of 705W, Class D and Class AB (Hybrid amplifier) technology, Digital Transmission Content Protection (DTCP), 5.1 multi-channel support, and more.

Other Audi models featuring Bang & Olufsen sound systems will also be showcased at the Geneva International Motor Show.

Bentley and Bang & Olufsen bring sound into Bentley’s new convertible
Scheduled for release in early 2019, the new Bentley Continental GT Convertible is the brand’s sportiest version to date.

Developed in close collaboration between Bentley and HARMAN’s audio engineering and design teams, the Bang & Olufsen sound system for Bentley meets the acoustic challenge of the convertible format while integrating into the car’s interior.

The sound system features a powerful 1,500W BeoCore DSP Class-D Amplifier, Digital Signal Processing (DSP) and 16 active speakers for powerful, authentic sound, heightened by the BeoSonic One-Touch Experience interface.

BMW delights the senses, courtesy of Bowers & Wilkins and Harman Kardon
X5 and X7
The new BMW X5 and X7 are setting a new standard for car audio thanks to the acoustic expertise of Bowers & Wilkins. Available as a premium option for the first time, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System offers an immersive experience. Graceful forms and advanced materials such as Diamond, Rohacell, and Aramid Fibre combine with subtle illumination effects and 3D sound to ensure an experience for every passenger.

The system features 20 exactingly placed speakers powered by a 1475W 20-channel amplifier, with QuantumLogic Immersion processing, full-active output stage technology, equalising, and much more.

The BMW X5 and X7 are also available with Premium Sound by Harman Kardon. Customised and tuned to each car’s interior, the system features 16 high performance speakers and a Hybrid DSP amplifier with 464W total output, and includes numerous technologies such as Logic7 Surround Sound, Auravox equalising software, and Dynamic Frequency Compensation.

7 Series
Making its global debut in Geneva, the all-new 2019 BMW 7 Series features a cleaner powertrain, and array of high tech equipment that is sure to create a buzz. Inside the updated leather-clad cabin, extra sound deadening sets the stage for listening experiences, provided by Bowers & Wilkins and Harman Kardon.

The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System in the BMW 7 Series features 16 speakers and a 16-channel amplifier with 1375W of total output power. Illuminated Diamond Dome tweeters and midrange drivers, QuantumLogic surround sound processing, full-active output stage technology, and five sound presets are but a few of the system’s key features.

The BMW 7 Series is also available with Harman Kardon sound, with 16 speakers and a 464W 9-channel DSP amplifier, as well as an array of high performance technologies such as Logic7 Surround Sound, Auravox, and Dynamic Frequency Compensation.

8 Series
The 2019 BMW 8 Series convertible features the latest comfort and entertainment technologies. Available as an option, the Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System features a 12-channel 1125W amplifier and 12 high performance speakers including five Aramid Fibre midrange drivers, three Diamond Dome tweeters, two aluminum tweeters, and two Rohacell subwoofers.

Meanwhile, the Harman Kardon Premium sound system offers balanced sound through 12 loudspeakers powered by a Hybrid technology Harman Kardon DSP amplifier with 408W total output.

Z4
The sporty new BMW Z4 roadster provides an exhilarating ride and a sound system to match. The Harman Kardon sound system is precisely tuned to the interior of the BMW Z4, enhancing the driving feel and ensuring an optimised listening experience. With 12 high performance speakers for sound balance, including two subwoofers placed under the front seats for powerful base, the Harman Kardon sound system delivers precise and detailed sound.

Other BMW models
Multiple other BMW models featuring Bowers & Wilkins and Harman Kardon sound systems will also be on display in Geneva. Among them, the i3 and i8 both offer Harman Kardon premium sound to accompany these cars’ forward-thinking mobility and attention to energy efficiency.

Kia, Harman Kardon and JBL make every drive a powerful experience
Full Electric e-Soul, upgraded Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-In Hybrid
The Kia e-Soul, as well as the upgraded Niro Hybrid and Niro Plug-In Hybrid are all making their European debuts at the Geneva Motor Show. The Kia e-Soul features Harman Kardon Premium Sound, supported by Sound Mood Lighting, which makes the interior lighting pulse in time with the music.

While Kia Niro models come with JBL Premium Sound, both the e-Soul and Niro come with Clari-Fi technology, which automatically analyses and improves the audio quality of all kinds of compressed digital music sources.

By restoring the lost signal, Clari-Fi ensures that listeners enjoy realistic sound that retains every nuance of the original audio content captured in the studio.

In addition to Clari-Fi, the systems feature at least eight high performance speakers precisely positioned for captivating sound throughout the cabin. Besides the full electric e-Soul and the upgraded Niro other Kia models will be on the showcase as well.

Lamborghini creates a sensation with Bang & Olufsen sound
The first Lamborghini model to feature Bang & Olufsen sound, the all-new Urus features a 3D listening experience that brings together the best of three worlds: the Fraunhofer IIS Symphoria algorithm, Bang & Olufsen’s multichannel matrix processing, and the legendary sportiness and power of Lamborghini.

The system features a powerful 21-channel 1,700W BeoCore Class-D Amplifier, scalable Digital Signal Processing (DSP), ICEpower technology, and 21 loudspeakers.

Acoustic lenses seamlessly integrated into the car’s front instrument panel provide a very wide horizontal dispersion, while minimising vertical one preventing windshield reflections, delivering an improved sense of space, staging and realism.

Bang & Olufsen’s expert sound engineers spent over 400 hours fine-tuning the sound system for all seating positions and driving conditions.

The speaker design itself, which features specially manufactured aluminum elements and the familiar Lamborghini 'Y' shape, was created to further amplify the system’s power while bringing a flair to the car’s interior and underscoring the extreme precision that is among the defining characteristics of both the Urus and the Bang & Olufsen Sound System.

Maserati and Bowers & Wilkins demonstrate their shared values
Maserati is showcasing several of its latest Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte models in Geneva, all of which will offer an optional Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound System specifically designed and acoustically optimised for each vehicle.

Thanks to this car audio system, all passengers enjoy the same sound regardless of where they are seated. Bowers & Wilkins and Maserati share a passion for engineering excellence, and innovative design, and this is displayed in the sound system where highly advanced, premium materials such as Aramid Fibre and Rohacell meet technologies such as HARMAN Clari-Fi Music Restoration Technology, Speed Dependent Volume Compensation (SDVC) and QuantumLogic surround sound processing.

As the QuantumLogic Surround Sound system processes each track, individual elements such as musical instruments, voices and the interior's reverb are identified, separated and processed into a surround sound field which is precise and creates a defined audio image.

Featuring up to 17 speakers and a 16-channel Class-D amplifier with a total output of up to 1280W, the Bowers & Wilkins Surround Sound Systems in Maserati Levante, Ghibli and Quattroporte ensure suitable listening experiences. Also on show will be the Maserati GranTurismo with a Harman Kardon Premium Sound System on board. In addition HARMAN provides infotainment with an 8.4” integrated display across carline.

Toyota and JBL are on the same wavelength
Toyota is displaying multiple new models in Geneva, including the new Supra, the RAV4, and the Corolla. Each model can be equipped with a JBL Premium sound system for suitable sound. Featuring up to 12 precisely placed speakers, the sound system is fine tuned to the interior of each vehicle and represents hundreds of hours of dedicated work and adjustments, resulting in bold, enveloping sound in every seat.

Mercedes-Benz and HARMAN offer next-generation premium infotainment
Several new Mercedes-Benz models are being showcased in Geneva. Among them, the Mercedes GLC-Class and the Mercedes CLA Shooting Brake are equipped with the newly enhanced infotainment system NTG6 for unprecedented entertainment, connectivity, and navigation capabilities.

During GIMS 2019, you can find HARMAN at the Rinspeed booth No. 6240 in Hall 6.