Bang & Olufsen Develops Audio System for Audi A8

Press Release

Music to your eyes

Danish hi-fi and electronics specialist Bang & Olufsen has developed a

state-of-the-art sound system for the flagship Audi A8, which is expected to set new standards even in the luxury segment. Audi will showcase its first vehicle with the “B & O Advanced Sound System” on board at the Frankfurt IAA Motor Show 2005. The system will be available at the end of 2005/beginning of 2006.

Innovative designs coupled with advanced technology; the highest quality materials and finish: all these factors are equally important to business partners Audi and Bang & Olufsen. 

The status of the Audi A8 as the sportiest limousine in the luxury segment is based on its trend-setting styling and technology, representing the highest level of car manufacture in all areas. The aluminium Audi Space Frame body, the quattro permanent all-wheel drive and the Multi Media Interface (MMI) are just three examples of the proverbial Audi “Vorsprung durch Technik”.

Progress that the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System has now taken to an acoustic dimension. The system, which is developed exclusively for the A8, pays heed to the actual acoustic characteristics of the car interior, such as internal space, shape and materials used. Factors including driving speed, the corresponding wind effect and friction between asphalt and tyre are also taken into account.

A perfect sound quality is achieved in the A8 with a total of fourteen active high-end loudspeakers, B&O Acoustic Lens Technology and more than 1,000 Watts of amplifier power.

Exclusively designed for the Audi A8, the loudspeaker cabinets are made from carefully processed anodised aluminium, the very same material used in the construction of the sporty luxury saloon’s body.

Active speakers, each with its own individual amplifier, are housed within the cabinets. This means that the sound properties can be adjusted accurately in accordance with the precise function of the speakers within the overall concept.

All loudspeakers are housed in closed cabinets, allowing each speaker to be controlled irrespective of where it is mounted. This elaborate technology eliminates particularly disturbing resonances.

The sound system is also music to your eyes: its design dovetails beautifully with the sporty and luxurious A8 ambience, providing it with a highly artistic feel. When the system is activated, two lens speakers automatically emerge from the dashboard, giving perfect sound to every seat in the car with precisely aligned horizontal emissions. Here, the fascination of visual technology is combined with the acoustic brilliance of the new Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System.