I figure this fits better here compared to the dedicated car forum, as it is not really about the cars themselves but more so the audio systems. I'm talking about factory audio systems rather than aftermarket or upgraded systems which are an interesting topic all their own but not really a good fit here.
What cars have folks heard with decent or even great sounding audio systems? I was surprised when I learned that there are so many actual high-end audio brands doing collaborations with car companies lately. Some are better than others though. So far the better ones which come to mind:
Latest generation Lincoln Continental: they offer a version with a 13 speaker Revel setup, and then the top of the line option is a 19 speaker Revel Ultima system. It sounds nice and clear if somewhat lacking in authority along with low end impact. Great for jazz though! Lincoln/Revel have different configurations for their various models, I think the Aviator or Navigator SUVs have around 28 speakers but I haven't heard those.
Latest generation Cadillac Escalade: it's an AKG system with two versions available, the top one using 36 speakers. I spent limited time with this one, it seemed more rich than the Lincoln Revel system but also slightly less detailed.
Volvo: many of the more recent Volvo models offer B&W systems as options on the highest trim levels. I've heard these in the S60 sedan and the XC90 SUV, and to my ears both sounded exceptional. Very well balanced, great imaging, excellent detail but not harsh. I'm not even a B&W fan most of the time but I loved the results in both Volvo models. Side note, even Volvo's lower range Harman Kardon systems (which are an option above the base audio but below the B&W) sound very good to me.
Acura RLX: this is a discontinued model, was formerly the flagship of the Acura line until 2020 when they dropped it. The top audio option here was a 14 speaker Krell system which I thought sounded pretty nice. Very immersive, clean, neutral, again slightly thin like the Revel Ultima in the Lincoln Continental but still very nice. I also noticed that Krell made some systems for more recent Hyundai models like the Tucson and Santa Fe. I heard the latter and did not like it at all, very much inferior to the older Acura Krell.
What else have you heard that is worth discussing? I know Jeep used McIntosh for a few of their nicer models recently, Lexus has been using Mark Levinson forever, BMW formerly used Bang & Olufsen but later switched to Bowers & Wilkins, and Mercedes has Burmester as an option in a certain models.
What cars have folks heard with decent or even great sounding audio systems? I was surprised when I learned that there are so many actual high-end audio brands doing collaborations with car companies lately. Some are better than others though. So far the better ones which come to mind:
Latest generation Lincoln Continental: they offer a version with a 13 speaker Revel setup, and then the top of the line option is a 19 speaker Revel Ultima system. It sounds nice and clear if somewhat lacking in authority along with low end impact. Great for jazz though! Lincoln/Revel have different configurations for their various models, I think the Aviator or Navigator SUVs have around 28 speakers but I haven't heard those.
Latest generation Cadillac Escalade: it's an AKG system with two versions available, the top one using 36 speakers. I spent limited time with this one, it seemed more rich than the Lincoln Revel system but also slightly less detailed.
Volvo: many of the more recent Volvo models offer B&W systems as options on the highest trim levels. I've heard these in the S60 sedan and the XC90 SUV, and to my ears both sounded exceptional. Very well balanced, great imaging, excellent detail but not harsh. I'm not even a B&W fan most of the time but I loved the results in both Volvo models. Side note, even Volvo's lower range Harman Kardon systems (which are an option above the base audio but below the B&W) sound very good to me.
Acura RLX: this is a discontinued model, was formerly the flagship of the Acura line until 2020 when they dropped it. The top audio option here was a 14 speaker Krell system which I thought sounded pretty nice. Very immersive, clean, neutral, again slightly thin like the Revel Ultima in the Lincoln Continental but still very nice. I also noticed that Krell made some systems for more recent Hyundai models like the Tucson and Santa Fe. I heard the latter and did not like it at all, very much inferior to the older Acura Krell.
What else have you heard that is worth discussing? I know Jeep used McIntosh for a few of their nicer models recently, Lexus has been using Mark Levinson forever, BMW formerly used Bang & Olufsen but later switched to Bowers & Wilkins, and Mercedes has Burmester as an option in a certain models.
