Acura announced it plans to equip all its future car models with premium sound systems from Danish audio brand Bang & Olufsen (B&O).
The collaboration begins with the 2024 Acura ZDX and will appear in all of Acura’s future models. The new ZDX will be Acura’s first all-electric SUV. Originally released as a gas-powered vehicle in 2010, the ZDX went out of production in 2013 due to poor sales. Acura will revive the nameplate for this upcoming year, as many believe it was ahead of its time.
The pairing between the new sound system and the first all-electric ZDX aims to entice wandering eyes to check out the new design and upgrades.
“As we take the Acura brand and our products to the next level, we want to make sure the audio experience also delivers on our concept of being a ‘destination brand,’” said Emile Korkor, Assistant Vice President, Acura National Sales.
Acura has worked with ELS Studio audio systems for the last two decades to provide sound systems for their clientele. Now graduating from the brand, it has moved on to the Danish label. B&O actively works with several other manufacturers, including Audi, Bentley, Ford, Lamborghini, and Genesis. Car audio giant Harman International Industries bought the Bang & Olufson Automotive audio business in 2015 and operates the brand along with a portfolio of other premium audio names.
Acura’s goal is to provide all its future owners with top-notch quality audio. Through collaboration with B&O, both brands are confident they can give pure sound.
What Technology Will Be Introduced?
B&O’s innovations include acoustic lens technology, model-specific loudspeakers, and TrueImage technology.
Acoustic lens technology improves the vehicle’s sense of space and maximizes the area in front of the loudspeaker. The average loudspeaker requires the listener to be in an acoustic sweet spot to receive the most optimal listening experience. Acoustic lens technology improves this by creating “an improved sense of space and realism while maximizing the area in front of the loudspeaker where the sweet spot exists,” according to the B&O website.
Bang & Olufsen designs speakers tailored to each car model. Not only are the speakers custom, but the brand’s TrueImage technology guarantees that the car smartly distributes sound throughout the car. The audio in the vehicle will encapsulate each individual as they ride in Acura’s latest models. A long list of impressive features goes beyond these few mentioned.
Tom Rivers, global marketing vice president at Harman, said, “Acura and Bang & Olufsen are equally driven to deliver unparalleled performance and memorable experiences, and we’re excited to kick off our new long-term partnership that will set a new precedent for in-vehicle audio and technology for years to come as we collaborate on future Acura products.”
