The Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System will power the first all-electric outdoor vehicle from BMW, the BMW iX. It is a modular design based on the BMW Sports Activity Vehicle (SAV) concept. It is clear that for models of this class, high-quality sound becomes something more than a piece of equipment. The overall audio design for the new BMW iX was developed by Harman Automotive.
According to B&W, the system will receive the signature diamond dome tweeters already seen in the BMW 5, 7 and 6 Series GT. The acoustics are complemented by spiral diffusion channels inspired by the premium B&W Nautilus system.
They absorb the reflected sound from the rear of the cone, minimizing resonance. In the interior, the tweeters are hidden behind brushed stainless steel grills with laser engraving “Bowers & Wilkins”, and the door speakers are hidden behind acoustically transparent fabric.
In total, two diamond and three aluminum tweeters are involved in the audio setup. Five mid-range aramid diffusers in the interior trim are complemented by eight small drivers – two in each headrest. They will allow you to customize the sound separately for each passenger.
In total, the BMW iX has 30 loudspeakers, and the total power of the amplifiers will reach 1,615 watts. The audio system can be used in four different sound modes. As an option, the BMW iX will be equipped with a Harman Kardon Surround Sound system with 18 speakers and 655 W amplifier power.
