Apple announced that Mercedes-Benz will be the first auto company to embed Apple Spatial Audio (powered by Dolby Atmos) into its vehicles
Spatial Audio, already offered in AirPods and other Apple devices, widens the sound stage. The listener hears sound coming from all directions including above the user. It creates a 3D soundstage by spreading audio across different channels.
Mercedes will integrate Spatial Audio into the MBUX infotainment system, first in the ultra high end Mercedes‑Maybach S‑Class, the EQS and EQS SUV, as well as the EQE, EQE SUV, and the S‑Class. The vehicles must be equipped with the 31-speaker Burmester 3D or 4D sound system option that runs $4,550 or $6,730, respectively).
Apple says that Spatial Audio delivers “studio-quality sound better than in any concert hall,” and “a fully immersive listening experience with unparalleled, multidimensional sound and clarity.”
The new Burmester 4D sound system, which works with Spatial Audio in select Mercedes vehicles, uses 31 speakers, including six 3D speakers that emit their sound from above, four near-ear speakers in the front seats, and an 18.5-liter subwoofer; eight sound transducers (two per seat); two amplifiers; and 1,750 watts of power. The technology will be rolled out to other models soon. It first appeared on the limited edition Mercedes-Maybach by Virgil Abloh released last month.
