Sony Electronics began shipping last week its first large screen radio, the XAV-AX8000, with an 8.95-inch display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with Google Assistant.
The display on the single DIN radio hovers over the dashboard and can be adjusted in three directions for flexible installation. Until now, Sony’s largest display was 7 inches.
Other features of the XAV-AX8000 include WebLink for smartphone mirroring onto the XAV-AX8000 display. The head unit includes built-in 55Wx4 MAX/20Wx4 RMS power and it is FLAC file compatible with files up to 24-bit depth/48kHz sampling frequency.
Street price is $599.99, including a three-year warranty.
To date the only other 9-inch radio from a top radio maker comes from Alpine, which was first out of the gate with a supersized radio, the Halo 9. It made its debut back in early 2018. Then in March of this year, Alpine followed up with the 9-inch iLX-F259.
Pioneer this year began offering an 8-inch floating radio, the DMH-C5500NEX that can completely detach from it’s single DIN chassis. It requires adapter kits by Metra to fit into specific vehicles. AAMP also offers an 8-inch radio under the Stinger brand.
Second tier brands offering larger screens include LinksWell and Power Acoustik.
