Vehicle sound systems are becoming big technology. Drivers that spend a lot of time on the road or in their cars outdoors are demanding high-quality sound output.
Whilst there is a lot in the aftermarket, many cars come equipped with high-quality sound technology.
Below, we look at our list of some 12 cars with the best sound system in 2019.
1. Genesis G70
Genesis is a luxury brand of Hyundai.
The Genesis G70 is a mid-size rear or all-wheel drive sedan powered by a 2.0-liter 252-horsepower turbo or a 3.3.-liter 365-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. Transmission is an 8-speed automatic.
The Genesis comes with a well-decorated interior made up of quality materials, including simulated leather upholstery.
Standard features include dual-zone climate control, 18-inch wheels, power front seats, and proximity entry with push-button start.
An 8-inch touch screen takes of infotainment that is integrated with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Safety includes blind-spot monitoring, cruise control, and forward collision alert.
The Genesis is included on the list of cars with the best sound systems because of its prestigious Lexicon 15-speaker audio system.
The system is fitted on several models, starting with the LT trim, the 2.0T Elite trim, up to the 3.3T Sport model.
The system is promoted by Genesis as Grammy Award Winning Sound and is also found in Rolls-Royce.
The Lexicon system’s speakers are placed in strategic places around the to effectively integrate and give an effective surround system.
The system focuses on the expression of the various pieces and tones of sound, rather than power, hence the system is limited to 528 watts.
The output is a full and rich sound without the unnecessary boomy deep noise. It gives out a clean and detailed sound that is appreciated by those who love their music, especially concert music, with all the different instruments audible and expressive.
The Lexicon system can certainly play loud if need be, but with a very good balance.
Expect to pay up to $5000 for the package that includes the Lexicon sound system, although you can simply buy a used Genesis that comes with the package.
2. Lexus ES350
The Lexus ES350 is a powerful, quiet, and luxurious midsize sedan. The 3.5-liter V6 engine produces 302 horsepower, delivered to the wheels through an 8-speed automatic.
Among the standard equipment are Apple CarPlay integration and the Mark Levinson PurePlay audio system. This qualifies Lexus ES350 to make the list of cars with the best sound systems.
Pureplay is a system used by Lexus and Mark Levinson engineers that involve the design and placement of different types of speakers within the cabin, together with tuning and decompression technology, to bring out the best cabin sound.
The 17 speaker system places the speakers at shoulder height within the cabin to bring the sound close to the ear, to create an effective and immersive pure, natural, sound field, or acoustic stage.
The system uses Quantum Logic Surround signal processing to build the acoustic stage. Clari-Fi technology reproduces digital files to restore quality lost during compression.
The system is powered by a multi-channel 1800-watt amplifier. It is made up of two woofers, one subwoofer, and seven pairs of proprietary speakers, consisting of a tweeter and a midrange speaker.
The system is integrated with the infotainment system and Bluetooth. The output is pure quality that captures all the tones and timbre.
Vocals come out with all the pure detail to create a true surround system that reproduces pure concert or studio sound.
The Mark Levinson option costs a reasonable $1500.
Also read: 3 Best Lexus for Daily Driving (With Photos)
3. Hyundai Santa Fe
The Hyundai Santa Fe is an affordable five-seater that comes with many comfort and driver-assist features.
The Limited model is powered by a 277 horsepower turbocharged gasoline engine that is linked to an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Among the key features are lane keep assist, adaptive cruise, and forward-collision warning.
Higher trims including the premium offer a leather interior, a panoramic sunroof, 19-inch wheels, ventilated front seats, and a blind spot camera.
One of the biggest attractions of the Premium package and above is the 12-speaker audio system.
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The Infinity Audio System from Harman Kardon positions speakers optimally around the cabin. It operates with a high-performance 11 channel amplifier with an output of 630 watts.
The system incorporates Harman’s Quantum Logic surround sound processing, Clari-Fi music restoration, and Speed-Dependent Volume Control.
The components collaborate to produce an immersive and powerful surround sound experience that captures all the different frequencies, regardless of source.
QuantumLogic Surround is an audio algorithm that analyses and reprocesses the individual voices and instruments to produce a “precise multi-channel soundstage”.
Clari-Fi restores any lost frequencies due to compression or waveform distortions.
Speed-Dependent Volume Control is a feature that automatically the volume according to cabin noise and vehicle speed.
The audio system qualifies the Hyundai Santa Fe to make the list of cars with the best sound systems.
4. BMW X5
The BMW X5 represents the best of SUV luxury performance. Although now succeeded, if you are looking for something under $50000, it perfectly suits your budget and leaves you with plenty of change to sort out any unforeseen challenges.
The X5 comes with several engines of gasoline, diesel, and hybrid power plants. One of the biggest ones is the V8 gasoline with an output of 455 horsepower.
The various BMW X5 models offer the best in driver experience and technologies. Among the standard features for the base model of the rear-wheel-drive are adaptive xenon headlights, a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, and rear parking sensors.
Higher trims, from the X5 50i, add keyless ignition and entry, leather upholstery, four-zone climate control, and various optional packages.
An optional sound system is the 16-speaker Bang and Olufsen surround sound system.
The system takes many sound engineering hours to perfect for every conceivable situation that may interfere with every small note and frequency, including different driving conditions and speeds.
The system uses a Class D Amplifier, TrueImage sound processing, and Dynamic Sound Optimization to perfect the surround sound.
The acoustics are integrated with the visuals, which not only include how the speakers are crafted and positioned but also how they merge with the ambient lighting, especially during night driving.
The Acoustic lens that rises from the dash, helps to spread the sound equally around the cabin, such that every passenger feels like the music or audio is specifically for them, and only them.
The B&O system also comes with two listening modes; the Expand and Studio modes, which give either a concert or studio sound respectively.
For an extra few hundred, it is worth getting the B&O sound option for your high-performance X5. It will certainly make your X5 one of the cars with the best sound systems.
It simply complements the performance, comfort, and driving experience, bringing every note and frequency as you would like it, without any distortion common with low-quality systems.
Also read: Are BMW X5 Parts Expensive? (The Full List & Prices)
5. Acura RLX
Acura is a premium luxury sedan. Two trims are available.
The base P-AWS trim is a front-wheel drive powered by a 3.5-liter 310-horsepower engine. The transmission is a 10-speed automatic.
The Sport Hybrid trim is an all-wheel drive that uses a V6 motor to drive the front wheels. Transmission is a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic to the front wheels. The rear wheels are driven by individual electric motors.
The P-AWS rides on 19-inch wheels. Standard features include LED headlights, keyless entry, tri-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and a dual-screen infotainment system.
The Sport Hybrid adds front and rear parking sensors, heated rear seats, and ventilated front seats.
Safety features for both trims include adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, and forward collision alert with emergency braking.
Both trims come with Krell Premium Audio System with 14 speakers.
The ELS STUDIO Premium Audio System was created by Grammy Award-winning producer Elliot Scheiner to bring the “artistic intimacy of the recording studio” into the vehicle cabin.
This is achieved through fine-tuning the Acura by strategically placing speakers around the cabin to create a well-balanced and immersive sound.
The output is a sound with little distortion, ensuring that every note and instrument is clear and precise, just like it was in the studio.
A good low mileage Acura RLX can be purchased for about $30000, including the Krell audio system.
You will become an owner of one of the cars with the best sound systems.
Also read: Is Acura a Luxury Brand? (5 Reasons Why it is)
6. Audi S5
The Audi S5 coupe or convertible is a fancy performance car powered by a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 with a massive output of 359 horsepower. Transmission is an 8-speed automatic to all four wheels.
The Premium model rides on 18-inch wheels.
Major standard features include a sport suspension, tri-zone automatic climate control, LED headlights, Audi MMI Infotainment with an 8.3-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and a 10-speaker audio system.
The Prestige model adds the Audi full active collision avoidance technology and the magnificent 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system.
The audio system makes the Audi S5 one of the cars with the best sound systems.
The operation of the system is well integrated with the MMI system and is supported by True Image technology.
The system consists of optimized speakers in the front doors and surrounds speakers on the parcel shelf.
A 16-channel DSP amplifier with an output of 750 watts is also part of the package.
3D sound settings allow for selection among three intensity levels which are 5.1 Surround Sound integrated with MMI Navigation plus, Diverse sound setting, and Vehicle Noise Compensation.
The compensation is achieved through a ceiling-mounted microphone that measures changing noise levels in the cabin and automatically adjusts.
The Intelligent loudness system also balances out bass, mid-range, and treble at different volumes to continue to give out the best sound regardless of the type of music being played. Each instrument or voice thus comes out clear, whether the music was recorded in a concert or studio.
The 3D sound system fills the cabin with multidimensional sound, immersing them in high-quality sound regardless of sitting position or height.
The Audis S5 will set you back close to $44000.
7. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
The Mercedes cannot miss the list of cars with the best sound systems.
The S-Class is the best of what Mercedes can offer. It has always been there at the front of the race, and it never stops to amaze, making sure that the chasing pack remains that; a chasing pack.
The Mercedes S550 is powered by a 449-horsepower 4.6-liter turbocharged engine mated to a 7-speed automatic.
Rear-wheel drive comes standard.
Being at the top of the full-size luxury sedan niche, the S-Class comes with all the class-leading technologies, from the interior, driver assist, safety, connectivity, suspension, driving, and handling.
It would take a lot of writing to describe it. The focus here is on the sound system.
Among the many options is one that should not be an option for a car of the S Class’s caliber.
The Burmester High-End 3D Surround System perfectly complements the luxury of the S Class 550, unless the music is not your thing.
The system relies on the placement of speakers in different areas, including the roof, to create a three-dimensional sound output that is at home with different types of music input.
The 1540-watt system uses 24 speakers and a combination of digital and analog amplifiers to produce a high-quality and clear cabin surround sound.
Sound is input or through a USB port using Burmester. sSoundcheck app for Android and iOS. Once plugged in, the screen displays different profiles that you can select for your type of music and listening pleasure.
Some of the profiles include ‘Live’, ‘Surround’, and ‘3D-Sound’.
Expect to be set back about $8000, which is about 10% of the new car. The used car will cost less than $40000.
Also read: Which Mercedes Class is the Best? (Comparison)
8. Volvo XC90
Our next car on the list of cars with the best sound systems is the beautiful Volvo XC90.
It deserves attention and accolades. A number of trims are available.
The T5 Momentum comes with a 2.0-liter 250-horsepower turbocharged engine mated to an 8-speed automatic. Standard equipment includes a rearview camera, lane departure warning, keyless entry and ignition, a panoramic sunroof, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a 9-inch touch screen, and a 10-speaker audio system.
The T6 comes with a more powerful 2.0-liter engine with an output of 316 horsepower, whilst the T8 Plug-in Hybrid adds an 87-horsepower electric motor to produce a combined 400 horsepower.
The T6 and T8 ride on 19-inch wheels and include a leather interior, third-row seating, four-zone climate control, and adaptive headlights.
For the audiophiles, an optional Bowers and Wilkins 19-speaker audio system is available for an extra $4000.
The system features a 12-channel Class D amplifier, Quantum Logic DSP with logic signal extraction, reverb extraction, and spatial filtering, and 7.1 playbacks from mono, stereo, or multichannel input.
The speakers include 4 Nautilus tweeters, 4 midranges, 4 long-throw woofers, and pairs of midrange/tweeters.
The speakers are placed in various strategic positions within the cabinet for optimal sound output. The Nautilus tweeters with spiraling diffusing channels help to absorb reflected sound, and reduce any possible resonance.
You certainly will enjoy the output whatever your type of music.
9. Land Rover Discovery Sport
The Discovery Sport is a luxury two-row compact SUV with an optional third row. It is presented in three trims; SE, HSE, and HSE Luxury.
Power is provided by a 237-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine. The same engine is tuned to give an output of 286 horsepower for the two top trims.
Transmission is provided by a 9-speed automatic. The drive train is a standard all-wheel drive.
The Discovery Sport comes with a lot of standard and optional equipment and technologies. These include Land Rover InControl Touch Infotainment multimedia system, dual-zone climate control, automatic headlights, 8-inch touch screen, and 10-way power front seats.
The HSE trim adds a hands-free tailgate, xenon headlights, LED daytime running lights, full leather upholstery, and 12-way power seats.
The HSE and HSE Luxury have optional packages.
A 17-speaker Meridian Sound System is an option through the Driver Assist Plus with InControl Pro. The quality of the system qualifies the Discovery Sport to make the list of cars with the best sound systems.
The system has a total output of 825 watts and includes advanced digital sound processing. It is a 7.1 channel surround system. The Meridian Trifield surround mode places each passenger in the middle of the sound field so that everyone is getting the same quality sound output regardless of seating position.
The Meridian Cabin Correction and Dynamic Volume Control automatically filter out unwanted cabin or external noise, as well as minimize resonance.
The output is a rich midrange sound that has a very clear treble and deep bass.
The Discovery Sport can be purchased for about $42000 on the used car market.
10. Lincoln MKZ
The Lincoln MKZ has many powerplant options. These include the entry-level 245-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged, and a 350 or 400-horsepower 3.0-liter V6.
Transmission is a standard 6-speed automatic, whilst a hybrid option is paired with a Continuously Variable Transmission.
Front-wheel drive is standard, whilst all-wheel is optional.
Standard features on the Lincoln MKZ include adaptive suspension, rear parking sensors, heated front seats, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto integration.
Driver-assist features such as lane-keeping, adaptive cruise, blind-spot, and the autonomous emergency braking are also standard.
Safety includes airbags and stability control.
Many options are also available. One of the stand-outs is the Revel Ultima 20-speaker audio system that comes as part of the Reserve Luxury package. It costs about $5000.
The 1200-watt system is made up of 20 amplifier channels.
To get the best sound output, the amplifier is a hybrid of Class AB for the tweeters, and Class D for the woofers and midranges.
The technologies for the system include Clari-Fi, for restoration of music or files distorted through compression.
Quantum Logic Surround helps to create surround sound through digital processing. Regardless of the source, the low-quality sound will sound like the original high-quality recording. It achieves this through a process where the input is separated into the individual instruments and tones and then channeled through to the appropriate speaker.
The output is a high-quality sound that brings out all the recorded sounds to your ears in a surround system mode. All you will pick are the sounds as they were intended by the artist as if you were right there in the studio, or a concert.
A 2019 Lincoln MKZ costs about $45000. Get one, and you certainly will be a proud owner of one of the cars with the best sound systems.
Also read: BMW vs Mercedes: (Depreciation Comparison)
11. Tesla Model 3
The Tesla Model 3 is presented in three trims. These are Standard Range Plus, Long Range, and Performance.
The Standard Range has batteries that do 250 miles and can do zero to 60 mph in 6 seconds.
The Long-Range can do 322 miles, with power to all four wheels, whilst the Performance Trim can do 310 miles. The Performance model claims an incredible 3.2 seconds for the zero to 60 mph acceleration.
All Tesla Model 3 trims ride on 18-inch wheels. Standard features include dual-zone climate control, automatic LED headlights, and keyless entry.
The Mid Range comes with a 15-inch touch screen.
Various packages are available for the upper trims.
The Premium Upgrades package adds a panoramic sunroof, simulated leather upholstery, heated and 12-way power-adjustable front seats, and a premium audio system.
The Tesla Model 3 audio system is an in-house job, co-ordinated by former Bang and Olufsen engineers.
The system comprises 15 speakers and is reputed to be one of the best on the market.
Its surround system is so immersive and clear it makes watching a movie in your Model 3 such an amazing experience.
The Tesla Model 3 is without one of the cars with the best sound systems.
The Model costs from $30000 to $50000 in the used car market.
