When you think of a luxury vehicle, you likely picture the smooth ride, premium leather, and responsive engine. But for many drivers, the auditory experience is just as important. A quiet cabin sets the stage, but it’s the sound system that truly completes the experience. That’s why Mercedes-Benz partnered with German audio specialist Burmester to create a high-end audio system that transforms the cabin into a mobile concert hall.
The focus is on precision—powerful amplifiers alone aren’t enough. The goal is to faithfully replicate music as it was originally intended, a philosophy rooted in Burmester’s commitment to natural sound over artificial enhancement. Achieving this level of fidelity in a moving vehicle requires advanced engineering and a deep understanding of how sound behaves in confined spaces.
Mastering Cabin Acoustics and Speaker Placement
A car interior is a challenging space for high-fidelity audio due to reflective surfaces like glass and plastic, combined with absorbent materials like carpets and leather. The small space and fixed seating positions, rarely centered in the soundstage, add to the difficulty.
To address these challenges, engineers carefully calculate speaker placement to minimize reflection and phase cancellation. In many Mercedes-Benz models, tweeters are positioned high on the doors or A-pillars to direct high frequencies to the listener’s ears, while mid-range speakers are placed lower for seamless blending with the bass.
An innovative solution is Mercedes-Benz’s FrontBass technology. Instead of placing woofers in the doors, which can cause rattling and require heavy insulation, bass speakers are mounted in the body shell near the footwell. Structural beam cavities act as resonance chambers, amplifying bass without distortion and freeing up door panel space.
Technical Specifications and 3D Audio
The top-tier option in models like the S-Class is the Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System. This system goes beyond traditional surround sound by adding a physical dimension to the listening experience. It utilizes over 30 speakers and offers massive power output, often exceeding 1700 watts.
The “4D” aspect refers to structure-borne sound transducers, also known as exciters, integrated into the seats. These exciters transfer lower frequencies directly to your body. You feel the rhythm of the music through the backrest, which adds intensity to the listening experience without needing to turn the volume up to unsafe levels. This system also employs height speakers in the roof liner to create a true 3D sound image, making voices and instruments sound as though they are placed specifically in the space around you.
Optimizing Your Equalizer Settings
While the factory settings are impressive, adjusting the system to your personal taste can improve your listening experience. The MBUX infotainment system offers extensive control over the audio output, but many drivers leave these settings flat, missing out on the system’s full potential.
First, select a sound profile. The “Pure” setting provides an uncoloured reproduction ideal for classical or jazz. For a more expansive soundstage suitable for rock or pop, the “Live” or “Surround” modes effectively widen the stereo image.
Next, use the focus settings. If you’re driving alone, focus the sound on the driver’s seat. This creates a perfect stereo centre by ensuring the sound from all speakers reaches your ears simultaneously. For passengers, VIP settings can direct the audio sweet spot to a specific rear seat.
The Future of In-Car Entertainment
The industry is shifting towards fully immersive audio formats like Dolby Atmos, which Mercedes-Benz has already integrated into its vehicles. This technology moves beyond traditional channel-based audio (left and right) to object-based sound, allowing individual instruments to be placed within a three-dimensional field.
As autonomous driving advances, the car will evolve into a dedicated entertainment space. Integrating video streaming and gaming will demand audio systems capable of dynamic sound stages, similar to a high-end home cinema. The foundation laid by current Burmester systems provides a robust platform for these future technologies to perform at their best.
