Video: Development of Bang & Olufsen Audio for BMW 6 Series

[Jason]

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Video: Development of Bang & Olufsen Audio for BMW 6 Series

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The new BMW 6 Series Coupe is equipped with a special Bang & Olufsen high-end Surround Sound system. Watch the developement, production, and implementation of this sound system in the 6 series.

More details on the 6 series Bang & Olufsen sound system:

Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System delivers an unparalleled audio experience.

When it comes to delivering audio pleasure of the highest order, the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System designed especially for the new BMW 650i Coupe hits all the right notes. Jointly developed by the Danish audio specialists and BMW, this system produces an exceptionally natural sound from 16 speakers distributed around the cabin. It is a fully active system featuring digital signal processing, which means the two bass speakers, seven mid-range speakers and seven tweeters all have individual amplifiers. This technology enables the targeted modification of any sound reflections inside the vehicle. The Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System uses Dirac Dimensions™ technology to recreate the acoustics of a reference listening room in the passenger compartment. All vehicle occupants therefore enjoy the same high-quality sound stage wherever they are sitting.

The electrical signals are converted into precisely defined sound waves using neodymium magnet drivers, and the mid-range speakers feature extremely stiff Hexacone diaphragms. The outstanding quality of the Bang & Olufsen High-End Surround Sound System is underlined by exclusive design features. The form and color of the advanced all-aluminum speaker grilles have been tailored precisely to the interior design of the new BMW 650i Coupe. The special perforation pattern of the grilles is created using a very sophisticated drilling technique. The grille mounts are not visible from the outside, ensuring that the grilles stand out from their surroundings by appearing to float in a slightly raised position above the surface. This exclusive ambience is further enhanced by a discreet lighting effect, which showcases the contours of the sound sources with a subtly impressive effect. A both visually and acoustically significant innovation, meanwhile, is the novel design of the center speaker in the instrument panel area, which uses Acoustic Lens Technology developed by Bang & Olufsen to provide a particularly harmonious sound. As soon as the audio system is activated, the central element containing the integrated mid-range speaker pops up, prompting the tweeter lens to be extended at the same time. The tweeter lens distributes its signals evenly at 180 degrees throughout the interior. This extraordinarily harmonious horizontal dispersion of sound is achieved through the special design of the lens, which also minimizes unwanted vertical sound dispersion.

[M6-4KIX]

absolutely ...NOT... worth the almost 7 Grand option here in Canada...no way!!!

[branko]

Originally Posted by M6-4KIX

absolutely ...NOT... worth the almost 7 Grand option here in Canada...no way!!!

Fully agree ! Very expensive looks and label..
Sorry listened to the B&O and was so underwhelmed !
Why didn't they choose a quality brand like Bowers & Wilkins ?

[Bluesummer]

B&O speakers in a car but the audio source will come from an iPod/iPhone/USB dongle. This is just pathetic in one way and overkilled on the other

[Mako]

Audi offers it, so I guess BMW thought they had to as well. You can get some nice performance upgrades for that kind of money and actually be able to tell what you spent it on.

[Harold Wood]

Tried this out last week the sound is stunning inside and outside the coupe. If you can afford the car you will need this system it is amazing!

[RedBarron]

Any one else notice the speedo at 4:34? 666 666 haha

[Diver]

I find the idea of high performance audio in a high performance car to be almost an oxymoron. There is simply too much noise in all but the quietest and cushiest vehicles to benefit from a fine audio system. It is, however, something people want to have.

[Grail05]

What A Waste Of $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

[TheBingoBalls]

Originally Posted by Diver

I find the idea of high performance audio in a high performance car to be almost an oxymoron. There is simply too much noise in all but the quietest and cushiest vehicles to benefit from a fine audio system. It is, however, something people want to have.

This. It might not make sense but people who are buying this car expect to have something like this even if they won't utilize it the way it should be.

[Mahzari]

Originally Posted by Diver

I find the idea of high performance audio in a high performance car to be almost an oxymoron. There is simply too much noise in all but the quietest and cushiest vehicles to benefit from a fine audio system. It is, however, something people want to have.

I disagree, I have the upgraded audio in my M3 and when you're driving slowly it makes the car much more enjoyable. I've listened to the standard audio system and it does not even compared; the difference is as big as AM radio to XM. And since when is a 640i or 650i a 'high performance car'?

[Blubaron79]

I will always pay for the upgraded stereo... Besides the joy of driving, it's the next thing in a car you want to be great!

[agentm]

A luxury car should have a luxury sound system. Even if you upgrade aftermarket it will cost you $7000.00.

[DylanMckay]

Lets hope it sounds better than the high-end indiv. dirac that comes in the m3. That is a major disappointment but atleast is "only" 2900. For 7k I would really have high expectations.

[a burrito]

Bmw following in the footsteps of Audi.. Nice. There are so many other brands to choose from that is not B&O. Why are they being lazy?

[DrSpock]

I love excellent audio, as a self-proclaimed audiophile I can tell you that there is noticeable differences between stock systems and upgrades like the B&O units.

However, I do agree with others here, high-end systems like this work very well in luxury sedans like the 7-series. High performance cars with a lot of engine noise and such tend to drown out or distort the audio.

I do have a laugh though, can you imagine if they implemented this in the F10 M5? Would that mean your replicated engine noise coming through the speakers is crystal clear? Quick! Turn up the bass!

[Chaddy808]

Originally Posted by Mahzari

I disagree, I have the upgraded audio in my M3 and when you're driving slowly it makes the car much more enjoyable. I've listened to the standard audio system and it does not even compared; the difference is as big as AM radio to XM. And since when is a 640i or 650i a 'high performance car'?

I totally agree, upgraded stereo in your car, makes the driving experience even better!

[roadmax]

Only long 2 part name brands, before was h/k now B&o. Can someone clarify what is the purpose of that front center dash speaker opening up?

[noxyucT]

B&O is sick!! They have always been. And it's totally worth the price. Using iPod as a source is totally cool, as long as it bypasses it's shitty DAC. Ipod has no problem storing/playing uncompressed music.

[AW335TT]

Originally Posted by roadmax

Only long 2 part name brands, before was h/k now B&o. Can someone clarify what is the purpose of that front center dash speaker opening up?

It opens up to reveal the tweeter

[southern6er22]

This was a very tempting option when building, but $5,500 was more than I could justify. The B&O is beautiful in the car with the aluminum and lights, but not worth $5,500. I'm glad that they have the Premium (mid-range) option for $1,800 that I believe is Logic7... anyway, without that option, your $100k car doesn't even get an iPod adapter or sat radio. lol.

As for the middle speaker rising up, I think it has the same purpose as the rest of the system... to look cool. It probably has some special purpose, but I don't think that really matters. The sound quality is really good, but not goot enough for the price.

[BMWBoss]

Originally Posted by Mahzari

I disagree, I have the upgraded audio in my M3 and when you're driving slowly it makes the car much more enjoyable. I've listened to the standard audio system and it does not even compared; the difference is as big as AM radio to XM. And since when is a 640i or 650i a 'high performance car'?

I agree. I had the upgraded sound system in my 335 but did not get it in my M3, and I miss it so much. It's good to have a really good audio system. And you are indeed correct...a 640 and 650 is definitely not a "high performance car" in my opinion...more of a luxury coupe to me.