Audi of America, Inc. today announced the retail availability of the highline Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System in the premium Audi Q7 models for sale in the United States. First introduced into the A8/S8 model line in Fall 2006 featuring raised lenses in the dashboard, the Audi Q7 is the second model to employ the Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, which includes over 1000-watts of output via 14 speakers.
Audi was the first automaker to partner with Danish advanced sound expert Bang & Olufsen, whose focus on both design and performance is a perfect match for the Bavarian luxury carmaker. The A8/S8 model lines are considered the flagship of all that Audi has to offer, and were the first models to introduce the collaboration between the carmaker and Bang & Olufsen at the start of the 2007 model year in the United States.
“The Audi Q7 is the supreme example of Audi attributes sporty, sophisticated, and progressive,” said Johan de Nysschen, Executive Vice President, Audi of America. “A vehicle of this size, sophistication, and focus on the American market with and typical Audi attention to detail is now complete with the optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System, which is a perfect example of harmonious form and function. Audi customers are known for their technological savvy, and we are now pleased to give them the opportunity to purchase their vehicles with the highest caliber sound system.”
The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System in the Audi Q7 is second to none. It employs the patented ICEpower digital amplifier technology that provides 1000 watts of power to 14 speakers together with the DSP amplifier.
With Bang & Olufsen, every loudspeaker, cabinet, and major component is unique to each specific vehicle. The Advanced Sound System takes into consideration the acoustic characteristics of the Audi Q7’s interior, its size, its shape and its materials. This custom optimization is controlled through the Audi Multi Media Interface (MMI), a design benchmark in ease of use, ergonomic positioning and operating logic
The technical specifications of this sound system are equally impressive. In the front of the Audi Q7’s cabin, two 19 mm tweeters complement both the design and function of the front dash, with each mounted into an acoustic lens with automatic motorized emergence. The front/center loudspeaker also makes for a rock solid backbone with its 80 mm full-range center location, as well as 80 mm mid-range speakers and woofers that are 165 mm in diameter. The rear doors also further enhance the sound experience with 25 mm tweeters and 140 mm woofers. The rear of the Audi Q7 is equipped with two 80 mm full-range surround speakers and a 200 mm subwoofer mounted in a 20 liter cabinet, cleverly placed within the excess space of the spare tire.
The Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System in the Audi Q7 features custom-moulded closed cabinets, insuring the same conditions are maintained for all the individual loudspeaker drivers under all circumstances. A further benefit is that the sound emitted outside the car is minimal, allowing for maximum privacy inside the car. Amplifiers in the Audi Q7 Bang & Olufsen setup include nine 28 watt Class-B amplifiers for tweeters, mid-range and a center driver, four 125 watt ICEpower Class D amplifiers for bass drivers, and one 250 watt ICEpower Class D amplifier for the subwoofer.
Since the release of optional Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System in the A8/S8 model range, several other Audi models now feature sound developed by the Danish sound expert. The Audi R8, one of the most exclusive mid-engined sports cars in the world, obtained the Bang & Olufsen Sound System with 465 Watts upon its U.S. launch in September 2007. Almost simultaneously, the Audi A5/S5 was equipped with this system as optional equipment with 505 watts upon its November 2007 U.S. launch.
Audi Q7 3.6 Premium and 4.2 Premium models equipped with the optional USD $6300 Bang & Olufsen Advanced Sound System are now arriving at U.S. authorized Audi dealer partners.