Mercedes-Benz EQ and S-Class electric cars received spatial audio from Apple. What does that mean?

Mercedes-Benz has teamed up with Apple to offer EQ and S-Class customers standard music.

Mercedes-Benz introduced Apple Music spatial audio for its electric cars with an EQ icon and S-class too. The German luxury car brand, together with the American technology giant, announced that Apple Music with Spatial Audio will be fully integrated through the MBUX infotainment system in Mercedes-Benz vehicles such as the Maybach S-Class, EQSEQS SUV, EQE, EQE SUV, as well as the standard S-Class.

(In the pictures: The Mercedes-AMG EQE SUV breaks cover)

These cars are equipped with the MBUX touchscreen infotainment system that offers passengers premium 4D sound. This sound system consists of 31 speakers, including six 3D speakers on the roof, four headphones in the front seats, an 18.5-liter subwoofer, eight sound transducers and two amplifiers. This sound system has a power of 1750 watts.

The automaker claimed that Mercedes-Benz owners who already subscribe to Apple Music will get instant access to the growing number of songs available on Spatial Audio. Speaking about the collaboration, Apple Music and Beats VP Oliver Schusser said that sound quality is an incredibly important element for Apple Music, so Apple is excited to work with Mercedes to make Spatial Audio available in the car. . “Sound quality is incredibly important to Apple Music, which is why we’re so excited to be working with Mercedes to make Spatial Audio on Apple Music available in the car for the first time,” he said.

He also said that Spatial Audio will revolutionize the way artists create and the way fans listen to music. “It is an experience that cannot be explained in words; you have to hear it for yourself to appreciate it. Together with Mercedes, we now have even more opportunities to offer completely immersive music to our subscribers around the world,” Schusser added.

Markus Schaefer, member of the board of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, said that the automaker aims to provide its customers with a benchmark music experience that will be unmatched in the industry. “We are proud that our cars will be the first non-Apple devices ever to feature Dolby Atmos surround sound. This seamless experience shows how in-car entertainment can reach exciting new levels through the perfect integration of hardware and software,” he added.

Date of first publication: 18 Oct 2022 11:24 IST