Mercedes-Benz is the latest company that wants to use Dolby Atoms to enhance its audio system.The luxury car company is planning to increase support for the 3D sound standard through the optional Burmester stereo plug-in for its high-end models starting in the summer of 2022.
Mercedes-Benz is not the first car company to offer Atmos. In fact, this honor belongs to the Lucid Air electric car. The car has just started shipping a few days ago and is the first car to support Dolby Atmos, thanks to its 21-speaker “Surreal Sound” system.
But Mercedes-Benz’s implementation of Atmos seems to go further, with up to 31 speakers scattered around the car-including 6 3D speakers above the passenger and 4 “near ears” in the two front seats. Speakers and an 18.5-liter subwoofer. Each seat has two hidden exciters-there are 8 in the whole car, and everything is powered by two amplifiers with a total power of 1750 watts.
It is reported that Mercedes will be the first to provide Dolby Atmos in its top Maybach models, and then adopt the new MBUX infotainment system in its S-class cars. Unfortunately, given the prices of Mercedes-Maybach and S-Class cars, it is not cheap to have the hardware for a complete panoramic sound experience.
The entry-level S-class car, the 2021 S 500 4Matic sedan, starts at $110,850, while the Burmester 4D surround sound plug-in required for panoramic sound requires an additional $6730. However, customers of the top Maybach model need not worry-the upgraded audio system is already included in the base price tag of $185,950.
