Quick Facts About the Best Sound Systems in Cars
- Some sound systems provide up to 36 speakers.
- Purchasing an upgraded sound system for your vehicle can cost thousands of dollars.
- Manufacturers like Lincoln allow you to take special audio test drives with the sound system before purchasing the vehicle.
An excellent car sound system can be the difference between a boring commute to work and an immersive driving experience. For car-buying music enthusiasts, one key thing to know is how well the car’s audio system sounds. While some vehicles offer basic audio, many take the music experience to another level. Nowadays, it is not uncommon to find premium sound systems in many models, with advanced features like surround sound and automatic volume adjustments in response to exterior noise.
Most of these premium sound systems are not standard on base trim level models. Instead, you have to opt for an upgrade costing $1,000 or more.
This article will cover what makes a great car sound system. We’ll discuss some of the brands that provide the best sound systems and how these audio companies have evolved.
- Acura – Panasonic ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio
- Audi – Bang & Olufsen Audio
- Cadillac – AKG Audio
- Chevrolet – Bose Audio
- Jeep – McIntosh
- Land Rover – Meridian
- Lexus – Mark Levinson Audio
- Lincoln – Revel
- Mercedes-Benz – Burmester Audio
- Maserati – Sonus faber
- Volvo – Bowers & Wilkins Audio
What Makes a Good Car Sound System?
Many factors affect the quality of a good sound system. Partnering with a reputable electronics company that makes excellent sound devices is one of them. However, the number of speakers in the car also plays a significant role in sound quality. Some manufacturers, like Mercedes-Benz, strategically place speakers throughout the vehicle. This way, you are not limited in your sound quality, no matter where you sit.
Great sound systems are also technologically advanced compared to basic ones. A more advanced sound system may run you a couple extra thousand dollars on your trim level upgrade, but depending on your preferences, you may still want it. In many vehicles, the speaker volume can automatically adjust while driving. Other systems can adapt depending on external noise.
While you’ll find many great sound systems, we based our top list on several qualities. We looked at how technologically advanced the sound system produced the perfect sound. We also considered the number of speakers, subwoofers, and amplifiers in each vehicle. Lastly, we factored in the creator of the sound system and any special features it comes with when choosing our top sound systems list.
So, if you’re looking to buy a car with a quality sound system, be sure to check for the number of speakers and the audio brand. But be forewarned. Upgraded sound systems can come with hefty price tags.
[Editor’s Note: I know aftermarket sound systems have fallen out of favor, but I’d rather buy a lower-trim level vehicle and bring my car to a high-end car audio shop for the best sound. That way, I’m spending money on a feature I care about and not on a manufacturer’s bundled conveniences that I don’t necessarily want. — Jason Fogelson, managing editor]
Acura – Panasonic ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio
Acura offers its best sound systems in upper trim level models. The carmaker joined forces with Panasonic, a company known for its speakers, cameras, TVs, and other technology. These speakers first became available in Acura vehicles in 2004 and have evolved ever since. Each trim level of the 2025 Acura TLX comes equipped with 17 speakers and the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System. The 2024 Acura MDX offers the same quality sound system for SUV drivers but with 25 speakers on the Type S Advance trim. 2025 MDX Type S Advance models have a Bang & Olufsen Premium Audio Ultra System with 31 speakers.
The 2025 Acura Integra also offers the ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System in its A-Spec Technology trim level. The system features 16 speakers, including two overhead and one cargo-integrated subwoofer.
The 2025 ELS Studio 3D Acura sound system brings an advantage over its competitors. Grammy-winning music producer Elliot Scheiner, an audio engineer for artists like the Eagles, Sting, Foo Fighters, and Queen, tuned Acura’s unique system to feel like a sound studio.
To get the special sound system, you must upgrade from the base-level Acura Integra to the A-Spec with Technology trim level, a move that costs at least $5,000.
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Audi – Bang & Olufsen Audio
Audi partners with the Danish luxury speaker and electronics brand Bang & Olufsen. In addition to Audi, Bang & Olufsen’s partners include Lamborghini, Bentley, Aston Martin, Ford, and Genesis.
The sound system boasts a 3D Advanced Sound System as its top-of-the-line system. The highest-level Audi audio system comes with ICE power amplification technology. This system includes up to 23 speakers and 1920 watts of power, Advanced Vehicle Noise Compensation, and tweeters rising from the dashboard.
Regardless of the Audi model you select, this upgraded sound system is available for a fee. If you desire a more affordable luxury car with a great sound system, the 2025 Audi A4 is one of the least expensive cars in Audi’s fleet. The upgrade will add a few thousand to your final price, but you’ll still have an affordable compact luxury car with great audio.
Even with its lower price tag, the Audi A3 has an audio system worth mentioning. Sonos is better known for home audio, but the 15-speaker Sonos system that comes standard in the Premium Plus trim sounds good to us.
Upgrading from the Audi A4 Premium to the Premium Plus trim, which features the Bang & Olufsen sound system, costs $4,500.
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Cadillac – AKG Audio
Cadillac boasts one of the best sound systems on the market. Like some other manufacturers, America’s luxury brand partners with Bose to provide high-quality sound for most models, like the CT4. Cadillac partners with AKG for even better sound on two of its vehicles. One of those upgraded features is that the sound system adjusts your volume depending on the amount of external noise.
If you want the AKG sound system, consider the 2025 Escalade. The basic trim level features 19 speakers and a 14-channel amplifier. However, a true sound lover will want to upgrade to the AKG Studio Reference system. This system offers volume control for each passenger and creates unmatched sound quality with 36 speakers and three amplifiers.
The all-new Cadillac Celestiq, a handbuilt ultraluxury electric car with a starting price of $340,000, will include a 38-speaker AKG Studio Reference sound system.
If you want AKG premium sound with 36 speakers standard in your Escalade, upgrade to the Premium Luxury Platinum, Sport Platinum, or the Escalade-V trim level, adding at least $28,800 to the price of the base trim level.
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Chevrolet – Bose Audio
Some companies on this list use the same sound system for most of their cars. Chevrolet, however, decided to do something different with its signature sports car. The 2025 Corvette Stingray 2LT uses a custom-designed Bose sound system, incorporating 14 speakers in the cabin, including two woofers in each door for improved deep bass quality. The system incorporates SurroundStage, so no matter where you sit in the car, you’re put in the center of the music, meaning there’s no bad seat for music lovers.
Since Chevrolet customized the sound system specifically for this car, its system’s volume automatically adjusts when you take down the convertible top. So, while you’re flying down the highway, you no longer need to compromise on sound quality.
Upgrading from the base-level Corvette Stingray Coupe or Convertible to their 2LT trim level with the best-quality sound system costs at least $7,100.
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Jeep – McIntosh
While many car and sound system brands have collaborated for decades, Jeep and McIntosh formed their alliance in 2021. McIntosh, a renowned audio brand since its founding in 1949, has partnered with other vehicle brands, including Harley-Davidson and Subaru. The Bose Corp. acquired the McIntosh Group in November 2024.
Autotrader Editor Matt Degen tested the Jeep Grand Cherokee L sound system and named it one of the best he’s ever heard. In addition to hearing the music, you can “feel it,” according to Degen.
If you want this premium audio system in a Jeep, your options are limited. You will either need to purchase a Wagoneer, Grand Wagoneer, or Grand Cherokee to experience the McIntosh sound. If you opt for one of these SUVs, you will get a 17-channel amplifier pumping up to 950 watts through 19 speakers.
It costs $2,505 to add the McIntosh sound system to a 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit.
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Land Rover – Meridian
Land Rover incorporates a state-of-the-art Meridian sound system into all current vehicles, some as standard and others for a fee. Meridian is a U.K.-based, award-winning company that builds sound systems based on psychoacoustics — the science of how the human brain interprets sound. Whether you choose the least expensive Range Rover Evoque or the 6-figure Range Rover, you will drive with a high-quality sound system for a reasonable price.
The sound system comes with three upgrade packages: the Meridian Sound System, the Meridian Surround Sound System, and the Meridian Signature Sound System. The Meridian Signature package is the highest quality sound system of the three, with up to 28 speakers, and is only available on select models.
It costs at least $43,700 to upgrade from a base trim Land Rover Range Rover SE to the Land Rover Range Rover Autobiography, which includes the Meridian Signature Sound System.
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Lexus – Mark Levinson Audio
Lexus, Toyota’s premium brand, has a longstanding partnership with the Mark Levinson brand and has been delivering high-quality sound since 2001. This top-of-the-line sound system is available in every Lexus vehicle. The Lexus LS, hybrid and standard versions, and the Lexus LX have an upgraded option to add this premium sound system that includes 3D sound from the 23 to 25 speakers, which you can hear clearly from every seat in the car. The system comes with surround sound, which can improve the overall strength of the speaker as well as improve sound clarity.
Other than the LX and LS, all other models include 17 or fewer speakers. The Lexus ES no longer features the 19-speaker system.
It costs $1,940 to add the Mark Levinson Premium Audio Package to the base Lexus LS sedan.
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Lincoln – Revel
Lincoln partners with Revel for its sound systems and makes Revel systems available for higher trim levels of all its models. Revel and Lincoln’s dealers also set appointments for car buyers to take special test drives of the concert-quality sound system. The Revel Audio System features 13 or 14 speakers, depending on the vehicle.
Upgrading to the Revel Ultima Audio System increases the speaker count to 19, 20, or more, depending on the model. The Aviator model has 28 speakers in the Ultima Audio System package.
Regardless of which system you choose, the car will boast center console tweeters, speakers on both the front and back doors, and subwoofers.
In the Lincoln Aviator Reserve trim, add the Reserve II Equipment Collection for $7,995, which incorporates the Luxury Package with the included Revel Ultima Audio System, or get the Luxury Package separately for $4,695.
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Maserati – Sonus faber
Maserati and Sonus faber blend luxurious Italian design and craftsmanship to deliver celebrated audio systems for some iconic automobiles. Sonus faber systems, known for their signature “natural sound” in the high-end audio market, are found in Maserati Grecale, GranTurismo, and GranCabrio models.
In the Premium (standard) version for 2025 Maserati GranTurismo models, 14 speakers deliver 860 watts of power. The optional Sonus faber High Premium sound system gives you 19 speakers that produce 1,195 watts and includes a 3D Surround feature to complete the auditory landscape.
The Bose Corp. acquired Sonus faber in November 2024.
Selecting the Sonus faber High Premium sound system for a GranTurismo or GranCabrio costs $4,000; it also requires the Comfort Package add-on ($1,470 or $1,280, respectively). The High Premium option costs $2,800 for Grecale buyers.
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Mercedes-Benz – Burmester Audio
Mercedes-Benz is a luxury car brand that comes with a luxury sound system. Beyond the ambient lighting and massaging seats, the sound system plays a significant role in the driving experience. Mercedes partners with Burmester to provide its sound system to its entire fleet of vehicles, ranging from its C-Class and G-Class up to its electrified EQS models. The Burmester 4D Surround Sound System features 17 to 26 speakers driven by 1,570 watts of power to provide the perfect audio experience for higher trim-level cars. The company says this system offers a “feel-good sound,” almost like floating rather than driving.
For a truly surround sound experience and a $118,900+ price tag, the Burmester High-End 4D Surround Sound System features 31 speakers and a subwoofer powered by a 1,750-watt system. This high-end system is only available in the S-Class and S-Class Maybach; it’s a $6,800 option in the former but standard in the $204,650 (at minimum) Maybach edition.
While the Burmester 4D Surround Sound system comes standard in upper trim levels like the AMG GLE, adding it to the base-level E 350 sedan runs $1,030.
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Volvo – Bowers & Wilkins Audio
While Volvo uses one of the best sound systems available, it may not be a well-known fact. Its state-of-the-art sound system is from Bowers & Wilkins and was once only available as an upgrade in the Volvo XC60 and V90, but now it is available for upgrade in 60 and 90 Series models, including the electric EX90.
The Bowers & Wilkins audio system provides a unique audio experience. The sound faces the driver with an open-air subwoofer and tweeter on the center speaker located on the dashboard.
BMW also offers a Bowers & Wilkins entertainment option. The Diamond Surround System with 20 speakers and dynamic sound equalizing costs from $3,400 to $4,200, depending on the model.
Volvo offers an optional Harman Kardon Premium Sound System for $800. Upgrading from the XC60 plug-in hybrid’s Plus trim with that audio upgrade to Polestar Engineered, the highest trim level with the best-quality Bowers & Wilkins setup, is a difference of about $12,000.
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Editor’s Note: This article has been updated since its initial publication.
