Ford and B&O redefine car audio experience

Vehicle audio systems have come a long way. From cassette tapes and compact discs to digital MP3 and streaming services, in-car audio systems have undergone quite the transformation. And with the advent of new platforms like audiobooks, digital radio, and podcasts, drivers and passengers now have access to a wider range of audio entertainment options.

Ford and Bang & Olufsen look to revolutionize car audio by providing vehicle owners with a more straightforward means of personalizing and optimizing their auditory experience.

“Whether you prefer to listen to classical music, the latest hits, or a favorite podcast, we want to ensure that it is easy to enjoy your preferred choice to its maximum potential. Drivers have long had the means to adjust the sound in their car, but Beosonic makes those adjustments more intuitive, to help make journeys more comfortable and enjoyable,” said Ford Europe Connectivity Manager Jan Schroll,.

Ford acknowledges that it has long been possible to customize in-car audio. But they also recognize that it has not always been easy.

The new Beosonic feature of the Bang & Olufsen Sound System in Ford cars will allow drivers to adjust sound quality with just one touch.

Users can simply select from the five preset modes: Custom, Lounge, Neutral, Party, and Podcast, or choose from distinct sound space options like Bright, Energetic, Relaxed, and Warm. There’s even a setting that allows drivers to combine the elements of each option.

Here’s how each option works.

• Bright softens some of the bass in the audio, creating an airy and crisp sound quality,
• Energetic focuses on rhythm and bass, it also increases the contrast in the vocals.
• Relaxed is ideal for background listening, reducing the treble and the bass in the audio.
• Warm makes the sound experience feel more intimate and closer.

The presets, on the other hand, are designed to enable faster access to specific listening modes. Custom takes drivers back to the previous user-defined setting, while Neutral resets the settings to the B&O reference sound. A double-tap on the white marker on the screen activates surround sound mode. The latest settings are stored when the vehicle is switched off, even if the battery is disconnected.

The Beosonic equalizer was tuned, tested, and perfected with the help of Harman’s acoustic engineers who lend their trained ears and used cutting-edge measuring instruments and microphones. An eclectic playlist of 25 songs has been used to evaluate and define the attributes for the four sound moods and was played in both static and dynamic driving situations.

“The Ford and B&O brands share the same values on excellence in sound and design. We are very proud that the visceral B&O Beosonic one-touch experience makes its way into car audio for the very first time in Ford with an intuitive interface, making captivating car audio experiences simple to manage,” said Harman International Director of Acoustic Systems Engineering Greg Sikora.

The B&O Sound Systems Beosonic comes pre-installed in select models of Ford vehicles including the EcoSport, Fiesta, Focus, Kuga, and Puma that are released in the European market.

Photos from Ford

Also read: 

Ford North American sales up 23.1% in Q1

Ford PH expands lineup with addition of all-new Territory

Ford revamps Ranger lineup