10 Electric Cars With The Best Sound Systems In 2024
In recent years, electric vehicles (EVs) have become even more popular because they are the perfect choice for green-based vehicles. One of the most consistent trends seen in EVs is the continuation of advanced technologies that seem to never stop. When people think of EVs, they usually imagine futuristic designs and state-of-the-art technology, and that’s pretty accurate. Looking at cars such as Tesla’s or Hyundai’s Ioniq line, you see these sleek body curves and minimalistic sterile interiors that come jam-packed with tech. While technology plays a massive role in EVs, one area that doesn’t receive as much attention is the sound systems incorporated within the car.
For some, a high-end sound system that provides clear tones and bass is a must. The thing about these sound systems is that everything has to work in uniform and complement each other’s abilities. Whether you’re an audiophile or not, most can appreciate the crisp sound of music from high-quality speakers. So, with EVs constantly going uphill with their newest technologies, it’s apparent that there will be some cars out there with high-quality sound systems. Unfortunately, you won’t be able to test them out right here, but you’ll be caught up with some facts about the ten electric cars with the best sound systems.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Harman Kardon, JBL, Bose, Burmester, Banf and Olufsen, and Bowers and Wilkins. The models below have been ranked based on their starting MSRP.
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1 2024 Mini Cooper SE: $30,900
Harman Kardon Premium Sound System
The Mini Cooper SE is a great entryway into EVs mainly because of its unique features. Starting at $30,000, this Mini is one of the cheaper electric cars on the market. The electric powertrain producing 181 horsepower keeps that iconic zippy drive known within Mini Coopers. While there’s much to praise about this budget-friendly car, the audio system is where it excels.
Sound System Specifications
- Five 26 mm metal matrix tweeters for clear treble tones.
- Five 100 mm midrange speakers for crystal clear voices.
- Two 217 mm subwoofers for deep bass.
- One 360-watt amplifier to bring it all together.
The Mini Cooper still represents the British flag, but it would be a lie if its German traits went unnoticed. BMW acquired Mini back in 1996, and it comes as no surprise that BMW tossed a cheat sheet on how to please the public. German manufacturers such as Mercedes, BMW, and Audi are known to have luxurious interiors that are followed by great sound systems. The Mini Cooper SE picked up a Harman Kardon Sound System, which has been in BMWs for 30 years now.
While these systems usually cost a premium dollar and are typically an add-on, in this case, you won’t have to spend extra money on this system. Available in every model, this system brings a stage performance right to your driver’s seat. Both Harman Kardon and Mini designed the system around the car for precise sound quality. The Mini Cooper set the standards high within the list with a low MSRP and a captivating sound system.
2 2024 Polestar 2 Long Range RWD: $49,900
Harman Kardon Premium Sound System
The Polestar 2 is the most affordable luxury EV with at least 250 miles of range, you would think the Polestar 2 comes with a high-quality sound system. The good news is, much like its other features, the sound provides top-notch quality. The Swedish-based EV manufacturer implemented some major changes, increasing the range and power. While that sounds appealing, the sound quality is what you’re here for.
Sound System Specifications
- Harmon Kardon 13-Speaker sound system.
- A 600-watt amplifier.
The Polestar 2 marks another vehicle rocking a Harman Kardon Premium System. If you’re new to the audio world, Harman is among the leading audio companies many high-end car manufacturers have. Unlike the Mini, the Polestar has a standard system and the option to upgrade it to Harman’s system. For a price of $2,200, you might think it’s not worth it, but unlike some automotive manufacturers, Polestar adds more than just a speaker.
In addition to the audio peripherals, you get a panoramic roof, WeaveTech seats, high-level interior illumination, an energy-saving heat pump, and heated seats. Adding all those in a package makes the price sound a whole lot better. Harman Kardon designed a minimalistic design to pair nicely with the Polestar 2’s aesthetic. This technology is so unique that the air-ventilated subwoofer seen in the Polestar received a patent. Electric vehicles keep moving forward, and the audio systems follow right behind, advancing as well.
3 2024 Hyundai Ioniq 6 Limited: $50,150
Bose Premium Audio System
While the Polestar is one of the cheaper luxurious EVs on the market, the Ioniq 6 received a more prestigious title. Hyundai has released some great vehicles over the years, and the Ioniq 6 received TopSpeed’s Best Electric Car of 2024 award. Companies like Tesla have formed a unique design for their vehicles, and Hyundai decided to one-up the competition by providing this futuristic car.
Sound System Specifications
- Eight high performance speakers.
- Quietcomfort Road Noise Control cancelling out unwanted noises from the outside of the car.
Hyundai has gone the route of crafting its sound systems based around the cabin’s interior. Acoustics plays a major role in distributing sound waves efficiently in the air and space. While that might sound confusing, to put it simply, you can’t slap speakers in a car and expect it to sound perfect. That’s where many of these audio companies, like Bose, step in to make sure everything is up to par.
Along with producing the components, Bose also tests the system to deliver a premium sound quality within the cabin. Hyundai isn’t the first and only company doing this. Every vehicle on the list has added measures to configure the sound perimeters for optimization. Nonetheless, Hyundai has developed an exquisite sound within the Ioniq 6.
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4 2024 Toyota Mirai XLE: $50,190
JBL Premium Audio System
We cheated a little and included an HFCV in this list just to show that the Mirai is more than just a “hydrogen car”. The Toyota Mirai is the best example of a car representing the company’s slogan “Let’s Go Places.” Unlike the other cars on the list, the Mirai is a “plug-less” electric vehicle that uses hydrogen to power the electric powertrain. Due to the limited hydrogen refueling stations, the Mirai is only sold in California. If you live in the Golden State, then this 400-mile-range EV might be of interest.
Sound System Specifications
- Four wide dispersion midrange speakers that bring warm and clean vocals and instruments.
- Four iconic JBL horn tweeters that help bring out high notes and consistency.
- Two door woofers for a punchy bass on your sides.
- Two full-range speakers that bring together bass, mid, and treble sounds.
- One subwoofer that packs some heat.
- One amplifier that acts as the heart of the system.
This Toyota marks the third audio company on the list. JBL, named after the founder “James Bullough Lansing”, is a sister company to Harman Kardon. For over 50 years, both companies have been producing high-end sound systems, whether it’s for a vehicle, headphones, or speakers. The Mirai XLE and Limited come standard with the JBL system. While bringing up each individual speaker might be redundant over time, it’s worth noting some of the unique features that accommodate JBL’s unique sound.
One proprietary technology used is the Quantumlogic Surround Sound, which separates stereo sources into individual audio streams. The second feature is Clari-Fi, a technology that analyzes and restores digital audio to “high fidelity”. This reveals vivid audio notes that are lost in digitally compressed music. Toyota is known for focusing on several components in their vehicles rather than one, and the Mirai’s audio showcases that.
5 2024 BMW i4 eDrive35: $52,200
Harman Kardon Premium Sound System
The Mirai marked the halfway point, and you might be surprised that the upcoming sound systems are a whole lot better. BMW has some known characteristics within its vehicles, such as a sporty drive, but one overlooked feature is being consistent with its crisp audio. The BMW i4 eDrive35 offers a modest 256 miles of range while feeling like a gasoline-powered 4 Series.
Sound System Specifications
- Seven 25 mm aluminium dome tweeters.
- Two 160 mm woofers.
- Seven 100 mm midrange speakers.
- One 217 mm subwoofer.
- One 535 mm amplifier.
The BMW i4 is the manufacturer’s entry-level four-door electric car. The Harman Kardon surround sound system is available for the i4 on all trims. For $875, the system upgrades the cabin with extra bass, clear treble tones, and vivid surround sound. Harman Kardon’s “Logic 7” helps convert music into a surround sound experience to reach every corner of the car. The i4 hits deep tones and narrow frequency ranges with the two woofers and one subwoofer. If you want a nice weekend car to roll the windows down and experience music in an uplifting way, the four-door i4 might fulfill that wish.
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6 2024 Lucid Air Pure: $69,900
Surreal Sound Pro
Lucid Motors is one of the newer companies to enter the EV industry, and they mean business. The Lucid Air is the only vehicle in Lucid’s lineup available to the public. With their upcoming SUV sitting on the horizon, you’ll have to settle with its smaller sibling. Several themes are found throughout this electric sedan, but luxury and range are the outliers. Or it could be the available horsepower of 430-1,234 or the 0-60 hitting the one-second range. As you can see, the Lucid Air isn’t playing around with these mind-blowing features.
Sound System Specifications
- 21-speaker Surreal Sound system.
- Increased overall safety with river aids featuring directional acoustic signaling of notifications and warnings.
The Lucid has a mix of in-house sound systems that feature some help from Dolby. This system has been kept secret, and even upon its release, Lucid has yet to disclose the entire perimeters of their speakers. With a start like that, you might think it’s a worthy system. According to several Reddit users and car reviews, the sound system is immaculate and deserves a spot on the list.
Like the other cars on the list, the Air can position its sound in a designated area, similar to the VIP shown on the Mercedes EQE. The Lucid Air was one of the first cars to implement Dolby Atmos, creating an immersive experience. While some carmakers showcase their speakers, Lucid decided to go in another direction. The speakers are hidden within the interior to create a minimalist design. These design and audio features show how EVs are constantly moving forward through innovative technologies.
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7 Porsche Taycan Base: $92,550
Burmester 3D High-End Surround Sound
Porsche surprised the automotive industry when previewing the Taycan concept car back in 2015. Many car enthusiasts agree that Porsche excels not only in racing or incredible handling but also in providing customers with the ability to build a car that best suits their driving style. The Porsche Taycan starts at $90,900 and reaches up to a quarter of a million, but it’s one of the most appealing sports EVs on the market.
Sound System Specifications
- 21 Speakers, including a subwoofer, each driven by its own amplifier.
- 1,455-watt system, including a 400-watt active subwoofer.
- Two-way-center for homogenous staging.
- Auro-3D-Raumwiedergabe durch Auro-Matic-Technologie.
While the words “overdone” and “Porsche” are rarely used in the same sentence, there might be a valid case for it now. The 21 speakers in an electric sports car might be overkill, but that’s just one example that sets this German-bred manufacturer aside from the rest. Porsche isn’t the only German representing the Taycan, with Burmester being based in the same country.
With no engine noise or exhaust drone entering the cabin, this sound system performs on another level. Thanks to the “Auro-3D”, it produces a three-dimensional sound panorama from stereo, mono, and multi-channel sources. You might be like some people where having no engine noise is odd, but with a sound system like Porsche’s, you might be able to look past it.
8 2024 e-tron GT: $106,500
Banf and Olufsen 3D Premium Sound System
The Audi e-tron GT marks the third most notorious German manufacturer on the list. This EV was introduced back as a concept in 2009, leading to a full production run of the GT and e-tron SUV. You might’ve seen this car in Avengers: Endgame with Marvel and Audi teaming up to promote this one-of-a-kind EV.
Sound System Specifications
- One 100mm midrange speaker (Dashboard).
- Two 25 mm tweeters (Dashboard).
- Two 55 mm 3D fullrange speakers (A-pillars).
- Two 100 mm midrange speakers (Front Doors).
- Two 220 mm woofers (Front Doors).
- Two 19 mm tweeters (Rear Doors).
- Two 165 mm low-midrange speakers (Rear Doors).
- Two 100 mm surround speakers (Rear Deck).
- One 250 mm dual voice coil subwoofer (Trunk).
The e-tron comes equipped with a Bang and Olufsen sound system and an abundance of goodies. The 16 speakers showcase a wide range of depth and quality to take the passengers on a musical journey. The input signal is distributed into spatial components, which are fed to the speakers. In other words, the audio comes in as a three-dimensional sound experience.
A notable feature is Symphoria 3D, which takes sound to the “third dimension”. This third dimension is Audi’s idea of creating the perception of the width, depth, and height of the given sounds. While systems like this are hard to comprehend, you’d have to experience it firsthand to understand the amazing innovations within these sound systems.
9 2024 Mercedes AMG EQE Sedan: $106,900
Burmester 3D Surround Sound System With EV Sound
Mercedes is one of many automotive manufacturers that have found their sweet spot when developing vehicles. While its competitor, BMW, leans more on the sportier side, Mercedes, on the other hand, leans more on the luxurious side. The EQE AMG does have 649 horsepower and a 3.4 second 0-60, so it does have that sport-like driving that both companies are known for. What sets them aside is Mercedes’ focus on comfort over performance.
Sound System Specifications
- 15 Speakers with a 710-watt system output.
- A hybrid amplifier with analog filters in the high- and mid-frequency range and digital amplification in the low-frequency range.
- Personal Sound Profile allows various driver profiles to configure sound profiles to their liking.
Mercedes went with Burmester for its EQE AMG. The Burmester setup implements efficient systems such as the hybrid amplifier, which utilizes analog and digital amplification. Mercedes has a nice add-on to the experience, which is the Acoustic Comfort Package. For $1,100, the windshield and front door windows are laminated with an acoustic membrane. The glass also absorbs infrared, which helps block noise. This sound system has amazing specs, but some of its features are worth reviewing. The VIP function allows for the sound to be in a select position for the “VIP”. Burmester is the kid in class who finished early and did extra work to pass the time.
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10 2024 BMW i7 M70: $168,500
Bowers and Wilkins Diamond Surround Sound System
The BMW 7 Series is an iconic businessman’s car that has set the standards for a luxury sedan. Although the i7 doesn’t pack a V-8 or V-12, it does have a more than capable electric powertrain. The i7 M70 has a range of 291 miles and 0-60 in just over three seconds. For $168,500, it’s expected to have a top-of-the-line sound system in this extravagant EV.
Sound System Specifications
- 1,965 watts of audio power.
- There are 39 speakers with exclusive Diamond Dome tweeters and 32 fully active amplification channels.
- 4D audio with immersive speakers in the front seat backrest.
- Dynamic Sound Equalizing measures the sound quality at all seating positions.
BMW primarily uses Harman Kardon, but the i7 was equipped with Bowers and Wilkins. With a hefty price that comes close to $170,000, you would think it would come standard on the M70. Unfortunately, it does come with a price tag of $4,800, but the design brings a whole other aspect when looking at luxury. The headliner has 3D Surround Sound acoustics to immerse passengers in the outgoing sounds. One area both parties nailed was the design and function. The i7 M70 matches the aesthetic of their ultimate luxury vehicle and shows that this system was meant for the i7.