Mercedes-Benz and Apple Music have joined forces to bring a new dimension of sound to the automotive world. For the first time, Apple Music’s immersive Spatial Audio, powered by Dolby Atmos, is natively integrated into select Mercedes-Benz vehicles. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in in-car entertainment, delivering studio-quality audio that rivals the best concert halls, directly within your Mercedes-Benz.
This groundbreaking feature is available in Mercedes-Maybach models, the EQS and EQS SUV, as well as the EQE and S-Class, all equipped with the advanced MBUX infotainment system. Drivers of these vehicles can now experience music with unparalleled depth, clarity, and multidimensional sound, transforming their daily commute or long journeys into an extraordinary auditory experience.
Oliver Schusser, Apple’s vice president of Apple Music and Beats, emphasizes the importance of high-fidelity audio: “Sound quality is incredibly important to Apple Music, which is why we are so excited to be working with Mercedes-Benz to make Spatial Audio on Apple Music available natively in the car for the first time. Spatial Audio is revolutionizing the way artists create and fans listen to music, and it’s an experience that is impossible to explain in words; you have to hear it for yourself to appreciate it. Together with Mercedes-Benz, we now have even more opportunities to bring wholly immersive music to our subscribers all over the world.” This partnership underscores a shared vision to provide customers with the ultimate music experience, seamlessly blending technology and luxury.
Markus Schäfer, Mercedes-Benz Group AG’s chief technology officer, echoes this sentiment, stating, “We’re joining forces to offer our customers a benchmark music experience unparalleled in the industry. We are proud that our vehicles will be the first-ever non-Apple devices to feature immersive Spatial Audio with Dolby Atmos. This seamless experience shows how in-car entertainment can reach exciting new levels by perfectly integrating hardware and software.” This collaboration not only elevates the in-car audio landscape but also sets a new standard for automotive entertainment systems.
For existing Apple Music subscribers who drive compatible Mercedes-Benz models, accessing Spatial Audio is immediate. A vast and growing catalog of songs and albums mixed in Spatial Audio is readily available, spanning genres from hip-hop and country to Latin, pop, and classical. Apple Music also curates dedicated Spatial Audio playlists like “Driving in Spatial Audio” and “Hip-Hop in Spatial Audio,” making it easy for listeners to discover and enjoy their favorite music in this revolutionary format. Beyond Spatial Audio, subscribers have access to Apple Music’s extensive library of 100 million songs, a multitude of expertly curated playlists, and live radio stations including Apple Music 1, Apple Music Hits, and Apple Music Country.
The exclusive Mercedes-Maybach by Virgil Abloh limited edition, launched the previous month, pioneered this superior sound experience within the Mercedes-Benz range. It was among the first vehicles globally to feature the Burmester high-end 4D sound system, which is instrumental in delivering the immersive Spatial Audio experience. This sophisticated system boasts 31 speakers, including six 3D speakers positioned overhead, four near-ear speakers integrated into the front seats, and a powerful 18.5-liter subwoofer. Adding to the sonic depth are eight sound transducers (two per seat), two amplifiers, and a total system power of 1,750 watts. This technology is slated for wider rollout across other Mercedes-Benz models in the near future, promising a broader availability of this premium audio experience.
This partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Apple Music signifies a commitment to pushing the boundaries of in-car audio, ensuring drivers and passengers alike can enjoy music in its most immersive and purest form. The integration of Apple Music Spatial Audio is not just an upgrade; it’s a transformation of the auditory journey within a Mercedes-Benz, making every drive a concert-like experience.
