“The best loudspeaker isn’t the one that gives the most; it’s the one that loses the least.”

Three decades from his passing, these words of wisdom by John Bowers continue to be the driving inspiration of the company he founded half a century ago.

Bowers words spoke of efficiency in the broadcasting of sound and it is, in its own way, a philosophy that resonates sharply with that of Volvo Cars own emphasis on efficiency with its vehicles.

The partnership of Volvo Cars with Bowers & Wilkins is, therefore, a meeting of like-minded intellects; the joining of forces between kindred spirits of different industries, but with the shared goal of attaining perfection in their craft.

Together, Volvo Cars and Bowers & Wilkins have developed one of the top audio systems available in the automotive world fitted in the new Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus.

Leveraging on Bowers & Wilkins’ five decades of pioneering research into loudspeaker design, the S90 T8 Inscription Plus’ sound system utlizes bespoke acoustic technology derived directly from knowhow developed for reference speakers used in some of the world’s most demanding acoustic environments, including London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios.

The result of the collaboration uses a combination of high-performance, low-distortion speakers including extended range aluminium tweeters and Kevlar midrange units, just as used in Bowers & Wilkins’ range of award-winning premium loudspeakers.

The setup also features a centre speaker with Bowers & Wilkins tweeter-on-top technology for the first time in a car, providing a more open, spacious sound.

The system is comprised of a 12-channel Harman 1,400W Class D amplifier serving a total of 19 Bowers & Wilkins speakers – seven Nautilus tweeters with the latest treble technology, seven midrange speakers, four cone woofers, and the new, ground-breaking air-ventilated subwoofer integrated directly into the vehicle’s chassis.

Beyond just cramming an overwhelming number of speakers into the car, the sound engineers of Bowers & Wilkins were extremely specific in dictating their positioning within the cabin in order to maximise the effectiveness of each speaker. Here, engineers from both companies worked hand-in-hand to ensure seamless integration of the audio setup into the car’s cabin design.

Indeed, design is an area where both Volvo and Bowers & Wilkins are once again in agreement. Both companies place great emphasis on good visual design to enhance the appeal and premium feel of their products. Behind the beautifully-finished metallic covers of the seven mid-range speakers, the characteristic yellow Bowers & Wilkins Kevlar cones are clearly visible.

The Bowers & Wilkins sound system of the S90 T8 Inscription Plus also uses the latest and most advanced sound processing software from Swedish audio specialist Dirac Research to manage the timing of sound and co-operation between speakers to optimize sound output for a specific or all seating positions, and also to create individual acoustics from certain music venues or concert halls.

In the S90 Inscription Plus, the software has been used to re-create the exact acoustic qualities of the Gothenburg Concert Hall located in Volvo’s hometown and home to the Gothenburg Symphony Orchestra, the National Orchestra of Sweden. From the touchscreen, occupants can immediately alter the sound system’s setting to mirror this concert hall, a recording studio, or a stage environment.

Bowers & Wilkins are very choosy in the people they work together with, and Volvo Cars decided that they were an ideal partner. The British firm was established in 1966 by two friends who shared an obsession to build the perfect loudspeaker. This heritage has created a globally-respected high-end audio company, renowned for its technological innovations, many of which have been incorporated into the new S90 T8 Twin Engine Inscription Plus.

The Sound of
PERFECTION

A sound system engineered to meticulous detail; Bowers & Wilkins brings concert hall acoustics to the new Volvo S90 T8 Twin Engine.

Bowers & Wilkins‍‍‍ Feature