B&W Abbey Road audio mode debuts in Volvo EX90

An upgrade in in-car entertainment is on the horizon with the launch of Abbey Road Studios Mode. To celebrate, Bowers & Wilkins, in partnership with Abbey Road Studios and Volvo, hosted a special launch event at the iconic London studio, offering guests a first-hand experience of this groundbreaking new technology.

We were delighted to invite a select number of our Bowers & Wilkins dealers to this exclusive event which featured a studio tour, demonstrations from Abbey Road engineers and a first look in the car itself. This was all topped off with a live performance in the iconic Studio 2.

Set to debut in 2025, Volvo’s all-electric EX90 SUV will feature an optional 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins Dolby Atmos audio system, setting a new standard for automotive audio.

Through intensive measurement and development, the new sound mode captures the studio’s unique acoustics through configurable settings developed in partnership with Abbey Road engineers. It features four preset modes – Intimate, Open, Energised and Expansive – and a fifth, fully customisable Producer mode. This selection of configurations offers an immersive audio experience that goes beyond the EX90’s cabin, letting users tailor the sound to their personal preference.

AWE’s MD, Stuart Tickle, noted that the DSP was not getting in the way of the artists intent – it actually enhanced the experience. On questioning the engineers how this was possible, the explanation was that rather than changing the music itself, the objective was to recreate the listening environment of the studio as though it was being played in there. Furthermore, whist the level of effect and character was user customisable, strict parameters had been set by the audio engineers to ensure that it was never a distraction from the content itself.

The Volvo EX90’s state-of-the-art Bowers & Wilkins audio system integrates exclusive cutting-edge technologies, including eight aluminium-domed headrest and ceiling speakers, six Continuum cone midrange drivers and five Nautilus double-dome tweeters. As seen in their high-end home-oriented speakers, such as the 800 Series Diamond as also used at Abbey Road, Bowers & Wilkins’ acoustic principles are reflected in the central Tweeter-on-Top on the dashboard.

After a panel interview session featuring representatives from Abbey Road, Bowers & Wilkins, Volvo and Mercury Music Award winning artist, Femi Koleoso, guests were treated to an amazing live performance from The Ezra Collective in Studio 2. The British 5-piece band combine jazz and afrobeat and recently played at Wembley Arena, London. Femi commented that the last time he played at Abbey Road he was recording his now celebrated album, “Dance, no one’s watching”.

Interestingly, the speakers used by the band for this performance were part of the unique “Sound System” created by Bowers & Wilkins specifically for live performances. More on those another day…