Volvo Launches New Sound Technology in EX90

Abu Dhabi : The Abbey Road Studios Mode enables the user to engineer their sound.

• The new Abbey Road Studios Mode has been designed in partnership with Bowers & Wilkins.
• The different sound options cater to a variety of listening preferences.
• The new upgrade will be provided free of charge via over-the-air.

Volvo Cars has introduced Abbey Road Studios Mode, a new sound feature that captures the feeling of the famous recording studio’s unique atmosphere. After announcing it last year, the mode is now available on all Volvo EX90 models equipped with the optional Bowers & Wilkins High Fidelity Audio system. It will be free of charge via an over-the-air update in the next few weeks.

This technology was created by Bowers & Wilkins in partnership with Abbey Road Studios. It draws inspiration from the studio’s special acoustic spaces and the sound signature of the equipment used to make some of the most well-known albums in music history. Inside the EX90, this mode offers a one-of-a-kind listening experience.

What does Abbey Road Studios Mode offer?

The Abbey Road Studios Mode features a range of presets that deliver a variety of sound options. These are designed to suit various listening preferences. For those who want to customize their sound, the Producer Mode gives control over the audio. 

It allows users to change the tone from a vintage retro feel to a richer, modern sound. You can also tweak the stereo field, making it narrower or wider, and adjust the overall acoustic space, much like a sound engineer would do in a studio.

Jeremy Huffelmann, General Manager of Abbey Road, explains that the Abbey Road Studios Mode introduces the special sound of their spaces and equipment to the Bowers & Wilkins system in the Volvo EX90. 

It lets drivers shape and personalise the sound inside the car for a truly unique listening experience. The studio is very proud of this partnership and looks forward to Volvo customers enjoying this special technology.

This over-the-air update is one of Volvo Cars’ biggest upgrades so far, showing their commitment to improving their software-driven vehicles. From now on, new EX90 and ES90 models that include the Bowers & Wilkins sound system will come with the sound mode already available when they leave the factory.

Anders Bell, Volvo’s chief engineering and technology officer, states that through technology, they make everyday life better for their customers. That is the reason they are excited to add the Abbey Road Studios Mode to the Volvo EX90. He adds that this feature is a first of its kind and highlights how the brand offers more value through straightforward, over-the-air updates.

EX90 - Quietest Cabin 

The EX90 features one of the quietest cabins from the brand ever made. It includes 25 speakers placed carefully throughout the vehicle. If you choose the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio system, the sound experience is exceptional. This 1610-watt system can play Dolby Atmos content. It was co-developed and tuned by Bowers & Wilkins engineers and Volvo’s audio team.

Thanks to recent updates in technology, the company can send over-the-air updates to about 2.5 million Volvo vehicles. These cars were built as far back as 2020 and are located in 85 countries.

Volvo EX90 – Other Tech and Comfort Features

Inside, the cabin boasts a clean, Scandinavian-inspired look, with most controls available on a large touchscreen. This minimalist style may bother drivers who prefer physical buttons. The inside feels open thanks to a big glass roof and seats seven, including a standard third row. 

Leather isn’t used to keep things eco-friendly; instead, high-quality materials like wool combined with recycled plastic are on offer. 

The car has a 14.5-inch portrait-style touchscreen with Google’s latest interface, offering in-dash navigation and access to apps via Google Play. Wireless Apple CarPlay and a 5G connection come as standard. A premium Bowers & Wilkins stereo with Dolby Atmos and 25 speakers, some built into the headrests, is available to enhance sound.

Price in the UAE

At present, the Volvo EX90, available in a single standard variant, is priced at AED 289,900 in the UAE.