Sennheiser Mobility

Reaching the right frequency makes all the difference. In in-car audio, 1,000 watts RMS is often considered the ideal power output for subwoofers, providing enough power to deliver deep, precise bass while maintaining control to ensure every note is clean and intentional. It’s where performance meets clarity.   Interestingly, 1,000 also plays a key behind-the-scenes role. At 1,000 Hz, systems are tested at their most reliable reference point: a frequency at which sound can be reproduced consistently and accurately. It is the benchmark that engineers trust.   With the second edition of our newsletter, Auto EQ, we have reached a similar milestone: a growing audience of over 1,000 subscribers that enables us to share insights with impact and precision. It's not about scale for the sake of it but about building the right resonance with the right people. If you haven’t already subscribed, click on the link below so you don’t miss future editions! We look forward to continuing the conversation and fine-tuning what matters most. https://bit.ly/4dQV3EP

Did you drive to work today?  If so, you probably used your car's sound system to listen to the news on the radio or your morning music playlist, or to take a quick call. Thanks to advances in vehicle technology, audio experiences on the road have improved dramatically over the past few decades. However, despite all these technological innovations, the quality of the audio experience in most vehicles is still limited by factors such as speaker performance and cabin acoustics. In reality, the listening experience in these vehicles falls short of high-fidelity expectations.  Premium sound systems are engineered to overcome these limitations. Although they are becoming a common feature in many new car models, their features and tuning quality vary widely. So, we’re curious: What’s your biggest frustration with in-car audio today? 

Auto China 2026 in Beijing made one thing clear: the in-car entertainment experience is becoming a key differentiator for the automotive industry. For our May newsletter, together with Felix Teufel (Sennheiser Mobility) we explore the latest industry trends, from premium interiors to advanced LiDAR visualization and increasingly interactive vehicle features. For in-car audio, this means expanding the current focus on sound delivery to include personalized, immersive experiences. And what about AI?  It‘s potential for adaptive sound and smarter voice control is exciting. But ultimately, its value depends on one question: Does it truly improve the listening experience? Check out our newsletter below to discover more insights and to read the full discussion on AI’s future in in-car audio! 

Can color shape the way we hear sound?    We already know that architecture and materials influence concert hall acoustics. But new research from the Technical University of Berlin suggests there’s another powerful factor at play: color.    The study found that visual surroundings—including color—can significantly shape how we perceive sound. Cooler, more saturated tones like blues and greens notably affected perceived timbre. Participants who listened to musical performances in this setting described the music as having a cooler, more metallic sound. Furthermore, musical performances tended to be rated higher in terms of enjoyment by the participants when they were experienced in a darker hall with less saturated color.      This insight is particularly compelling when we look at the evolution of car interiors.    Vehicles are becoming immersive entertainment environments—combining ambient lighting, spatial audio, and adaptive displays. These features are rapidly dissolving the boundaries between mobility and recreation.    Together with our partners CUPRA and smart Automobile, we’re exploring how multisensory design transforms the in-cabin experience. Models like the smart #5 and #6 integrate ambient lighting with our premium sound system—where lighting responds dynamically to the tempo and mood of the music, creating a more emotional and immersive listening experience.      What this research highlights is a broader shift in how we think about in-car audio.    The industry’s key question is no longer:    “How well does the sound system perform?”     But rather: “How does the entire cabin environment shape what we hear—and how we feel?” As vehicles evolve into true living and entertainment spaces, environmental design and sound design together may eventually become as important to customers as horsepower.

The premiere of the new smart #6 EHD in China marks another milestone in the evolution of immersive in-car audio.   Unveiled at Auto Beijing 2026, the sedan showcases how audio has become an integral part of next-generation mobility and intelligent cockpit design.   With our immersive Sennheiser Signature Sound System integrated into the all-new #6, every seat becomes part of a carefully engineered listening experience. Designed to create a spacious and natural soundstage throughout the entire cabin, the system delivers acoustic precision, powerful dynamics, and an enveloping immersive experience for music and entertainment content. Gone are the days when a loud stereo system and high speaker count were enough to succeed in the in-car audio market. Today, drivers and passengers are looking for an experience that feels like they’re at a live concert or in a renowned music studio. The smart #6 is available exclusively in China. 

Top Gear-approved immersive sound 🔊 Top Gear’s review of the CUPRA Leon's immersive Sennheiser sound system calls out its clear, stable soundstage and impressive clarity—even at high speeds. Powered by our proprietary algorithms, the system delivers clear vocals, music rich in depth, and podcasts without constant volume adjustments. Top Gear confirmed: The Leon's Sennheiser sound system is “a no‑brainer for the step it delivers when daily driving”. 🚗🎶 https://bit.ly/3RhbRwO

For our team at Sennheiser Mobility, the past few weeks have been full of inspiration and excitement. Between major industry events, two brand-new cars featuring our audio systems, and countless conversations with partners and customers, it’s clear that in‑car audio is becoming a pillar of the mobility experience. In today’s article, Jiayong Wu, Strategic Business Development Manager for APAC at Sennheiser Mobility, his initial impressions of Auto China 2026 in Beijing and what the shift from “electrification” to “intelligence” means for the industry. We also take a deep dive into the immersive Sennheiser Signature Sound System in the new smart #6, how it works, and what makes it special. Read the full article below to learn more. Are you attending Auto China in Beijing? Let us know what you’re most excited about in the comments.

Our Roadmap from Audio Heritage to Mobility Innovation In 2019, we emerged from Sennheiser with a clear vision for mobility: to create immersive Sennheiser sound and communication experiences for the car of the future. Backed by Sennheiser’s many decades of audio engineering expertise, our team has positioned Sennheiser Mobility as a trusted partner for OEMs. Our innovative and high-quality audio systems have brought immersive sound to 250,000 cars around the globe since 2024. In 2020, we reached our first major milestone by launching the world’s first speakerless sound system for cars. In 2022, we began our strategic partnership with Morgan Motor Company. Since then, we have equipped three of their premium sports car models with custom audio solutions that blend seamlessly into the distinctive Morgan design. In 2023, we began our next groundbreaking partnership by developing an immersive sound system for the CUPRA Tavascan, and, eventually, all CUPRA models. Together with CUPRA, we have elevated in-car audio to a new level. A special user interface enables seamless interaction between the car's functions and the sound system. The result? An immersive sound system that creates spatial soundscapes tailored to individual preferences. In 2024, we took our next step into the future of urban mobility by partnering with smart Automobile to create our Sennheiser Signature Sound System for the smart #5. This sound system is tailored to the unique needs of electric vehicles. Stay tuned for the Beijing International Auto Show this year, where you can experience our Sennheiser Signature Sound System in the brand-new smart #6 and see the new #2 concept car, which will also feature a Sennheiser sound system in the production version!  Looking back on the past few years, we’re grateful for the opportunity to bring Sennheiser’s legacy of high-quality sound reproduction to modern vehicles. We’re excited to continue shaping the future of sound on the road! 

The Technology Behind Spatial Sound At Sennheiser Mobility, we design sound systems that take in-car audio to new heights. A core element of these systems are Sennheiser's AMBEO algorithms, which enable the creation of spatial sound experiences. We have developed a range of algorithms that adapt the immersive experience to the environment of a vehicle. They all include AMBEO technology. Let's take a look at these algorithms and how they contribute to the final in-car audio system. Concerto with AMBEO technology This audio software module enables you to enjoy traditional stereo content in immersive quality and lets you choose the level of immersion based on personal preferences. The algorithm can create either a wider sound-stage or fully envelope you in your favourite music. Additionally, Concerto also enhances the playback quality of native immersive audio formats by recreating the mixing studio environment in the car. Sonata with AMBEO technology This algorithm brings immersive sound right to the headrests. It creates soundscapes around each passenger, ensuring high sound quality on all seats while enhancing the spaciousness of the experience. Voce with AMBEO Technology Using proprietary beamforming, noise reduction, and echo cancellation technologies, Voce provides clear voice intelligibility from all seats, even when other passengers are listening to music or talking to someone else. Solo with AMBEO Technology Like Sonata, the Solo algorithm is tailored to the vehicle's headrest listening experience. It is designed to process incoming voice interactions in a way that reduces fatigue and helps the driver stay focused. During long calls, Solo enables more natural voice interaction by recreating the sound experience of face-to-face conversation. Together, these components transform a car ride into a spatial sound experience. Advanced algorithms create sound dimensions and improve audio quality, while decreasing stressors for the driver and supporting concentration. These algorithms are therefore a core element of contributing to the driver's and passengers’ enjoyment of music, safety, and overall well-being. Which of these algorithms would be a must-have for your next car? Let us know in the comments!

A successful conclusion, a future of sound! 🎵 Together with the new smart #5, we at Sennheiser Mobility were proud to participate in the Global Audio Summit, which was hosted by the China Audio Industry Association. With the theme of “Sound + AI”, this year's GAS focused on the innovations and possibilities that artificial intelligence brings to audio technology. At the Summit, attendees experienced the fusion of Sennheiser’s professional audio heritage and smart’s mobility aesthetics through live demonstrations of the immersive Sennheiser Signature Sound System in the smart #5.  This innovative setup features 20 speakers, Dolby Atmos support, and true three-way speakers for high, mid, and low frequencies on all four door panels. Furthermore, the smart #5 boasts a unique, floating, saucer-style rising speaker that adds visual flair and acoustic precision. Our AMBEO immersive audio technology redefines in-car sound, bringing every detail, depth and emotion of the listening experience to life. In collaboration with smart Automobile, Sennheiser Mobility is exploring new frontiers in automotive audio, merging acoustic craftsmanship with intelligent design to deliver an emotive, high-fidelity experience for every journey. Inspired by the future-shaping insights gained at the Global Audio Summit, we are excited to redefine how the world experiences sound on the road!