In-car entertainment is about to get an upgrade with the launch of a new Abbey Road Studios Mode, developed by Bowers & Wilkins, in collaboration with the world’s best known recording studio.
Due to debut in the Volvo EX90 electric SUV in 2025, the technology transforms the car’s cabin into a simulacrum of what you might hear in Abbey Road’s famous studios, emulating the tonality of its bespoke electronics and the nuance of its acoustics.
Bowers & Wilkins, in partnership with Volvo, unveiled the sound mode, at an exclusive preview at the iconic venue, and The Luxe Review was there to enjoy an early demonstration.
The event was headlined by an intimate set from Mercury Prize winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, playing live in Studio 2. Could this new technology really compare to the sound of a band in full flow?
The Abbey Road Studios sound mode certainly offers driver and passengers a uniquely immersive and customisable sound experience.
At the core of the innovation is a meticulous recreation of Abbey Road’s unique acoustics, from live recording spaces to control rooms. Using precise measurements and modelling techniques, the sound mode replicates the tonality of the studio’s bespoke equipment and the expertise of its engineers.
A ‘Producer’ feature allows users to fine-tune their listening experience with gritty precision. Adjustments can be made to the stereo sound field, acoustic environment, and tonality to replicate EMI-era vintage or modern soundscapes.
Four sonic presets (Intimate, Open, Energised and Expansive) cater to those less inclined to experiment with the Producer mode. There’s also a Custom preset so that you can save their own preferred settings.
Volvo EX90: a cutting-edge audio system
The Abbey Road Studios Mode debuts in the Volvo EX90, which already features one of the most advanced in-car audio systems ever developed by Bowers & Wilkins.
The hardware, fully Dolby Atmos compatible, boasts 25 speakers carefully positioned throughout the cabin. Six Continuum cone midrange drivers and five Nautilus Double-dome tweeters are complemented by eight aluminium-domed headrest and ceiling speakers. The central Tweeter-on-Top on the dashboard is inspired by Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers.
The Abbey Road Studios mode listening experience itself is extraordinary, and will most likely eclipse many home-based stereo systems. Vocals are nuanced and natural, imaging far wider than seems possible given the confines of the automotive space, and bass is profound.
How close does the mode come to replicating the DNA of the real thing? Speaking to Abbey Road engineers on the night, “very” was their verdict.
Bowers & Wilkins partnership with Abbey Road Studios began in 1980 when the studio adopted the brand’s iconic 801 loudspeakers. Today, Abbey Road continues to use Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers. Few people will ever hear these high-end beasts in situ – but perhaps the Abbey Road Studios Mode is the next best thing?
The Abbey Road Studios Mode will be available in the Volvo EX90 via a free over-the-air software update in 2025 for all models equipped with Bowers & Wilkins sound systems.
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
Campfire Audio has unveiled the Chimera, a new flagship in-ear monitor that combines four distinct driver technologies within a single design. Hand-built in Portland, Oregon, the luxury earphones bring together a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, electrostatic tweeters and, for the first time in a Campfire Audio product, a bone-conduction driver. The idea is to deliver…
The Luxe Review 
In-car entertainment is about to get an upgrade with the launch of a new Abbey Road Studios Mode, developed by Bowers & Wilkins, in collaboration with the world’s best known recording studio.
Due to debut in the Volvo EX90 electric SUV in 2025, the technology transforms the car’s cabin into a simulacrum of what you might hear in Abbey Road’s famous studios, emulating the tonality of its bespoke electronics and the nuance of its acoustics.
Bowers & Wilkins, in partnership with Volvo, unveiled the sound mode, at an exclusive preview at the iconic venue, and The Luxe Review was there to enjoy an early demonstration.
The event was headlined by an intimate set from Mercury Prize winning jazz quintet Ezra Collective, playing live in Studio 2. Could this new technology really compare to the sound of a band in full flow?
The Abbey Road Studios sound mode certainly offers driver and passengers a uniquely immersive and customisable sound experience.
At the core of the innovation is a meticulous recreation of Abbey Road’s unique acoustics, from live recording spaces to control rooms. Using precise measurements and modelling techniques, the sound mode replicates the tonality of the studio’s bespoke equipment and the expertise of its engineers.
A ‘Producer’ feature allows users to fine-tune their listening experience with gritty precision. Adjustments can be made to the stereo sound field, acoustic environment, and tonality to replicate EMI-era vintage or modern soundscapes.
Four sonic presets (Intimate, Open, Energised and Expansive) cater to those less inclined to experiment with the Producer mode. There’s also a Custom preset so that you can save their own preferred settings.
Volvo EX90: a cutting-edge audio system
The Abbey Road Studios Mode debuts in the Volvo EX90, which already features one of the most advanced in-car audio systems ever developed by Bowers & Wilkins.
The hardware, fully Dolby Atmos compatible, boasts 25 speakers carefully positioned throughout the cabin. Six Continuum cone midrange drivers and five Nautilus Double-dome tweeters are complemented by eight aluminium-domed headrest and ceiling speakers. The central Tweeter-on-Top on the dashboard is inspired by Bowers & Wilkins’ flagship 800 Series Diamond speakers.
The Abbey Road Studios mode listening experience itself is extraordinary, and will most likely eclipse many home-based stereo systems. Vocals are nuanced and natural, imaging far wider than seems possible given the confines of the automotive space, and bass is profound.
How close does the mode come to replicating the DNA of the real thing? Speaking to Abbey Road engineers on the night, “very” was their verdict.
Bowers & Wilkins partnership with Abbey Road Studios began in 1980 when the studio adopted the brand’s iconic 801 loudspeakers. Today, Abbey Road continues to use Bowers & Wilkins’ 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers. Few people will ever hear these high-end beasts in situ – but perhaps the Abbey Road Studios Mode is the next best thing?
The Abbey Road Studios Mode will be available in the Volvo EX90 via a free over-the-air software update in 2025 for all models equipped with Bowers & Wilkins sound systems.
CD meets streaming: Ruark launches R710 Music Console and Talisman-R speakers
Ruark Audio has unveiled the R710 Music Console and Talisman-R floorstanding speakers at this week’s Vienna High End Hi-Fi Show, marking a major launch for the British brand as it celebrates 40 years in audio. Finished in either Fused Walnut veneer or Satin Charcoal lacquer, both lean heavily into furniture-grade presentation and tactile operation, without…
The Luxe Review Podcast: These new headphones are designed to turn heads
This time out, The Luxe Review podcast lends an ear to the latest developments in personal audio. Join our AI hosts as they recap TLR’s recent headphone coverage, including a review of Sony’s new WH-1000X flagship cans, and a literal paint swatch of new colourways from JBL and Technics… Anne: The team has been covering…
Campfire Audio unveils ultra-premium bone-conducting Chimera in-ear monitors
Campfire Audio has unveiled the Chimera, a new flagship in-ear monitor that combines four distinct driver technologies within a single design. Hand-built in Portland, Oregon, the luxury earphones bring together a dynamic driver, balanced armatures, electrostatic tweeters and, for the first time in a Campfire Audio product, a bone-conduction driver. The idea is to deliver…
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