Which 2025 Volvo Models Include the Bowers & Wilkins Premium Sound System?

The Bowers & Wilkins premium audio system represents one of the finest sound experiences available in any vehicle. For music lovers considering a 2025 Volvo, knowing which models offer this exceptional audio technology helps you choose the right vehicle for your priorities.

This high-end audio system transforms your vehicle into a concert hall, but it's not available on every Volvo model or trim level.

Models That Offer Bowers & Wilkins Audio

The Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system is available on select 2025 Volvo models, typically as part of the Ultra trim level or as an optional upgrade on certain models. The EX90 comes standard with a Bose 14-speaker system with 17 channels, but offers the ultimate Bowers & Wilkins experience on the Ultra trim with 25 precisely positioned speakers delivering 1,610 watts of power.

The XC90 provides Bowers & Wilkins as an available option on the Ultra trim, featuring 19 high-fidelity speakers and 1,410 watts of amplified power. This creates an immersive surround-sound experience that adapts to the XC90's spacious seven-seater interior.

The XC60 also offers Bowers & Wilkins on the Ultra trim and comes standard on the Polestar Engineered variant, delivering 15 speakers with 1,410 watts of power through a sophisticated multi-channel configuration.

Both Cross Country models offer Bowers & Wilkins on their Ultra trims. The V90 Cross Country features a 19-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system with 1,410 watts, while the V60 Cross Country includes a 15-speaker configuration also delivering 1,410 watts of premium audio performance.

Harman Kardon Premium Audio Availability

For models that don't offer Bowers & Wilkins or provide it as an upgrade path, Harman Kardon premium audio serves as an excellent alternative. The XC90, XC60, V90 Cross Country, and V60 Cross Country all include Harman Kardon as available on Plus trim and standard on Ultra trim, featuring 14 speakers and 600 watts of power.

The compact SUV models follow a similar pattern. The XC40 offers Harman Kardon as available on Plus and standard on Ultra trim, though with a 13-speaker configuration and 600 watts of power optimized for the smaller cabin space.

The electric EX40 and EC40 models include Harman Kardon as standard equipment on the Ultra trim, featuring 13 speakers and 600 watts of power specifically tuned for the electric vehicles' quieter cabin environment.

Unique EX30 Audio Configuration

The EX30 takes a different approach to premium audio with its innovative Harman Kardon sound bar system. Standard on both Plus and Ultra trims, this system features 9 speakers arranged in 9 channels with an impressive 1,410 watts of power. The sound bar design maximizes audio quality while optimizing space in the compact SUV's minimalist interior.

Speaker Configuration by Model and Trim

What Makes Bowers & Wilkins Different from Standard Audio?

The Bowers & Wilkins system goes far beyond typical car audio. Each speaker is individually tuned and positioned based on the specific acoustics of your Volvo's interior. The company uses the same technology found in professional recording studios and high-end home audio systems.

The speakers feature specialized materials like diamond tweeters and Kevlar cones that reproduce sound with exceptional clarity and accuracy. The system includes a unique "fresh air" subwoofer that uses the vehicle's structure to enhance bass response without taking up cargo space.

Four different listening modes let you customize the sound experience: Studio mode for pure, neutral sound; Individual Stage for an intimate performance feel; Concert Hall for live venue acoustics; and Jazz Club for smaller venue ambiance.

How Sound Quality Differs by Vehicle Size

The larger interior spaces in the EX90 and XC90 allow for more sophisticated speaker placement and acoustic tuning. The 25-speaker system in the EX90 includes speakers built into the headrests and positioned throughout the cabin for true surround sound with Dolby Atmos capability.

In the V60 and V90 Cross Country models, the wagon body style creates unique acoustic properties that both Harman Kardon and Bowers & Wilkins engineers specifically tune for. The result is sound quality that takes advantage of the wagon's interior shape and materials.

The EX30's innovative sound bar approach maximizes audio quality in a compact space, delivering surprising power and clarity from its 9-speaker, 1,410-watt configuration.

Choosing Audio Quality That Matches Your Priorities

If exceptional audio quality ranks high in your vehicle priorities, focusing on Ultra trim models ensures access to the best available sound systems. The EX90's 25-speaker Bowers & Wilkins system represents the pinnacle of automotive audio technology.

For most music lovers, the Harman Kardon systems available across the model range provide excellent sound quality. The 14-speaker configurations in larger models and optimized 13-speaker setups in compact SUVs deliver clear, powerful audio that enhances your driving experience.

The EX30's sound bar system offers a unique approach that delivers impressive audio performance while maintaining the model's minimalist design philosophy.

Getting the Most from Premium Audio Systems

These premium audio systems work best with high-quality music sources. Streaming services that offer lossless or high-definition audio will showcase the systems' capabilities better than compressed audio files.

The room mode settings available in Bowers & Wilkins systems let you tailor the sound to your preferences and the type of music you enjoy. Experimenting with different modes helps you discover which setting works best for your favourite genres and listening preferences.