BMW iX is the first electric car to use Bowers & Wilkins Diamond Dome tweeters

BMW iX is the first electric car with B&W's Diamond Dome tweeters
(Image credit: BMW)

This hot rod is the BMW iX, the first fully electric car to feature B&W's Diamond Dome tweeters. This is quite a big deal – these tweeters are also found in B&W's brand new 800 Series Diamond loudspeakers, the flagship speakers found in legendary recording studio Abbey Road.

The same B&W Diamond Surround Sound System was originally found in the BMW 7-Series, and later the 5-Series, but the iX is the first fully electric model to feature it.

B&W claims the iX has the most advanced sound quality ever found in a car. Rather than just dropping its speakers into the car, the company has worked closely with BMW's engineers to try and create an audio experience that sounds as though you are in the studio with the musician. 

The Diamond Dome tweeters are exceptionally accurate, low-distortion tweeters, whose spiral channels dissipate reflected soundwaves and limit distortion. They sit behind brushed stainless steel covers, while the door speakers are hidden behind acoustically optimised fabric.

BMW iX is the first electric car with B&W's Diamond Dome tweeters

(Image credit: BMW)

In all, the cabin contains two Diamond Dome tweeters, three Aluminium Dome tweeters and five Aramid Fibre midrange speakers, with another eight speakers built into the front and rear headrests. These headrest speakers can be adjusted to create personalised audio for each passenger.

Four bass speakers are joined by '4D Shakers' that claim to produce rich bass even at low volumes. It's the first time such speakers have been included in any BMW.

And if bass isn't your thing? Don't worry, there are four different sound modes to choose from, depending on your sonic preference.

The iX comes in two models: the BMW iX xDrive40 and the BMW iX xDrive50, with prices starting at £69,905 / AU$135,900. See the BMW website for more.

MORE:

Go behind the scenes with Bang & Olufsen and the Audi A8

Check out our Burmester High-End 3D Surround Soundsystem (2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class) review

And our Naim for Bentley premium audio system (2020 Bentley Flying Spur) review

Joe Svetlik

Joe has been writing about tech for 17 years, first on staff at T3 magazine, then in a freelance capacity for Stuff, The Sunday Times Travel Magazine, Men's Health, GQ, The Mirror, Trusted Reviews, TechRadar and many more (including What Hi-Fi?). His specialities include all things mobile, headphones and speakers that he can't justifying spending money on.

  • jjbomber
    So I can tell my wife I'm just popping out to buy a pair of speakers and come back with a new car. Sounds a plan!
    Reply
  • Friesiansam
    Another new BMW that's had a good pasting from the ugly stick...
    Reply
  • thebluecafe
    But we’re still waiting for the Audi Sonos to be tested?????
    Reply