Sennheiser's "utterly convincing" Ambeo audio is coming to cars

Sennheiser's "utterly convincing" Ambeo audio is coming to cars
An example of the Ambeo in-car interface (Image credit: Sennheiser)

Good things come to those who wait, as we found out recently upon testing Sennheiser’s long-awaited Ambeo soundbar. Despite its lofty £2199 price tag, the Dolby Atmos-rivalling TV speaker justifies its outlay with its “utterly convincing” 3D audio processing and the ability to “produce audio with rare, natural tonality, cohesion and solidity”.

It’s fair to say we’re impressed with Ambeo technology – which makes the news of its expansion into the automotive industry rather exciting indeed. Thanks to a collaboration between Sennheiser and luxury car company Karma Automotive, an Ambeo in-car system is set to debut in the 2020 Karma Revero GT.

The system, which Sennheiser says took over two years to fine-tune for the automotive sector, is multi-channel, with a main two-layer speaker configuration (plus a subwoofer) that also sees speakers integrated into the headrests to simulate a 3D audio soundstage for every passenger. The system’s Ambeo upmix algorithm can supposedly turn any stereo material into a 3D experience, too.

It will also use beamforming microphone array technology on both sides of the car to reduce unwanted wind, engine and tire noise for more intelligible in-car calling.

The Ambeo in-car system will be showcased at the Monterrey Car Week from 15th to 18th August.

MORE:

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

Read all our Sennheiser reviews

Best Dolby Atmos soundbars

Becky Roberts

Becky is the managing editor of What Hi-Fi? and, since her recent move to Melbourne, also the editor of the brand's sister magazines Down Under – Australian Hi-Fi and Audio Esoterica. During her 11+ years in the hi-fi industry, she has reviewed all manner of audio gear, from budget amplifiers to high-end speakers, and particularly specialises in headphones and head-fi devices. In her spare time, Becky can often be found running, watching Liverpool FC and horror movies, and hunting for gluten-free cake.

Latest in AV
LG C5 on stand with Rewind logo
The LG C5 OLED TV tested, a world first for headphones, new hi-fi speakers and more
Pick Of The Month March 2025 5-star products on grey background
WiiM strikes again, the B&W Zeppelin Pro impresses while Technics' latest turntable earns five-stars
In For Review logo over yellow turntable system on table
In for Review: Google’s latest streamer, a Pro-Ject turntable, Cyrus' premium CD player and more
Wooden speakers in listening room with Rewind logo
Rewind: our verdict on the WiiM Ultra, ProAc D20R, Sony Bravia Projector 8 and more
What Hi-Fi stand at Bristol with Rewind logo
Rewind: Rega’s latest amp, a treat from Neat, surprise iPhone 16e launch and more
Google TV Streamer on a white background
Google TV's latest update adds a secret feature that could hint towards new hardware
Latest in News
The 48-inch Panasonic MZ800 OLED TV pictured against a white background
A Panasonic OLED TV for under £500? No, I'm not kidding!
The Ando Ando Ando Vinyl Record Watch with a brown leather strap being held in the hand.
Oh, this old thing? It's just a watch inspired by the Technics SL-1200 record player
Surround sound budget AV system
Sony launches its first new 4K Blu-ray player in over five years – and it's good and bad news
France's Gael Fickou practices on the eve of the Six Nations rugby union tournament match between France and Scotland.
France vs Scotland live stream: how to watch Six Nations 2025 match online today, team news
Apple Music Classical
Apple Music Classical lands on the web – but there's bad news for Mac users
Bone conduction headphones
Samsung to launch its first bone conduction headphones this summer, report says