It has only been a few years since many of these audio brands have been introduced into the auto realm. While Bose and Harmon Kardon are not newcomers to the auto industry, like the newer brands, they have recently proliferated the marketplace. In general, the target customers of the audio brand's non automotive products is similar to that of their partner automaker. By moving into cars, these audio brands can better expose their company's work to a new, yet financially viable market. Basically, it is another source of revenue for these brands.
The monetary benefits also extend to the automakers themselves. In many cases, these audio companies are not the base system but rather are a "premium" upgrade or are reserved for the top-line models and variants. In some cases, these brand name audio systems are "double upgrades". For example, BMW offers a Bang & Olufsen sound system on its 6 Series for a sizable $3,700 on top of the Harmon Kardon premium sound package upgrade that is $1,800! Similarly, on many Audis one must select the top Prestige trim line, which includes a Bose upgrade, in order to pay about $6,000 more for the B&O system. Other examples of this exorbitant pricing include Porsche's $6,000 for a Burmester and Bentley's $7,000 for their Naim system.
So what does one get when they opt for this level of audio? Many describe it as sitting in a "concert hall". This comes from the multitude of speakers and tweeters, hundreds and even thousands of watts, and excessive and innovative engineering. After all, the automaker passes along most of the development and testing to the people who know best at the audio companies.
Are the systems worthwhile? For the audiophile, yes. For the average buyer of these vehicles, probably not. For the auto-enthusiast, the sound of the exhaust and engine is the best music one can here!
