Tesla’s Insane Audio Quality

The Tesla brand already stands for a premium automotive experience, and nowhere is it more apparent than its incredible sound system. Models with the Premium Audio option turn out to have one of the best sounding systems available, comparable to options on other cars which cost several thousand dollars.

Background: Tesla and Audio

It’s no secret that Tesla founder Elon Musk is a lover of music and has a good ear for quality audio systems. What’s really interesting, however, is how the Tesla Model 3 and Model Y in particular has been singled out as the most premium audio setup over the more high-end Model S and X.

The Standard Range Tesla’s comes with a pretty pleasing standard audio package usually with 7-10 speakers as a standard, but the Premium Interior of the Long Range and Performance trims include extra speakers and an additional subwoofer. Audio controls are all handled through the giant central touchscreen, and is really a part of a larger entertainment system that also includes games and video media.

Back in 2019, Musk was discussing the ability of Tesla cars to offer streaming services like YouTube and Netflix while the car is stationary. This makes the audio system far more important in the Tesla since it’s a fundamental part of how the car is used in different ways, both for transportation and entertainment.

It’s quite interesting because Tesla chooses to keep certain areas of their models simpler and without the really sumptuous luxurious trappings that are being boasted by the likes of the Lucid and its former-Tesla CEO Peter Rawlinson, who confidently claims that no Tesla falls in to the same kind of luxury bracket that the Lucid Air does. Having said all that, Tesla apparently makes quite a big exception when it comes to audio.

Tesla Model 3 “B&O” System

There is a very big name in the world of audio that comes up a lot in association with the Model 3’s audio, namely Bang & Olufsen. This is an interesting point because upon closer inspection, the Tesla Model 3 contains absolutely zero branding from B&O. So what’s the connection?

As it happens, the Tesla Model 3 has an audio system that was developed by former B&O employees, which is what explains the similar DNA and audio stylings that the system offers. The other interesting thing about the Model 3’s audio system is that despite being installed in what Tesla has marketed as its “affordable” car, the Model 3, it is lauded by many as absolutely top of the pile in audio terms.

Paul Maric, Managing Editor at CarExpert sent a tweet about the system, saying, “Fun fact from a guy (very) in the know at Tesla. Why is the sound system in Model 3 the best we’ve ever tested fitted to a car?” The answer, of course, is that they hired B&O engineers and tasked them with making it the very best audio system.

The best example of Tesla’s detailed attention to all things audio comes when you look at the Model 3 and what is probably the single-most praised car audio system anywhere on the market, and that includes when you compare it to high-end German sedans like BMW and Mercedes-Benz models. What’s in this amazing system? It starts with the combination of 11 speakers:

• 2 tweeters on the doors
• 2 mid-range above in the front
• 2 bass speakers on the door bottoms
• 2 mid-range speakers on the back doors
• 2 mid-range speakers on the top of the trunk
• Subwoofer in the side of the trunk

This collection of speakers does a great job of putting out a balance of different volumes and frequencies to ensure fantastic audio harmony within the car. In the Model 3 audio settings, there is also a huge range of controls to manage tone, balance and a speed-sensitive volume. The speed-sensitive control increases volume as you get faster so that your sound stays ahead of road noise, and quietens when you slow down or stop, and when you open the door.

Combine this with the fact that the infotainment system is subject to updates along with the rest of the cars systems means that they can continue to evolve and improve the audio system The 2021.32.x update added Immersive Sound to the already impressive feature set.

Why Such a Great Sound System?

So why has Tesla poured so much into this one feature? One way of looking at it is finding alternative ways for cars to have a really premium or luxury feel without necessarily being as luxurious as some other models on the market. If you pay $40,000 or so for a Model 3, you don’t necessarily expect anything as luxurious as a $100,000 Model S. But, by giving customers this fantastic audio system — something that’s not complex to install and doesn’t rely on overly costly parts — Tesla adds a premium dimension to the Model 3.

Maric went a long way to demonstrate how impressed he was with the system, saying that in order to get the same thing on the Audi A8 you had to fork out an additional $12,000 for the Bang & Olufsen system, and that’s on top of the cost of an A8, which starts at $86,500. He clarified again in an interview with Teslarati.com:

“This sound system is incredible. It is the best sound system I’ve heard in a car. And that may sound ridiculous to you when you consider that some manufacturers may charge you $20,000 for a Bang & Olufsen sound system. This is by far the best sound system on the market…”

It couldn’t get much clearer than that on quality, and it’s this kind of feedback and unique features that not only helps set Tesla cars apart, but also explains why they do it. Finally, besides the premium feel, there’s another factor that we touched on further above, which is that Tesla has designed the Model 3 to be a versatile car with a wide range of audio-visual capabilities. These capabilities suit a car that doesn’t just play a driver’s playlist, but also hosts games, streaming and other media content for users to enjoy at different times. When you factor all that in, the premium setup makes a lot more sense.