Harman Kardon® in Mercedes-Benz® Vehicles

• Mercedes Models
  •  A-Class
  •  B-Class
  •  C-Class
  •  CL-Class
  •  CLS-Class
  •  E-Class
  •  G-Class
  •  GL-Class
  •  GLK-Class
  •  M-Class
  •  R-Class
  •  S-Class
  •  SL-Class
  •  SLK-Class

Tailor-made solutions for the Saloon, the Wagon and the Sports Coupe

The Harman Kardon® discrete Logic 7 surround sound system turns the Mercedes-Benz® C-Class models into mobile concert halls. Thanks to the intensive collaboration between the Harman Kardon and Mercedes-Benz teams during the design phase, tailor-made solutions were produced for all body variants. This meant that the special acoustic conditions in the Saloon, Wagon and new CLC Sports Coupe were taken into detailed consideration. The result: The passengers experience three-dimensional sound in all seats – something never achieved before in this vehicle class.

Unique sound experience in every seat

High-quality, carefully combined technical components and the discrete Logic 7 technology of the Harman Kardon surround sound system provide the basis for the concert-hall atmosphere experienced in the Mercedes-Benz C-Class models. Both traditional stereo recordings on CD and modern 5.1¹ multichannel recordings on DVD-Audio¹, DVD-Video² and CD media offer a unique, full 360-degree surround sound experience in all seats. For this the Harman Kardon acoustic specialists develop separate solutions for the respective architecture of every model variant.

For example, while the C-Class Saloon has the subwoofer installed in a specially designed die-cast-aluminum bearing on the rear shelf, the specialists placed the subwoofer box to one side in the rear end of the Wagon and the CLC. The discrete location behind the side paneling enables the same powerful bass sound to be achieved as in the Saloon, without reducing the car’s storage capacity. The interior of the Wagon also had to be modified to accommodate the surround loudspeakers: Harman Kardon sound specialists housed two 80mm broadband loudspeakers in the upper part of the D pillar. In the Saloon these transducers are located at either end of the rear shelf. In the more compact CLC, two 65mm metal-matrix loudspeakers, also housed in the luggage compartment cover, provide the surround sound in the back. In all three models, a total of 12 high-quality transducers create the unmistakable three-dimensional sound.

The powerful 450 watt high-performance amplifier was installed by Harman Kardon sound specialists at different positions in the vehicle without reducing the usable space.

The amplifier is equipped with a digital signal processor (DSP) that controls the frequency with its high computing capability, ensuring a harmonious sound field.

¹ Saloon and Wagon: in conjunction with Audio 50 and COMAND system/Sports Coupe: COMAND only
² In conjunction with COMAND system only
* Car models may be subject to availability in certain countries