About Harman Kardon
Mercedes E-Class

Premium Surround Sound in E-Class Models

Impressive surround sound experience for the business class

The exclusive Harman Kardon® discrete Logic 7® surround sound system gives the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class models a unique sound ambience. Thanks to the intensive collaboration between Harman Kardon and Mercedes-Benz during the design phase, a mobile concert hall has been produced which meets the highest expectations. In order to achieve the optimal solution for each body variant, the sound system was specially adapted to the particular acoustic conditions in the Sedan, Wagon and Coupe. The result is a spatial sound experience that sets new standards in this vehicle class.

Impressive music enjoyment in each body variant
The carefully coordinated technical components and the discrete Logic 7 technology of the Harman Kardon surround sound system provide the basis for the unmistakable, authentic spatial acoustics in the various Mercedes-Benz E-Class models. Both conventional stereo recordings on CD and modern 5.1 multi-channel recordings on audio DVD¹, video DVD²
and DTS CD offer an impressive, 360-degree surround sound experience in all seats. To
this end, the Harman Kardon acoustic specialists have developed an individual solution for the specific vehicle architecture of all three model variants.
A total of fourteen metal matrix high-performance loudspeakers are used in the E-Class Sedan and the Wagon. In addition to the centrally-positioned 80 mm loudspeaker in the dashboard, two 43 mm tweeters are located in the mirror triangles. Each front door accommodates an 80 mm midrange speaker and a 165 mm woofer. The Harman acoustic engineers have also installed a 43 mm tweeter and a 165 mm wide-band transducers in each of the rear doors.
Differences in the sound architecture are encountered behind the rear seat bench. In the Sedan, two surround loudspeakers and a powerful 200 x 320 mm subwoofer in the rear shelf contribute to the precise dynamism and excellent sound. In the E-Class Wagon, the Harman acoustic specialists have incorporated two 80 mm surround loudspeakers in the
D-pillars. These provide for a balanced and enveloping sound on the rear seats. The selection and positioning of the subwoofer, to be housed in the luggage compartment of the Wagon, proved to be a complex task. Because the premium class wagon will in future also be available as a mild hybrid with an additional battery in the rear, a solution had to be found that could be used in all variants. The chosen option was a 200 mm double voice-coil subwoofer in an enclosed bass box, which is - as is the case with the sedan - powered by a separate 2 x 80 watt booster.
Due to the more compact design, a total of twelve metal matrix high-performance loudspeakers are used in the E-Class Coupe. In addition to the centrally-positioned 80 mm center loudspeaker in the instrument panel, two 43 mm tweeters in the mirror triangles provide three-dimensional sound. There are also two 165 mm wide-band transducers in the front doors and two 43 mm tweeters and two 165 mm wide-band transducers installed in the rear side panels on the left and right. Together with the two surround loudspeakers and the powerful subwoofer in the rear shelf, they provide for precise dynamism and excellent sound balance.

In all three models, the powerful DSP main amplifier is equipped with a digital signal processor (DSP) that controls the frequency with its high computing capability, ensuring a harmonious sound. Moreover, the speed-dependent volume control (SVC) provides for a consistent sound impression at all times in the Sedan, Coupe and Wagon, through continuous adjustment of the volume to the vehicle speed. The result: a very impressive, harmonious, powerful and emotional sound experience for each passenger, on each seat.


¹ In conjunction with the Audio 50 & COMAND systems
² In conjunction with the COMAND system only