Kia’s upcoming luxury SUV, the EV9, slated for a 2024 release in Europe, Asia, and the US, is set to be one of the first vehicles equipped with a sound system specifically designed for electric vehicles.
British audio experts Meridian Audio have developed this 14-speaker system, tailored to meet the unique acoustic challenges of electric vehicles, as announced by Kia on Thursday in an email to Tesla North.
The EV9, Kia’s electric-only SUV, follows the K8 luxury sports sedan and the EV6 premium electric crossover in incorporating Meridian technology. With its high-end pricing, reaching up to £76,245, the EV9 positions Kia in direct competition with established luxury car brands.
John Buchanan, CEO of Meridian Audio, explained that the collaboration with Kia aimed to engineer an immersive surround sound system that complements the EV9’s luxurious feel while maintaining the design essence of the concept car. Meridian’s early involvement in the design process ensured seamless integration without compromising audio quality, cost, or manufacturability.
Managing the unique sound profile of electric vehicles presented a challenge. Buchanan highlighted that electric vehicles have a complex mix of noise sources at higher frequencies compared to combustion vehicles. These factors impact the perception of sound position and create a challenging acoustic environment for active noise cancellation.
Meridian’s approach shifts focus from hardware to software, using proprietary Digital Signal Processing (DSP) algorithms to manage the acoustic environment. The suite of DSP technologies includes Meridian RE-Q, which optimizes the audio system to the vehicle’s cabin acoustics, and Meridian Digital Precision, enhancing signal-to-noise ratio. Additionally, Meridian Horizon technology provides multi-channel audio from stereo and native 5.1 content, offering a surround sound experience with user controls for centre image and ambiance levels.
Meridian Intelli-Q Data-Driven Equalisation, another key feature, adapts audio playback to the in-car acoustic environment changes, such as vehicle speed. This technology adjusts audio profiles in response to background noise variations, like increasing low and mid ranges to counteract tyre noise.
A unique aspect of the EV9’s sound system is the open-air connected subwoofer (OCS), which eliminates the need for large box enclosures that often cause resonance and limit frequency. This, combined with Meridian’s tuning techniques, promises exceptional bass performance that is precise, deep, and consistent across all seating positions, enhancing the overall driving and listening experience in Kia’s EV9.
