Mercedes Viano Gets BeoSound Sound System from Bang & Olufsen

It looks like the era when only high-performance sports cars receive high-end sound systems is long gone, as the Danish folks at Bang&Olufsen decided to give the van segment a chance to offer the same enhanced experience as, let’s say, the Mercedes-Benz S-Klasse and SLS AMG offer.

Designed to be fitted in the Viano Vision Pearl that is set to debut at the Frankfurt Auto Show this fall, the new Bang & Olufsen BeoSound Viano sound system fits perfectly into the yacht-inspired concept van.

The company managed to squeeze 18 powerful loudspeakers into the van, powered by 1,320 watts of ICEpower and Class-D amplification. Each of the 18 Neodymium magnet loudspeakers have their own separate channel. Bang & Olufsen’s patented True Image upmix algorithm and the Acoustic Lens Technology are also incorporated.

The ALT lenses feature the same LED lighting adopted by the S-Class BeoSound AMG sound system, subtly illuminating the cabin with white LED light when the system is activated.

Additionally, most of the 18 loudspeakers are covered by a handcrafted, 2mm-thick, solid aluminium grille with a unique hole pattern designed specifically for the Viano Vision Pearl concept.

Also, there are two distinct designs that reflect the concept’s differentiated interior: at the front, the curves and organic elements to create an automotive environment, while in the rear, squares and straight elements create a living room-like expression.

"The Viano represents a unique means of transportation in the premium segment and equipped with Bang & Olufsen it can be turned into a small sound studio on wheels whenever the passengers are in the mood for the full Bang & Olufsen listening experience,” stated Jens Peter Zinck, Managing Director of Bang & Olufsen Automotive.