Refined Sound for the Outdoor Premium Class

The new Harman Kardon® Sound System in the new generation of the Mercedes-Benz® M-Class endows the comfort-oriented premium SUV with a very special tone. More amplifier performance and 14 instead of 12 speakers make the sound system even more dynamic. In order for the exclusively factory-fitted premium sound systems to continue delivering brilliant sound, even after many years of use, engineers carry out extensive and demanding real-life testing on all parts. All components have to withstand extreme testing on routes that cross desert sand dunes. Care is also taken to ensure that dust, moisture and shaking on unfinished surfaces do not have any negative influence on the hi-fidelity, spatial sound reproduction.

New High-End Sound Transformer and Energy-Saving Amplifier with Increased Output

The acoustic specialists from Harman Kardon have equipped the new generation of the M-Class with a 830-watt high-performance Class D amplifier.

Furthermore, the new M-Class has an additional mid-range speaker in each of the front doors for an even warmer sound. The 14 premium sound transformers have been partially modified to allow for the increase in amplifier power. This takes the diameter of the center speaker and rear surround speaker up by 20 mm to 100 mm. Half of the high-end speakers in the new M-Class now have membranes made from ALumaprene, a specialist, extremely lightweight polymer with outstanding damping characteristics for the prevention of resonance. The high output voltage of the Class D amplifier combined with the high impedance of the ALumaprene speakers allow to use smaller cross-section supply conductors for the transducers and at the same time reduce weight of the wiring harness.

The frequency response and filters on all speakers were calibrated for perfect sound delivery with the AuraVox system developed by HARMAN, before being precisely adjusted using the experienced ears of Harman Kardon sound specialists. Through this fine-tuning, all 14 speakers are set up to ensure that every single passenger can enjoy the three-dimensional sound experience in all its complexity.

Discrete Logic 7® Technology for Hi-Fidelity, Spatial Surround Sound

The spatial sound experience in the new generation of the comfort-oriented Mercedes-Benz M-Class is based on the ground-breaking discrete Logic 7 technology. The surround information is read from the storage medium and distributed to the sound transformer as if from the original. Through the acoustic separation of sound waves and speakers, the impression created at every seating position is one of a considerably broader sound stage. The digital DTCP encryption technology (Digital Transmission Content Protection)1 brings the high-resolution signals of multichannel recordings in DVD Audio¹, DVD Video¹ or DTS® CD formats from the storage medium to the amplifier in MLP, MLP 5.1¹, DTS 5.1¹, Dolby® Digital 5.1¹ and PCM digital standards without any degradation.

¹ In conjunction with the COMAND system only

^* Car models may be subject to availability in certain countries

Benefits at a Glance

CUSTOMIZED: Every detail of the Harman Kardon® audio system is precisely tuned to the interior of the M-Class.

POWERFUL: Multi-channel DSP amplifier with 830 watt maximizes the fun factor.

DYNAMIC AND BALANCED: 14 high-performance speakers ensure precise dynamics and excellent sound balance.

360° MUSICAL PLEASURE: Leading-edge Logic 7® multi-channel surround sound technology transforms stereo and discrete 5.1 recordings into an exhilarating surround sound experience for all passengers, in both front and rear seats. Playback of DVD-Audio^*, DVD-Video^* and CD in the digital standards MLP 5.1^*, DTS®5.1^*, Dolby®Digital 5.1^*, PCM and MP3^** for maximum flexibility.

AUTHENTIC AND UNCOMPROMISING: Instruments and voices are reproduced with an impressive richness and precision delivering an unparalleled enjoyment as atmospheric and faithful as a live performance.

* In conjunction with COMAND and/or Audio 50, depending on the respective Mercedes-Benz model

** Minimum 128 kbit/s

System

Speakers

1 × 100 mm ALumaprene center speaker, in the instrument panel

4 × 43 mm dome tweeters, in the mirror sails and in the rear doors

2 × 168 mm woofers, in the front doors

2 × 100 mm ALumaprene midrange speakers, in the front doors

2 × 168 mm ALumaprene midwoofers, in the rear doors

2 × 100 mm ALumaprene surround speakers, rear

1 × 200 mm double voice-coil subwoofer in closed box, rear

Amplifier

Harman Kardon^® high-performance Class D amplifier with 830-watt total output and Logic7^® surround audio processing

Media and Formats Supported

DVD-Audio (MLP, MLP 5.1, Dolby® Digital 5.1)*
DVD-Video (DTS® 5.1, Dolby Digital 5.1, Linear PCM)**
Audio CD (DTS 5.1*, Linear PCM)
MP3 on CD (at least 128kbps)
* In conjunction with the Audio 50 & COMAND systems
** In conjunction with the COMAND system only

14 high-performance speakers with optimum position in the car.