Is The Bowers & Wilkins Premium Audio System Worth The $3200 Upgrade?

Today I talk about the things I like and dislike about my Volvo V90 rental car. I also dive into the subject of the expensive audio systems!
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[@joeslm2003]

I agree with you. Having had the original XC90 with standard stereo. Just purchased a 2019 XC90 with the B&W system and it sounds amazing. worth the 3200. I can't believe how good it sounds.

[@scottydk1982]

just ordered the new Xc60 R design and your review convinced me to opt for the B&W sound system.. Keep up the good work bro!

[@BeginnerCyclistNetwork]

Agreed. For someone like me where music is my life, it is a small price to pay. I always listen to music at the highest quality possible. That's why I used to get strange looks back in 2001 wearing huge over ear headphones before they became popular because I would simply NEVER subject my ears to those tin sounding in ear disasters.

[@thevancave4312]

Yes, after driving 4 XC90's this summer, and 2 having the Bowers audio, I can validate the argument that it's worth the price difference. When I purchase a used XC90 down the road, it will have to have it, and I will pay more for it. I will not buy a loaded to the gills XC90 without it.

[@OblivionPlays]

Nice video. You make a very valid response to that comment. In a luxury, depreciating asset (i.e. the car itself), £3,000 of depreciation for a sound system is hardly the top thing you need to be worried about. Like you rightly said the added value of the B&W system at resale of the car will likely be close to the original cost of the B&W sound system itself (I had a look at a number of used XC90s to compare the difference and in some cases it actually was greater than £3000). Therefore the 'depreciation' of the sound system itself isn't something you need to worry about; it will likely keep most of its value. So the real reason to buy or not buy it is purely whether you think the added sound quality is worth the money.

[@KrisRifa]

Yes, I totally agree!

[@hedydd2]

Good idea about the extension to your video content. There's only so much you can say about a particular car and only for so long. Your travel videos are already very good and more of where you go and what you see adds great interest to them

[@KrisRifa]

Thanks for the feedback Huw. I'll try to twist my schedule to make more videos :)

[@jackyuehengxu3665]

Really like your videos, Kris! Keep it up!

[@frederikmeire]

we have the standard sound system in our xc90 and also have the metal speaker grills. what i also found out is that when you play around with the settings of the system you can make it sound aloooot better (for the record it is already a very good system) then with the standard volvo set up. i have had the chance to listen to both audio systems and for me personally the upgrade to the B&W is not a "must have". like Kris said, i'ts a matter of preference. i must admit that the speaker on the dash does look cool !

[@KrisRifa]

"we have the standard sound system in our xc90 and also have the metal speaker grills" those are very different to the B&W branded ones you get with B&W though.

[@dagda3000]

I would never skimp on the sound system. I use it every day for at least an hour. People that cheap out on the sound system are probably the same people that buy an expensive PC and then choose an average monitor to save some bucks.

[@RasmusandPiper]

i tried the bang & olufsen on the 2020 audi s6 and that's amazing. 5100 worthy canadian dollars, maybe cheaper than in US; it's the only optional i m gonna get if i buy that car.

[@79vlad1]

Love the style. The music is an outstanding choice.

[@KrisRifa]

Vladimir Vladimirov thanks alot!

[@sulek1959]

Kris, I couldn’t agree more. When I recently chose the options on my XC60 the dealer tried to put me off having the Bowers and Wilkins option. He said that unless you were an audiophile you wouldn’t tell the difference from the standard features. Well like you I love my music and decided to have this option and it was a one of my better decisions. The sound system is superb and I am convinced it adds value to the car when the time comes to trade it in. In answer to your question, yes I enjoy your videos and would be interested in seeing more about your life in Norway.

[@vegardbakken]

Great video! I really want Webasto on my car as well :-D Really a "must have" in Norway! :-D

[@lucamuller6729]

Yes! Go for it Kris

[@10ntyan43]

Nice video! In my country, B&W comes standard in Inscription model and as US$6,000 option in Momentum. I think it is better to add some extra money to get Inscription model rather than choosing B&W as option in Momentum (Difference of Inscription and Momentum is $9,000 in here)

[@skariaroy5988]

10ntyan Inscription has the Harman Kardon . For 2019 model.

[@ezrafigueroa5424]

Own a 2018 XC60 Inscription T6 AWD (USA model) fully loaded. The B&W sound system is awesome and I keep it cranked up ! (BTW, the standard Volvo Sensus Audio is also excellent)

[@gbrown9694]

Agree with you... I'll be purchasing a used Volvo S90 in the coming year once I start to see keener pricing, and will only look at one with the B&W system.

[@slysly7827]

Kris...you are spot on concerning the B&W experience and value. I can tell you from experience over the last few weeks the B&W sound quality is worth every penny. My 2015 XC90 is with the dealer because the supercharge gasket blow at 55,000 miles and needs replacing. I have been driving a loaner 2018 XC90 momentum with the standard sound system for the last two weeks. As you stated, listening to music on the standard system was a bit of a struggle because of the way the standard speakers transmitted sound throughout the vehicle. I noticed the different almost immediately, but after a few days it just made the listening experience harder for me. This is what happens when you experience quality sound, its hard to listen to anything else. I'm looking forward to seeing what your next vehicle will be. I think I know what it is... Sly

[@ivanlowjones]

The Bowers and Wilkins audio system in my 2017 XC90 R-Design is worth every dollar Volvo charges. Luckily it was already installed on my car at the dealership when I found it online. Every time I see an XC90 on the road or in a parking lot, the first thing I look for is the Nautilus dashboard speaker.

[@sunnivagranli]

Nice vlog! Maybe you can make a video about your neighboor Audi? I saw it in the beginning, it looks pretty cool😎😎

[@KrisRifa]

Sunniva Berg Granli døør ❤❤

[@nickpowell1980]

Another great video Kris. I have got the B&W system in our XC60 and I think it is most definitely worth it!! The bass control on the standard system is very sloppy, and the treble isn't as punchy. By the way, was there no 15 second reminder on the Pilot Assist 2?

[@KrisRifa]

Thanks Nick! I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying the B&W :) Yes, it does have a 15 seconds reminder.

[@muhamadnasron]

For the Parking Climate, in T8, in will only work when it is plugged in, right?

[@zeomarmob]

If you knew about sound, and knew what they put in there and knew how actually quality sound like. You would never put money into it. Current premium sound sounds sound the way 15-20 years ago sounded base sound. Right now they remove tweeters and put mono system into the base sound, to make their cheap premium sound better. They use the same amp hardware with a different cover, the internals are identical, as in the base. The system worth around $300 based on the level of equipment they put.

[@KrisRifa]

I’ve been an audio enthusiast my whole life, so I know a thing or two about audio and good sound quality. If you knew anything about audio you’d know that several independent instrumented tests of Volvos B&W sound system show that it is one of the best sub $10k slums systems in the market. If you think current premium sound systems in cars sound like base sound systems 15-20 years ago, you air delusional! I’ve been testing and working with cars many years before I started this channel and sound systems are much better today than ever.

[@zeomarmob]

@@KrisRifa It all could be 😉

[@CjaySmith]

Vlogs, travel, restaurant food vlogs & car reviews

[@SuperZeroon]

Keep the good work man , I interested in what business you working with and your bad experience with it ?

[@KrisRifa]

Cool, I'll see if I can expand my videos :)

[@MeLikeTennis]

Point on, Kris. Agree with you. The hit is not as much as you think cause it helps the car retain its value more. But what we have to realize is we often times spend much more time in our vehicles than we realize. 330 days a year driving x 1.5 hours a day is 500 hours a year. $2 per day is worthy for that much more of an enjoyment. And lets be honest here. The average car user owns their car more than 3 years anyways.

[@OutOfNameIdeas2]

It's worth every penny. You will even make money on it when you go to resell later.

[@JakobSvensson55]

I have the B&W sound system in my XC90 and I have to say that it's worth every goddamn penny. I got a 2 hour commute every day and I would not enjoy those 2 hours if it were not for the sound system. When I visited the dealer I didnt think it was worth it, but it took me 2 minutes to convince me to add it to my car, it actually was the first option I added. So good is it.

[@KrisRifa]

My point exactly!

[@sng8811]

What do you work with that requires driving all over?

[@danmcdonald726]

I have a S90 WITHOUT the Bowers & Wilkins system and I've blown 3 speakers in the first 6 mo's, they sound great when they're not blown but they blow and that's not going louder than 3/4 of max.

[@DougFrantz]

I gotta say, when I'm listening to talk radio I really don't think there is much value =-P But... when I need some real music.... my goodness it's so nice! I think some folks think it's just extra speakers or power, but the system is so much more dynamic than that. It's like anything else, it might not be a value to everyone, but it's great if it's of value to you.

[@tikishark1]

My 53 ears are not what they used to be. I just purchased a 2019 XC90 with the standard stereo. While I was waiting for the finance manager, I sat in an XC90 T6 with the Bowers & Wilkins and couldn't really tell the difference. I really think what struck me the most was the different "simulated" effects that the upgrade offered. They were nice but didn't really add much to my listening. But like I said, I'm old. I need to get my daughter to do the sound test. As far as the standard stereo. It's actually really nice. Much better than the stereo in the Honda Accord Touring that I just replaced.

[@Hardwarehighlights]

It's simply. If you are a bit audiophile and you love music, definetly go with the B&W System! It's one of the best i've ever heard. If you just hearing a bit radio and music for fun, dont buy it. The "Standard" System is also pretty good. Our XC90 atm have no B&W, but the next one will arrive in December with B&W and im so excited! I Heard the B&W first time in a S90 and it was breathtaking how good it is!

[@FcBarcelonaNyheter]

I ordered the S90 T8 R-design Pro expect the B&W... I really like the sound... I have changed my mind. :(

[@fazetechreviews8654]

which camera do u use good quality

[@MrChadder007]

Why is this not offered on the xc40? :(

[@tfwang5649]

Agree with you. Once you have it, you cannot downgrade. BTW, can you tell me the name of the song "not really sure....."? I love it.

[@WoldsEndPhotography]

More videos would be great

[@KrisRifa]

Thanks for answering the question :)

[@ejshelby5460]

Volvo designed the standards system too, but anybody know who does the contract manufacure for the standard system?

[@worldpeace5853]

It’s worth if you play WAV files directly via usb storage or via a CD.

[@user-yz2rk3gi3w]

I like your vlog.

[@Colin623]

Hi Kris, well I understand what you are saying, you spend so much time in your car, so makes sense, I love Hi Fi music, but for me I spend around two hours a week in my car, so not such good value, if I drove as much as you then I would without doubt pay the extra, and don't forget when it comes to selling it on, people in the know will be on the look out for a model equipped with this set up, I certainly will :-) cos I can't afford a new Volvo with or without B&W. :-(

[@supafreaknasty]

I have this In my 2017 S90 - 1000000% worth it if you love music !!!!!

[@volvocub2629]

Lol they supply you with disposable gloves at the petrol station? Wow sometimes Canada is so “behind” the times... Thank you for the great reviews

[@KrisRifa]

Haha! Yes, but mostly for filling diesel because of the strong odor of that fuel.

[@q3b26]

We have gloves in UK petrol stations too.

[@benlee2765]

I keep the gloves for when i want to check my prostate.

[@pederolsen2040]

Anybody knowing if the v90 without the b&w has any door vibration when listening on bass music?

[@dyeonas]

I don't know about the V90, but I have the standard system with my 2018 XC60 T8 Inscription and... oh yes, the whole car vibrates. The sub woofers are intense, and this is just the standard system. I love music so much and I think the standard system is f*cking awesome. But, then again, I've never listened to the B&W and I guess I'm an amateur when it comes to great car sound systems. But, yes, the doors have plenty have vibration.

[@pederolsen2040]

Haha, ok. Because i have a friend with a xc90 d5 inscription with the b&w system and i didn’t hear any vibration. And that was sooo nice because i have found out that i hate when the bass comes and the door panels and everything has to vibrate…

[@johngaudet6316]

I listened to a Bowers sound in a BMW i rented and it shook the whole car. It was epic.

[@Sleepr444]

I am preordering the XC40 and they have the Harmon Kardon sound system option. Why did they change from the Bowers? Is Harmon as Good? Thanks in advance for your comments.

[@KrisRifa]

Because of price B&W are reserved for 60- and 90-series cars. H/K will be the top tier sound system in 40-series cars and below, but they also make great sound systems!

[@zlangstah]

Had HK Premium sound in my 2015 V40 CC T5 AWD but after one beat in a XC60 with B&W I had to buy a 90-series, was in the market for the new XC40 though but HK are not even close.

[@fmsantoscar]

I have sthe standard sound system in my V90CC and suits my needs perfectly and in my opinion it sounds really good. Wouldnt pay that sort of money for the premium system.

[@aaronharstine881]

I put this in the other audio post on your channel but thought it was worth copying here So Samsung actually owns Harman now which consists of tons of audio brands including revvel, lexicon, jbl,etc​.... Samsung recently purchased the automotive division of Bang and Olufsen. In addition, Harman actually licenses the Bowers and Wilkins name for automotive uses in luxury cars. I say this just to let you know pretty much all 'bespoke' car audio systems are really just fancy looking Samsung stuff that relates no more to the brand than the actual name. The Bowers and Wilkins that makes amazing headphones and home stereo systems is not the same brand that is in the car.

[@KrisRifa]

Do you have any links supporting any of your claims? According to B&W's own website they're the same manufacturer: www.bowers-wilkins.com/car-audio/car-audio

[@aaronharstine881]

Kris Rifa absolutely, here is a link to Samsung's own press release after their acquisition of Harman. Near the end you'll see that Harman liscenses b&w's brand for automotive purposes and now through the Acquisition of Harman so does Samsung. This is not too say the audio system is bad but b&w's influence in the manufacturing of these systems is essentially non existent. news.samsung.com/global/samsung-electronics-to-acquire-harman-accelerating-growth-in-automotive-and-connected-technologies

[@aaronharstine881]

I should also say that the Bang & Olufsen system in my Audi is also manufactured by Harman/Samsung so this is not unique to Volvo. In fact I would love to get a V90 CC with the B&W system when my Audi lease is up. These systems just aren't as bespoke as advertised, in fact Ford now has a B&O system as an option in the new Explorer. This confluence of brands is also why the upgraded sound on the xc40 is Harman/Kardon instead of B&W like other Volvo's as no additional partnerships were needed

[@KrisRifa]

Yes, this is well known and old news. But again, I ask for anything supporting your claim " say this just to let you know pretty much all 'bespoke' car audio systems are really just fancy looking Samsung stuff that relates no more to the brand than the actual name. The Bowers and Wilkins that makes amazing headphones and home stereo systems is not the same brand that is in the car.". If you read the link I posted it says very clearly that B&W was very much involved in the development. Volvo and other manufacturers who have B&W audio use their patented kevlar speakers as well as the patented nautilus tweeter. I'm therefore still curious about what audio systems are only labeled B&W as you claim.

[@aaronharstine881]

My understanding of licensing agreements is that Samsung can use B&W patents in the manufacturing of the system branded B&W but the speakers themselves are not actually manufactured by B&W. I'm not saying these are bad speakers at all, I'm just saying that they are not manufactured by B&W.

[@ChristianWetterstroem]

Koster det ikke mere i Norge? Det koster 80000 i Danmark...

[@KrisRifa]

Christian Wetterstroem satan det er mye! Koster 30k nok her 👌😊

[@DTHUNDERDK]

Det er komplet latterlig merpris for B@W.... upgrade til Harman Kardon i V60 er ca 15.000. Ved ikke om det er pengene værd i forhold til standard...

[@RasmusandPiper]

audi bang & olufsen and land rover 3d meridian are slightly better in my opinion

[@hedydd2]

Hi Kris. You got my name spot-on. I totally appreciate that the speakers are superb, but they are fitted to a car, which itself rapidly depreciates and is hardly the ideal environment for high end audio, being relatively noisy as far as background noise goes. But what I'm getting at really is value. The value of money and what £3000 really is worth and what it buys. Remember that the standard car has a comprehensive and fully functional stereo system as standard fit and the £3000 is an EXTRA cost on top of that. It costs, what, 30% of the total cost of the Dacia Logan you drove around in a while back, on the road including taxes in the UK, EXTRA on top of the standard system. That, in my opinion, can never be called "value for money". Its a pure extravagance. Not one I object to as such, but I cannot possibly call it 'good value'. My dealer rep and I agree that there's no way that any value will be placed on it at trade-in either, so we'll have to disagree on that as well. Most cars here are leased these days and in a lease the total cost of this extra is paid for monthly, believe me. So in effect they divide the £3000 into 36 which is £83/month plus interest on the lease cost. If it was a standard fit in the list price of the car it would be quite a bit more attractive.

[@KrisRifa]

We'll just have to agree that we disagree :)

[@MHS927]

The stereo system should be residualized also so over 3 years should be at most half the full price

[@Jp7___]

The bang and olufson in the current q7 isnt as good as its competitors. Bowers and wilkins Sounds more Premium and the Burmester is still the best. B&o downgraded its System with all current Audi genereations completely. In Addition to that Plastic speakers are horrible and embarassing for over 5k

[@zeepekk1]

its better than burmester and better than B&O...

[@tequila_and_bullies3150]

Fast forward to 4:00 to skip all the nonsense!!!!

[@bittewarten3783]

It definitely isn't. We just got a subwoofer and are happy to not have spent so much money on this sound system

[@manunited-ib2il]

If you are being so practical and worry about depreciation on car, maybe luxury cars are not for you

[@wesc9100]

I would say most people who can afford luxury vehicles care about depreciation!

[@indykalia8224]

Listen to the Harmon Kardon system in Volvos and you realize that the Bowers & Wilkins is worth every penny!

[@aerotus888]

Come on. All optional extras are worth only a small amount after years of depreciation. I did casually test the B&W system in an XC90 back in 2016. I honestly couldn't see what the massive fuss was and was underwhelmed. Maybe it doesn't sound so great for radio stations. I hope someone can show me next time a good track.

[@frbosse1]

If you listened to Volvos with the Dynaudio systems, you would know this is a downgrade.

[@oleksandrsputay153]

Bla bla bla , waste of time, no arguments, no facts nothing valuable...

[@maniackyjr]

Get a real job

[@KrisRifa]

Yeah, I totally agree! What N00b right?

[@Pequin1000]

Quite simply an ego boost for you!

[@KrisRifa]

Pequin1000 that makes no sense at all...

[@stubones]

Pequin1000 you thicker than an actual penguin 😂

[@SamiKrasniqi]

Play this stuff really loud so we don't have to hear this guys annoying voice