What brand is the sound system in the Volvo S90?
3 Answers
Harman Kardon is the sound system brand for the Volvo S90. Harman/Kardon is a division of Harman International Industries (NYSE: HAR), specializing in the production of home and automotive audio systems. Founded in 1953 and headquartered in Woodbury, New York, USA, Harman/Kardon is part of the Harman group, which also includes brands such as JBL, AKG, and Infinity. The company played a pivotal role in establishing the high-fidelity audio industry. Their first product was an FM tuner, and within a year of founding, Harman/Kardon released the world's first true high-fidelity receiver, the Festival D1000. This mono device targeted non-technical consumers while incorporating many features now common in audio systems, such as integrating a tuner, component controls, and an amplifier into a single unit. In 1958, Harman/Kardon introduced the world's first stereo receiver, the Festival TA230, again aimed at non-technical users to promote wider adoption of high-fidelity audio. Today, Harman/Kardon serves as the primary audio supplier for automakers like BMW, Land Rover, Mercedes-Benz, and Saab, as well as for Toshiba laptops. The Volvo S90 measures 5090x1879x1450mm with a wheelbase of 3061mm. Under the hood, it is powered by a 2.0T turbocharged engine. The B5 variant incorporates a 48V mild hybrid system, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. It delivers a maximum power output of 250 horsepower and reaches peak torque of 350 Nm at just 1800 rpm. The car accelerates from 0-100 km/h in 7.2 seconds and has a combined fuel consumption of 6.6L/100km.
I drove a Volvo S90 for several years, equipped with a Bowers & Wilkins sound system, which is more common in higher trim levels. The sound quality is impeccable, with deep bass and crystal-clear highs—listening to music while driving is pure enjoyment. I remember that long road trip where the 19-speaker surround sound turned the entire cabin into a mini concert hall, with incredibly detailed audio processing. If your budget allows, I highly recommend upgrading to this system—it makes a big difference for daily commutes and relaxation. For maintenance, just gently wipe the speaker panels during regular cleaning; avoid harsh cleaners to prevent surface damage. Overall, Volvo made a great choice with this brand, striking a perfect balance between luxury and practicality. It adds fun to driving and is definitely worth the investment.
I've worked on many Volvo models during repairs. The S90's audio system comes standard or optional with Bowers & Wilkins, boasting a powerful 1400 watts output. The bass digs deep, midrange remains stable, and you can feel the expansive soundstage when sitting inside. This brand is commonly found in premium vehicles, with carefully designed speaker placement to avoid resonance issues. I recommend owners periodically check for loose wiring connections, especially after several years of use. If budget is limited, the base version can still play music, though with noticeably inferior performance. Audio source quality also affects the experience - it's best to use lossless music files rather than relying on compressed Bluetooth. Overall, this system is one of Volvo's standout features, being easy to maintain and highly durable.
