Dolby Atmos arrives in the new, affordable China-exclusive Hyundai Elexio
Dolby Atmos, a leading name in spatial audio technology, has made significant inroads into the automotive industry, traditionally dominated by luxury brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Cadillac, and Lucid. These high-end vehicles often feature Dolby Atmos as part of premium audio packages, contributing to an elevated in-car experience that comes with a hefty price tag, typically starting at $70,000 and soaring higher. However, Hyundai is shaking up this trend with the introduction of the Elexio EV, an entry-level electric SUV that is exclusively available in China for now. Priced between RMB 119,800 and 149,800 (approximately $16,800 to $21,000), the Elexio makes Dolby Atmos accessible to a broader audience.
What sets the Hyundai Elexio apart is that it includes Dolby Atmos audio as a standard feature across all trims, rather than relegating it to an optional upgrade. The vehicle comes equipped with six built-in speakers, ensuring that all drivers and passengers can enjoy an immersive audio experience without the need for a premium package. For those seeking an even more enhanced sound experience, there is an option to upgrade to eight speakers with the addition of an external amplifier. This strategic move not only positions Hyundai as a forward-thinking player in the electric vehicle market but also democratizes access to high-quality audio technology, making it a compelling choice for consumers who may have previously felt priced out of the luxury audio experience.
By integrating Dolby Atmos into a more affordable model, Hyundai is not only appealing to tech-savvy consumers but also signaling a shift in the automotive landscape where premium features are becoming increasingly accessible. This could pave the way for other manufacturers to follow suit, potentially changing the expectations of what drivers can expect in terms of audio quality in more budget-friendly vehicles. As the Elexio rolls out, it will be interesting to see how this strategy impacts consumer choices and whether it encourages a broader adoption of advanced audio technologies in the automotive sector.
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Dolby Atmos, the dominant name behind spatial audio in theaters and the home, has become a fixture in luxury cars from the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Cadillac, and Lucid priced upwards of $70,000. But now,
Hyundai is including Dolby Atmos
audio in the new entry-level Elexio EV – a China-exclusive (for now) SUV that costs between RMB 119,800 and 149,800 (or $16,800 to $21,000).
Unlike the more luxury vehicles that have included Atmos as part of a premium package, the Hyundai Elexio will offer it as standard on all trims through its six built-in speakers. There is the option of increasing that to eight speakers with an external amplifier …
Read the full story at The Verge.
Eric
Eric is a seasoned journalist covering US Tech & AI news.
