I’ve noticed that BMW has been selective on what models have a great sounding HK system. For an example, the X7 HK system sounds great, but its average sounding in the 7 Series. Same with the 5 Series (LCI), which sounds great, but it sucks in the X5.
I spent a good chunk of time listening to this stereo in an i4 at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show. I was frankly astounded by the quality of the stereo and just how great it sounded. The tweeters in the front and back doors are powerful and very clear sounding, plus the way that they are designed you can see them through the speaker grills and they are quite prominent, unlike most cars where you can’t see any of the speakers (only the speaker covers/grills). I’m not saying that being able to see the speakers makes them sound better, but seeing them front and center coupled with the sound quality just made for a better experience in my opinion, even if it is all subconscious! Anyway, it was one of the best stereos I’ve ever heard in a car.
ok idk if it's the same stereo but the m3 comp harmon kardon system is just okay. not that good. i dont think it's any different from the 3 series. i wouldve paid extra for bowers and wilkinson....
@@minigiant8998 the Harman Kardon in the M3 is the same with the ones in the regular 3 series. And you're right, it's just okay but not impressive especially considering how much the car costs. The Harman Kardon in the i4 is a totally different beast, probably the best I've ever experienced. And for your information, the 3 and 4 series (including the i4) don't come with the Bowers & Wilkins, not even as an option.
Harman Kardon have been putting great sound systems for BMW. I have a 2016 BMW 750i xDrive w/ HK sound system and I love it! The sound clarity is amazing. Everything about it- from the bass, mid, to the treble. Everything is just so clear. Not only that, but the bass is strong enough when it’s adjusted right on the equalizer. Finally, you also get one of the best Surround Sound I have ever had in any car, which is surprising to me because HK is standard for the 7 Series, whereas, B&W is optional. Nevertheless, I just ordered the BMW i4 M50 w/ HK and I am stoked to receive it over the summer!
All that's great. I've owned BMWs in the past that offered HK as an $850 option. I question the word option because their base sound system was appalling. a 2023 430 Grand Coupe at close to $60k doesn't even offer HK as an option.
@@craighermle7727 you can actually get HK for your 2023 430i Gran Coupe. You just need to scroll to the bottom to find the package. It’s offered at $875, which isn’t too bad. You should be able to find it right next to “Extended Shadowline Trim” and “Adaptive M Suspension”. Hope that helps
@@craighermle7727 lol honestly. i really think HK should be the base across BMW's lineup and the B&W Diamond should be the optional upgrade. I'd gladly pay the extra for that
When I see a Daily Motor video I click and give it a thumbs up, because you are the only youtuber who does amazing sound system and MPG test videos! You deserve more subs. Now if only we could make TH-cam's algorithms to recommend your videos to more people.
Great video! I like the real world testing on the audio using a variety of music. And yes, all manufacturers should be watching your channel and taking notes.
The premium audio brands know me too well for being critical when the sound experience falls short of expectations. So, indeed, they are watching. I tested this car in March, and I plan to purchase one next year. Happy to see you rated the audio S-tier. It’s a solid A for me, but with the rear seats folded flat, you can hear more of the rear box, and that’s when the i4’s HK gets closer to an S for me. Thanks for your great videos.
@@mortensenvick5711 The rear box is a subwoofer. I don’t know if it’s a similar setup in the iX, but that SUV is available with transducers that shake the seats in accord with the bass.
@@mortensenvick5711 Bmw i4 is first Bmw using a rather weird setup but it seems to be great. Normally all Bmws have 8inch subwoofers under both front seats. However instead the i4 got 6.5inch woofers on the doors and a single 8inch subwoofer in the rear (below trunk floor) with its own subwoofer box.
@@maxl7827 That explains the significant difference between this system and the awful base and HK systems in the G20 3 series (not sure about the LCI car), interesting.
@@Samuel-ob7il LCI car is the same. It is the typical Bmw setup. 3 series sounds pretty bad because its such a small car and the 8inch underseat subwoofers dont get as much air space as lets say the X5 which sounds fabulous with the same HK system.
Owned 330e 2021 from factory I found the sound distasteful and lacking depth. I allowed the speakers to break in after about a 1k miles. Was alarmed during warm weather conditions the bass will cut out and as you will expect sound will be tinnie. My research revealed some variant of BMW has a defected amp, defective amp was eventually replaced in vehicle and to my amazement the sound keep getting better and better! The detail, depth and find the sound very well balanced and enjoyable to listen to. With some degree of certainty I can assume the 3series you tested with the HK system might have a defected amp as well limiting sound output etc. Thank for your videos appreciate the efforts you put in
Impressive... but I'm new to this channel and I could NOT find out what "S tier" or "A tier" means !?? Even on their website I didnt see an explanation of their grading scale. :(
@@adbt20 this channel uploaded a videos around a year ago ranking audio systems across different manufacturers. It should help you understand a bit more. th-cam.com/video/hLBX5r-3n3g/w-d-xo.html
That is a seven-band equalizer. The first and ninth sliders are batch adjustments - they are the “bass” and “treble” sliders. AM radio was omitted because it’s extremely difficult to isolate around those electric motors.
Interesting, since this system is very similar to the system you tested in the m3 or m340i, same chassis, probably share many part# as well. Would be interesting if you can test the lci m3 as well to see if HK has improved when bmw did LCI. Also, I drove the new 7 series, the base option has a B&W system and it was fabulous, I bet the diamond 4D B&W option in that 7 series would be even better
My i4 M50 is in my hometown but with the recall it needs one last repair but I had reserved it in August of 2021 so it's almost in hand. Been a long wait.
I test drove the i4 with the regular sound system and it sounded quite punchy to me and didn't seem to lack much clarity. I also never really turn up bass all the way when I drive so I may just stick with the standard hifi system. I was also told from my friend who works at the dealership state that the standard sound system is also HK, its just not advertised as such. I feel like the extra subfloor trunk would be more useful than a sub. Is it possible for you to review the standard hifi speakers? My ears arent't as acute to those suble differences so i'd like to see what others think. I can only find reviews on the HK sounds system never for the standard system.
How does this compare with the Tesla Model 3 system? Many reviewers state the Tesla in better. However, after equalizing my i4 M50 HK system to my preference, I haven't heard a better car audio system. I rear bias the fader, and with the strong rear door speakers, I love the spatial imaging, and not having to overload the front door speakers.
@@blamacchia I actually run pretty high settings on the bass and treble 90-100%. I no longer bother trying to set the individual EQ. One step up on the spatial above medium. Start with the fader all the way in the back and bring up just to the point where you feel it is like surround sound. For me, its about 75% rear bias on the fader.
Charlie, can you link to your live tier list please? I would imagine this is updated after the next review, so a live document, google doc etc might be an idea, for audio nerds like myself. I am chasing audio nirvana in my next car. Budget is around S class pricing, so the audio has to blow me away. So far the S tier systems I think you rate are Volvo XC90 Bowers and Wilkins, Mercedes S Class Burmester, and this one.
Lotus electre and it's KEF sound system. I was there for the preview of this car is China, it's literally out of this world. Better than a Bentley naim
I had the chance to test the iX system, and I can tell you that everyone won’t like it. The sound quality is great, but if you don’t like music directly in your ears or bass in your back (from the speakers inside the seats) then you won’t like this system.
I wonder if the 4 series grand coupe has the same speakers to the i4? I am about to buy an 440 gc but I cannot confirm if the hi on that car is as good as the i4.
Android Auto works using the in-car wifi and bluetooth. Enable both on your phone and connect it as the mobile device and then try running Android Auto. Works fine on mine.
Hey DM, I'm new to your channel and that video was amazing to listen to... but I could not find out what does "S tier" or "A tier" mean ?!? Where can I see the full grading scale?
Is there a way to examine the sub in the trunk? I have the i4 M50 with HK upgrade and feel the bass is very lacklustre. I have it at max and there is no way anything in the car would vibrate. I was pretty underwhelmed considering the reviews and wondering if there may be an issue with my system
I'm not sure that "no am" is true. There are a couple of different places where you can configure what sources are actually displayed, at least in the i7 systems that's the case.
Hey Charlie, thanks for the prompt response! Follow up question, have you listened to the Bowers and Wilkins system in the i5? I've been debating between checking out the i4 or the i5. Thanks!@@DailyMotor
WHAT?!!! S tier BMW Harman Kardon system?! That's great news! They're finally upping their game because of the competition 😍
I’ve noticed that BMW has been selective on what models have a great sounding HK system. For an example, the X7 HK system sounds great, but its average sounding in the 7 Series. Same with the 5 Series (LCI), which sounds great, but it sucks in the X5.
This makes the i4 even more appealing!
the i4 has a little bit of a different setup compared to the rest
@@ajlee6933 harman kardon in the x7 and x5 are the same system (464w 16-speaker)
The issue is the model I want has an awful system
All manufacturers need to watch your videos so they can meet the highest standards we want 👍🏽great video 👊🏽
I spent a good chunk of time listening to this stereo in an i4 at the 2022 Chicago Auto Show. I was frankly astounded by the quality of the stereo and just how great it sounded. The tweeters in the front and back doors are powerful and very clear sounding, plus the way that they are designed you can see them through the speaker grills and they are quite prominent, unlike most cars where you can’t see any of the speakers (only the speaker covers/grills). I’m not saying that being able to see the speakers makes them sound better, but seeing them front and center coupled with the sound quality just made for a better experience in my opinion, even if it is all subconscious! Anyway, it was one of the best stereos I’ve ever heard in a car.
ok idk if it's the same stereo but the m3 comp harmon kardon system is just okay. not that good. i dont think it's any different from the 3 series. i wouldve paid extra for bowers and wilkinson....
@@minigiant8998 the Harman Kardon in the M3 is the same with the ones in the regular 3 series. And you're right, it's just okay but not impressive especially considering how much the car costs. The Harman Kardon in the i4 is a totally different beast, probably the best I've ever experienced. And for your information, the 3 and 4 series (including the i4) don't come with the Bowers & Wilkins, not even as an option.
I've just tested this in Zurich and I was completely underwhelmed. Turned on the volume and bass started to oversteer
Harman Kardon have been putting great sound systems for BMW. I have a 2016 BMW 750i xDrive w/ HK sound system and I love it! The sound clarity is amazing. Everything about it- from the bass, mid, to the treble. Everything is just so clear. Not only that, but the bass is strong enough when it’s adjusted right on the equalizer. Finally, you also get one of the best Surround Sound I have ever had in any car, which is surprising to me because HK is standard for the 7 Series, whereas, B&W is optional. Nevertheless, I just ordered the BMW i4 M50 w/ HK and I am stoked to receive it over the summer!
All that's great. I've owned BMWs in the past that offered HK as an $850 option. I question the word option because their base sound system was appalling. a 2023 430 Grand Coupe at close to $60k doesn't even offer HK as an option.
@@craighermle7727 you can actually get HK for your 2023 430i Gran Coupe. You just need to scroll to the bottom to find the package. It’s offered at $875, which isn’t too bad. You should be able to find it right next to “Extended Shadowline Trim” and “Adaptive M Suspension”. Hope that helps
I hope you are aware though that the i4 gets a different H/K system than regular bmws. This has a 3 way door system and overall more speakers
@@craighermle7727 lol honestly. i really think HK should be the base across BMW's lineup and the B&W Diamond should be the optional upgrade. I'd gladly pay the extra for that
When I see a Daily Motor video I click and give it a thumbs up, because you are the only youtuber who does amazing sound system and MPG test videos! You deserve more subs. Now if only we could make TH-cam's algorithms to recommend your videos to more people.
Great video! I like the real world testing on the audio using a variety of music. And yes, all manufacturers should be watching your channel and taking notes.
The premium audio brands know me too well for being critical when the sound experience falls short of expectations. So, indeed, they are watching. I tested this car in March, and I plan to purchase one next year. Happy to see you rated the audio S-tier. It’s a solid A for me, but with the rear seats folded flat, you can hear more of the rear box, and that’s when the i4’s HK gets closer to an S for me. Thanks for your great videos.
Sorry for my ignorance, but what is the rear box that improve the sound from the back? It would be the same on the IX with HK and BW?
@@mortensenvick5711 The rear box is a subwoofer. I don’t know if it’s a similar setup in the iX, but that SUV is available with transducers that shake the seats in accord with the bass.
@@mortensenvick5711 Bmw i4 is first Bmw using a rather weird setup but it seems to be great. Normally all Bmws have 8inch subwoofers under both front seats. However instead the i4 got 6.5inch woofers on the doors and a single 8inch subwoofer in the rear (below trunk floor) with its own subwoofer box.
@@maxl7827 That explains the significant difference between this system and the awful base and HK systems in the G20 3 series (not sure about the LCI car), interesting.
@@Samuel-ob7il LCI car is the same. It is the typical Bmw setup. 3 series sounds pretty bad because its such a small car and the 8inch underseat subwoofers dont get as much air space as lets say the X5 which sounds fabulous with the same HK system.
I never imagined that a harman kardon would get s tier lol
Owned 330e 2021 from factory I found the sound distasteful and lacking depth. I allowed the speakers to break in after about a 1k miles. Was alarmed during warm weather conditions the bass will cut out and as you will expect sound will be tinnie. My research revealed some variant of BMW has a defected amp, defective amp was eventually replaced in vehicle and to my amazement the sound keep getting better and better! The detail, depth and find the sound very well balanced and enjoyable to listen to.
With some degree of certainty I can assume the 3series you tested with the HK system might have a defected amp as well limiting sound output etc.
Thank for your videos appreciate the efforts you put in
An S tier with 464 watts of power. That sort of just shows its more quality over quantity🥴
Could also be at a higher resistance rating, but yes generally its speaker sensitivity and quality over power.
Impressive... but I'm new to this channel and I could NOT find out what "S tier" or "A tier" means !?? Even on their website I didnt see an explanation of their grading scale. :(
@@adbt20 this channel uploaded a videos around a year ago ranking audio systems across different manufacturers. It should help you understand a bit more. th-cam.com/video/hLBX5r-3n3g/w-d-xo.html
@@adbt20 he explains every tier in this video:th-cam.com/video/hLBX5r-3n3g/w-d-xo.html
@@adbt20 I think it is maybe just daily motors way of ranking sound systems. It goes S,A,B,C,D. that is S being the highest and best
Thanks so much man. I was waiting a really long time until i could finally hear a good sound demo.
That is a seven-band equalizer. The first and ninth sliders are batch adjustments - they are the “bass” and “treble” sliders.
AM radio was omitted because it’s extremely difficult to isolate around those electric motors.
This sounds amazing. My E46 M3’s Harmon Kardon sucked. 8 months until I get my i4 m50! Thanks for the video!
Thank you so much for doing these videos.
Is this HK $850 upgrade?
Interesting, since this system is very similar to the system you tested in the m3 or m340i, same chassis, probably share many part# as well. Would be interesting if you can test the lci m3 as well to see if HK has improved when bmw did LCI. Also, I drove the new 7 series, the base option has a B&W system and it was fabulous, I bet the diamond 4D B&W option in that 7 series would be even better
My i4 M50 is in my hometown but with the recall it needs one last repair but I had reserved it in August of 2021 so it's almost in hand. Been a long wait.
I test drove the i4 with the regular sound system and it sounded quite punchy to me and didn't seem to lack much clarity. I also never really turn up bass all the way when I drive so I may just stick with the standard hifi system. I was also told from my friend who works at the dealership state that the standard sound system is also HK, its just not advertised as such. I feel like the extra subfloor trunk would be more useful than a sub.
Is it possible for you to review the standard hifi speakers? My ears arent't as acute to those suble differences so i'd like to see what others think. I can only find reviews on the HK sounds system never for the standard system.
So your saying the HK speakers are not really worth it?
I'm wondering the same. Is it worth it to jam that subwoofer in and lose out on trunk space?
Great video, very helpful. Thank you.
@DailyMotor Have you tested the Burmester in the Mercedes V Class?
Nice video😍!
So a noticeable difference to the 430i 16 speak review?in quality or loudness punch or both.great vid thanks
You should definitely try the ix m50i with the bowers and wilkings
th-cam.com/video/DIoByytl9ys/w-d-xo.html
Great video, Could you use Phone to adjust Temperature and open / close Windows and Lock car?
Great video thanks, just wanted to know if you used the USB A port or the USB c Port in the central compartment?
Cheers
How does this compare with the Tesla Model 3 system? Many reviewers state the Tesla in better. However, after equalizing my i4 M50 HK system to my preference, I haven't heard a better car audio system. I rear bias the fader, and with the strong rear door speakers, I love the spatial imaging, and not having to overload the front door speakers.
If you don’t mind me asking what settings did you do on the equalizer?
@@blamacchia I actually run pretty high settings on the bass and treble 90-100%. I no longer bother trying to set the individual EQ. One step up on the spatial above medium. Start with the fader all the way in the back and bring up just to the point where you feel it is like surround sound. For me, its about 75% rear bias on the fader.
Charlie, can you link to your live tier list please? I would imagine this is updated after the next review, so a live document, google doc etc might be an idea, for audio nerds like myself.
I am chasing audio nirvana in my next car. Budget is around S class pricing, so the audio has to blow me away.
So far the S tier systems I think you rate are Volvo XC90 Bowers and Wilkins, Mercedes S Class Burmester, and this one.
Lotus electre and it's KEF sound system. I was there for the preview of this car is China, it's literally out of this world. Better than a Bentley naim
@@mortensenvick5711 best than Naim? Humm 🤨 no but is incredible
🇬🇧 For an All-Electric Vehicle this is great, the look of the Gorgeous Interior, the Harmon Kardon Sound system… I love it! 🇬🇧
One test of the IX with B&W system ? 😍
I had the chance to test the iX system, and I can tell you that everyone won’t like it. The sound quality is great, but if you don’t like music directly in your ears or bass in your back (from the speakers inside the seats) then you won’t like this system.
@@ajlee6933 remember that you can deactivate the speakers on your back via Idrive 8
@@ajlee6933 You can adjust everything
Great review. What's your thoughts of focal sound?
Focal one of the highest quality brands, unfortunately not the one on peugeot tho
I wonder if the 4 series grand coupe has the same speakers to the i4? I am about to buy an 440 gc but I cannot confirm if the hi on that car is as good as the i4.
What’s better Harman and kardon or dynaudio?
Which brand has the best stock audio system in terms of volume sound quality?
Android Auto works using the in-car wifi and bluetooth. Enable both on your phone and connect it as the mobile device and then try running Android Auto. Works fine on mine.
They should put this sound system in 3 series, Im not buying computer on wheels
Hey DM, I'm new to your channel and that video was amazing to listen to... but I could not find out what does "S tier" or "A tier" mean ?!? Where can I see the full grading scale?
He does a regular grading system but S tier stands on top of A as the best of the best, very few cars get that rating
He has been doing a yearly tier list. I think Charlie will be making a new one soon, because its been about a year since his last tier list.
Hi, What mic set up do you use?
Do you have the best sound settings for the audio
Hey @DailyMotor which one do you prefer, this system or the ML from new Lexus NX ? :)
This one.
Can you do a Tesla Model 3 long range and compare its sound system to BMW i40?
Is there a way to examine the sub in the trunk? I have the i4 M50 with HK upgrade and feel the bass is very lacklustre. I have it at max and there is no way anything in the car would vibrate. I was pretty underwhelmed considering the reviews and wondering if there may be an issue with my system
Yeah I would get that checked out by a dealer.
Vibrations are not what you want in a quality system. Yes you can check it out yourself.
Is this the same audio system in the m440i gran coupe?
Can you tell me what song is playing right in the beginning of the video?
I'm not sure that "no am" is true. There are a couple of different places where you can configure what sources are actually displayed, at least in the i7 systems that's the case.
The bass and midbass is shxxit!
WTF Travelling symphony sound amazing in this car 😰
is the i4 HK system different than the M440 HK system?
Very much so, yes
@@DailyMotor is it just tuned differently for the i4 or more speakers
@@willyuan1 different setup and speakers.
Wow this comes as a surprise...all the speakers on gas models are so bad. Good review!
Just know to harman only ,they know it well about audio .
Is it the same sound system as in 3 LCI? At least in specs they are the same (wats, speakers, etc.).
Nope, very different.
How does this compare to the Bowers and Wilkins system in the Volvo S60? I'm sure the volvo's is better, but by how much?
close. Maybe 5%?
Hey Charlie, thanks for the prompt response! Follow up question, have you listened to the Bowers and Wilkins system in the i5? I've been debating between checking out the i4 or the i5. Thanks!@@DailyMotor
I actually just realized that the i5 is very very new.. So I would not be surprised if you haven't had the chance to get one yet haha!
Hahaha yup, but I should be driving it next month. I would *hope* the i5 would be as good if not better than the i4. But the i4 is great. @@Tylervp
I thought there were subwoofers under the seats too…..
This video should be on the DM Sound channel? @DailyMotorSound
It came out before we started the separate channel.
That door thunk at 6:30 😫
What???? This is something new!
Can anyone tell base song name
Hello Daily Motor
Hi Daily Motor
I also failed to connect my Android to i4 :/
This one very hifi sound. I hear some micro detail than any other video.
shouldnt it be the same as the m340i?
Nope, interestingly they have an entirely different system. We've listened to multiple 3 and 4 series and multiple i4s
Apple car play>>>your cars os>>>>Android auto
Wait for it's redesign
5:50
P
Someone gimme 70000 $ imma buy this...
How is this so great but the mi340 is awful lol
BMW has been improving their sound systems, but the G20 is an older platform, so it'll probably take a new gen before they'll really improve it
Great Video. What about the source quality? Which file format can be read from this Harman Kardon system? Flac is supported? Thank you.
P