Thanks for the review. I’m surprised you rated this so high. My dad had a 2020 x5 w HK. We thought it was just OK and always wondered if the B&W would be much better. I think at the time it was the nicest car we ever had, so we had really high expectation for it. His X5 had the acoustic window option, smallest wheel and air suspension, so it was pretty quiet.
I have 2019 X5 H/K and we have 2020 X7 B/W..... Yes B/W sounds great specially at clarity wise but I prefer H/K sound signature to be honest, so I wouldn't say it's always better to upgrade, B/W when tuned to my liking is better but won't say it's a whole another level better..... It's on par with Lotus KEF or Bentley Naim or Volvo B/W which I heard
When you're saying that H/K has come a long way improving and now it's not that much of a difference comparing to the B&W, would you say that it's the same in the pre-facelift X5 G05 or did H/K actually improve in the facelift (LCI)?
I'm so happy to see these improvements by HK (at least with their BMW systems). I'm not sure if you can get ahold of the iX with Harman Kardon system (not B&W), but it would be a good system to do a test on.
I wish you didn’t have to upgrade to the m60i just to have the option the bowers and Wilkins sound system. They should at least offer it in the x drive 50e
in the UK you have to spec the pan roof at £2650.00 to add the B&W hifi upgrade which costs £3500.00 - I have it on my 50e and its awesome, but then again the HK on my previous 2019 X5 was great.
I have the new 2025 x5m and so disappointed in the sound system, I’ve tried tuning and still can’t get it sounding good, I think my Tesla m3p has probably one of the best sound systems I’ve ever heard for a stock car. Great video by the way ✌🏻
I have an f36 (2019 440i GC) and the HK in that comes with just a little under 700 watts. It sounds so much better and much louder than any of the newer bmw HK sound systems. BMW went backwards with their HK, it’s probably the main reason I won’t be upgrading to a newer gen bmw
Please Charlie from Daily Motor, do a sound system test of the new Range Rover. No one has done it on TH-cam and there's so much hype around it. We would like to hear your honest opinion.
@@DailyMotorSound Awesome, thanks so much. You are doing really great work. I appreciate the honesty in your reviews and the details you provide. Be blessed abundantly.
Love the review.... Thank you! I am test driving the X5 Saturday. I just had the Q7 for a few days. The sound system sounded tiny... But I just saw your review of a previous Audi system, and I think my issue was the 3D effect was on.
@@DailyMotorSound the Volvo is on the table toO BUT I like that both the BMW and the Audi has the Sirius 360L package but the Volvo does not. Did you see the new Chevy traverse? So nice. How do I send a track or two for you to try on the cars that you have?
Charlie - Thank you for posting these reviews! I'm a huge fan! Have you tested the stock X5 audio? I have a 2022 X5 and I'm happy with the audio quality. I had a loaner X5 with the HK upgrade, but I felt like it wasn't too different in quality (except bass). Also, I observed that the HK system output degrades severely (heavy distortion) at max volume. The stock system handles high volumes pretty well in my experience.
was test driving an I4 and was told that the base system and HK are the same speakers except the HK gets the sub. Not sure how credible that info is but If its true probably the sub drawing a lotta juice and speakers don't have a lot of power to draw from.
Here in MN the HK upgrade is part of the $2550 Premium package on my X6. I pick it up Friday so I’ll let you know how the sound is in the slightly smaller X6 interior. I just traded in my 2018 Grand Cherokee which has the 900 watt HK with 19 speakers . I really liked that system which had too much power. 😅
@@anjin77 I had the 900 watt version in my Previous Grand Cherokee and it was over powered. This 450 watt is better and I’m liking the sound and clarity. I’m glad I upgraded. I’m at 2500 miles and this car has no defects. So glad I bought a BMW X6.
@@jimgaul67 Awesome! Congrats on your purchase. But know that once you go BMW, it's hard to choose anything else! I bought my 2008 E60 535i 16 years ago, and even with the softer drive feel of modern BMWs, I still feel I can't find anything else that offers a better bang-for-the-buck than BMW. Porsche can be better, but not worth the extra money for what you get IMO (except a 911 😉). And Mercedes quality has gone to absolute trash the last 4 years (e.g the GLE has atrocious reviews). So BMW it is!
Compared to the HK system in the i4, which one do you prefer, this or the i4 system? I remembered you gave the i4 system a S tier rating. Also I have noticed that the HK system in the i4 is also 464 watt. Any chance that they actually share the same system?
Great test! BTW have you tested the BMW Diamond B&W with 20 speakers? I thought in your last video it was the standard B&W not the premium diamond version
Great stuff, thanks Charlie! My wife has a 2023 i4 with the HK system, and I'd totally agree that the HK system is pretty solid. Looking at a 2025 x5, and glad to hear you're impressed with the HK system as I'm not interested in stepping-up to the top of the line just so I can get the B&W system. One question- do you have any experience with the Bavsound speaker and/or amp upgrades? I've installed Bavsound speakers in 6 BMW's over the years and pretty impressed with the speakers, the amps in our 2013 5-series and 2019 M2 Comp, a little less so. Would love to see if you have any thoughts. Thx!
Yep, its terrible. I had a 2016 X5 and the system had no limiter then. Just got a 2021 with the same system supposedly, but the limiting is very obvious.
@harrystclare6404 sucks not sure why they started doing that when they could have upped the wattage, driver size, etc. For a more powerful sound instead of artificially boosting the low notes but then limiting/compressing all of the sound at higher volumes to prevent distortion and etc
I am confused a little, I have a g20 LCI with the Harman Kardon, which is on paper the exact same as this system, (16speaker, 464watt) from what I can see. If they are the same systems, why is this one so much better than the one in the 3er. Also I think streaming services are only available once you have signed into the BMW ID in the vehicle settings. at least in my car when I signed in, Spotify showed up.
The newer designed HK systems have been a big improvement. I don't know why they didn't step it up in the LCI 3 series, honestly the biggest disappointment about that car.
I've been trying to get one, but it's been tough. I had a pre-production model, and it didn't sound very good, but I was told the tuning wasn't finalized.
Is this a fact the 2024 radio has been upgraded. The previous years have been terrible. I have a gv80 going off on lease in 6 months and cant find anything comparable. May have to wait till 2025 gv80 and it will have bowers and wilkins in it. Cant imagine what that will sound like. Thanks
This system lacks depth. Lacks bass. Sounds pretty terrible to me. The HK in my 2018 G30 sounds way better (altho could use improvement). The HK's were 600w then. They've cheapened it since then. And certainly sounds like it.
Thanks for the review. I’m surprised you rated this so high. My dad had a 2020 x5 w HK. We thought it was just OK and always wondered if the B&W would be much better. I think at the time it was the nicest car we ever had, so we had really high expectation for it. His X5 had the acoustic window option, smallest wheel and air suspension, so it was pretty quiet.
That's a nice setup. Yeah I think BMW HK has come a long way in the last few years.
I have 2019 X5 H/K and we have 2020 X7 B/W..... Yes B/W sounds great specially at clarity wise but I prefer H/K sound signature to be honest, so I wouldn't say it's always better to upgrade, B/W when tuned to my liking is better but won't say it's a whole another level better..... It's on par with Lotus KEF or Bentley Naim or Volvo B/W which I heard
When you're saying that H/K has come a long way improving and now it's not that much of a difference comparing to the B&W, would you say that it's the same in the pre-facelift X5 G05 or did H/K actually improve in the facelift (LCI)?
I'm so happy to see these improvements by HK (at least with their BMW systems). I'm not sure if you can get ahold of the iX with Harman Kardon system (not B&W), but it would be a good system to do a test on.
th-cam.com/video/DIoByytl9ys/w-d-xo.htmlfeature=shared
As a previous range rover owner I was highly unimpressed by the X5s H/K.
Lack of clarity, not a very homogen sound stage. Bass could be crisper
I wish you didn’t have to upgrade to the m60i just to have the option the bowers and Wilkins sound system. They should at least offer it in the x drive 50e
The bowers is available in every engine trim, at least in my market
@@v12-s65Canada?
@@MrMiamiswaggz305 europe, Switzerland
in the UK you have to spec the pan roof at £2650.00 to add the B&W hifi upgrade which costs £3500.00 - I have it on my 50e and its awesome, but then again the HK on my previous 2019 X5 was great.
I have the new 2025 x5m and so disappointed in the sound system, I’ve tried tuning and still can’t get it sounding good, I think my Tesla m3p has probably one of the best sound systems I’ve ever heard for a stock car. Great video by the way ✌🏻
Thanks! Yeah I need to get into the updated Model 3, Tesla PR is just very difficult to get through to.
Have you also noticed how BMW cheapen out with the glass not on the volume knob as previous executive packages that had it
I have an f36 (2019 440i GC) and the HK in that comes with just a little under 700 watts. It sounds so much better and much louder than any of the newer bmw HK sound systems. BMW went backwards with their HK, it’s probably the main reason I won’t be upgrading to a newer gen bmw
Please Charlie from Daily Motor, do a sound system test of the new Range Rover. No one has done it on TH-cam and there's so much hype around it. We would like to hear your honest opinion.
I'll try to get my hands on one!
@@DailyMotorSound Awesome, thanks so much. You are doing really great work. I appreciate the honesty in your reviews and the details you provide. Be blessed abundantly.
@@william_ochieng You too! I scheduled the Range Rover for January.
@@DailyMotorSound Wow, that's really great. Thank you so much!! 💯
I heard it. It's worse than the previous gen SVA
For me as observation there ,its speaker of car show its character and push punchy bass, rocker and more with rock song .
Love the review.... Thank you! I am test driving the X5 Saturday. I just had the Q7 for a few days. The sound system sounded tiny... But I just saw your review of a previous Audi system, and I think my issue was the 3D effect was on.
Ah yes, most 3D and surround effects affect sound integrity. Mostly just a gimmick. Will be curious what you go with! Is XC90 on the table?
@@DailyMotorSound the Volvo is on the table toO BUT I like that both the BMW and the Audi has the Sirius 360L package but the Volvo does not. Did you see the new Chevy traverse? So nice.
How do I send a track or two for you to try on the cars that you have?
@@ptb127 Got it.
Feel free to drop a comment with your requests on any members only sound test over on the main DM channel, and I’ll see them
Awesome Video
Great content, any idea if the Harman kardon on a 20/20 X5 is different from the new 2024 Harman kardon system?
Tuanks
Thanks! Yes it likely is, but I can't speak directly to it
Charlie - Thank you for posting these reviews! I'm a huge fan! Have you tested the stock X5 audio? I have a 2022 X5 and I'm happy with the audio quality. I had a loaner X5 with the HK upgrade, but I felt like it wasn't too different in quality (except bass). Also, I observed that the HK system output degrades severely (heavy distortion) at max volume. The stock system handles high volumes pretty well in my experience.
You're welcome, and I have not, but that's good feedback. Perhaps the base system has fewer channels to worry the amp
was test driving an I4 and was told that the base system and HK are the same speakers except the HK gets the sub. Not sure how credible that info is but If its true probably the sub drawing a lotta juice and speakers don't have a lot of power to draw from.
Here in MN the HK upgrade is part of the $2550 Premium package on my X6. I pick it up Friday so I’ll let you know how the sound is in the slightly smaller X6 interior. I just traded in my 2018 Grand Cherokee which has the 900 watt HK with 19 speakers . I really liked that system which had too much power. 😅
So, now that you've had the X6 for a little bit, how does the HK sound? I'm assuming that's a 2024 X6?
@@anjin77 I had the 900 watt version in my Previous Grand Cherokee and it was over powered. This 450 watt is better and I’m liking the sound and clarity. I’m glad I upgraded. I’m at 2500 miles and this car has no defects. So glad I bought a BMW X6.
@@jimgaul67 Awesome! Congrats on your purchase. But know that once you go BMW, it's hard to choose anything else! I bought my 2008 E60 535i 16 years ago, and even with the softer drive feel of modern BMWs, I still feel I can't find anything else that offers a better bang-for-the-buck than BMW. Porsche can be better, but not worth the extra money for what you get IMO (except a 911 😉). And Mercedes quality has gone to absolute trash the last 4 years (e.g the GLE has atrocious reviews). So BMW it is!
Compared to the HK system in the i4, which one do you prefer, this or the i4 system? I remembered you gave the i4 system a S tier rating.
Also I have noticed that the HK system in the i4 is also 464 watt. Any chance that they actually share the same system?
Great test! BTW have you tested the BMW Diamond B&W with 20 speakers? I thought in your last video it was the standard B&W not the premium diamond version
Yeah it's coming in a week or so
Great stuff, thanks Charlie! My wife has a 2023 i4 with the HK system, and I'd totally agree that the HK system is pretty solid. Looking at a 2025 x5, and glad to hear you're impressed with the HK system as I'm not interested in stepping-up to the top of the line just so I can get the B&W system. One question- do you have any experience with the Bavsound speaker and/or amp upgrades? I've installed Bavsound speakers in 6 BMW's over the years and pretty impressed with the speakers, the amps in our 2013 5-series and 2019 M2 Comp, a little less so. Would love to see if you have any thoughts. Thx!
Thank you. I have not experienced Bavsound, but I will have to check them out.
The compression BMW uses with this H/K system drives me crazy
Yep, its terrible. I had a 2016 X5 and the system had no limiter then. Just got a 2021 with the same system supposedly, but the limiting is very obvious.
@harrystclare6404 sucks not sure why they started doing that when they could have upped the wattage, driver size, etc. For a more powerful sound instead of artificially boosting the low notes but then limiting/compressing all of the sound at higher volumes to prevent distortion and etc
I am confused a little, I have a g20 LCI with the Harman Kardon, which is on paper the exact same as this system, (16speaker, 464watt) from what I can see. If they are the same systems, why is this one so much better than the one in the 3er. Also I think streaming services are only available once you have signed into the BMW ID in the vehicle settings. at least in my car when I signed in, Spotify showed up.
The newer designed HK systems have been a big improvement. I don't know why they didn't step it up in the LCI 3 series, honestly the biggest disappointment about that car.
I wish i can put my micro precision 7 and dynadio esotar in this car.
Can you review the new 2024 Lexus RX Mark Levison? I drove and listened to it for a good month, not really that impressed.
I've been trying to get one, but it's been tough. I had a pre-production model, and it didn't sound very good, but I was told the tuning wasn't finalized.
you have to try the lexus tx with the mark levinson. i may try this week. The last time i tested it in the rx it was not as good as the gv80.
Getting it next week!
@@DailyMotorSound thanks.... Looking forward to your thoughts
Is this the same system that is in the 2023-2025 X7?
Probably very similar, yes
You know well harman is not small but big team ,cinema car team ,luxury car team ,akg ,jbl and more 😂 they know to tune .
Upgraded HK????? No, I believe they downgraded the system w/Idrive 7.
Is this a fact the 2024 radio has been upgraded. The previous years have been terrible. I have a gv80 going off on lease in 6 months and cant find anything comparable. May have to wait till 2025 gv80 and it will have bowers and wilkins in it. Cant imagine what that will sound like. Thanks
Volvo XC90 would be your best bet for audio, but can't guarantee reliability. GLE would probably be pretty good too.
This system lacks depth. Lacks bass. Sounds pretty terrible to me. The HK in my 2018 G30 sounds way better (altho could use improvement). The HK's were 600w then. They've cheapened it since then. And certainly sounds like it.
test new range rover