Mahindra has taken a bold step into the future of in-car entertainment by partnering with two global icons: Padma Bhushan and Academy Award winner AR Rahman, and 16-time Grammy and Latin Grammy-winning sound engineer Richard King. Together, they have crafted the Sonic Studio Experience by Mahindra, an unprecedented in-cabin audio innovation designed to redefine what luxury and immersion mean for drivers and passengers.
A New Standard in Audio Engineering
The Sonic Studio Experience debuts in Mahindra’s latest electric SUVs, the BE 6e and XEV 9e, promising to “Unlimit” the sensory experience for passengers. At the heart of this innovation lies a state-of-the-art 1,400-watt, 16-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, complemented by Dolby Atmos technology. This combination delivers rich, multidimensional sound that moves around listeners with remarkable clarity, turning every drive into an auditory masterpiece.
Mahindra’s breakthrough system is further enhanced with Harman Kardon’s cutting-edge VenueScapes LIVE and QuantumLogic Immersion technologies. VenueScapes LIVE recreates the acoustics of iconic global concert venues, such as the Royal Opera House in Mumbai, Boston Symphony Hall, and Wembley Stadium, immersing passengers in the experience of live performances. With this feature, every journey becomes a concert-like event, regardless of the destination.
An Artistic Collaboration
To elevate this audio innovation, Mahindra collaborated with two of the world’s most celebrated audio artists. AR Rahman brought his expertise to the project, curating a personalized Sonic Suite of sounds, including unique chimes, alerts, and “Experience Modes” (Calm, Cozy, Club), each designed to enhance different moods during a drive. His vision ensures that the audio complements both the vehicle’s luxurious interiors and the emotions of its occupants.
Richard King, renowned for his work in some of the world’s finest studios, has meticulously tuned the Harman Kardon system in the BE 6e and XEV 9e to deliver studio-quality audio. His dedication ensures that every note, rhythm, and nuance is rendered with precision and depth, offering an immersive soundscape that rivals the world’s best recording studios.
A Testament to Innovation
R. Velusamy, President of Automotive Product Development at Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. and Joint Managing Director of Mahindra Electric Automobile Limited, expressed his excitement about the Sonic Studio Experience. “With Sonic Studio Experience by Mahindra, we have redefined what in-cabin sound can be, combining cutting-edge technology with artistic brilliance. Partnering with legends like AR Rahman and Richard King, along with leaders like Harman Kardon and Dolby, we have created an audio experience that is immersive, transformative, and uniquely Mahindra. This is a testament to our commitment to delivering not just vehicles, but experiences that resonate deeply with our customers.”
AR Rahman’s Vision
Speaking about the collaboration, AR Rahman said, “Working on the BE 6e and XEV 9e has been an immensely satisfying experience. My goal was to create a soundscape that transforms every drive into a memorable journey. By envisioning the emotions passengers might experience during their travels, I aimed to design sounds that enhance the driving experience while making the journey uniquely enjoyable. Collaborating with Mahindra and a team of experts has been a true joy.”
Richard King’s Expertise
Richard King added, “Having spent years in some of the finest recording studios and listening rooms globally, I can confidently say that the Harman sound system in the BE 6e and XEV 9e offers a studio-quality audio experience. A tremendous amount of effort has gone into perfecting the sound for these vehicles, and I believe listeners will be captivated by its precision, depth, and immersion.”
Cutting-Edge Features for Every Passenger
Mahindra’s Sonic Studio Experience ensures that every seat in the BE 6e and XEV 9e becomes the best seat in the house. With rigorous testing and tuning, Harman Kardon and Mahindra’s engineers have optimized the sound for clarity, detail, and depth. Whether on a smooth highway or a rugged trail, the system adapts seamlessly to road conditions and external noise, maintaining a pristine listening environment.
Adding to the innovation, the system incorporates dual microphones that capture passengers’ voices—be it singing, whistling, or talking—and seamlessly blend them into the audio. This feature recreates the feeling of participating in a live concert, making every drive an interactive and unforgettable experience.
Setting a New Benchmark in In-Car Entertainment
The Sonic Studio Experience by Mahindra represents a new benchmark for in-cabin audio. By combining advanced technology, artistic collaboration, and a deep understanding of passenger needs, Mahindra has created a system that doesn’t just play music—it transports listeners to a world of immersive sound. With the BE 6e and XEV 9e, Mahindra has proven that the future of driving is not just electric but also acoustically extraordinary.
