ZoZo Auto Research has released the "2026 Automotive Acoustic System (Audio, Multi-Channel) Industry Research Report".
I. "6-9 Speaker" In-Vehicle Audio Hardware Solutions Still Account for Nearly 50%
Based on a review of the multi-speaker installation rates in Chinese passenger vehicles from January to April 2026, the "6-9 speakers" configuration is currently the primary solution adopted by automakers, accounting for 47.3% of installations. This is followed by the "2-5 speakers" configuration, which accounts for approximately 17.9% of installations.
Furthermore, to create an ultimate in-vehicle acoustic experience, some automakers have implemented hardware solutions with "41 or more speakers" in their high-end flagship models. Typical examples include the Zunji series models equipped with the "HUAWEI SOUND ULTIMATE" series, and the NIO ES9 equipped with the "Jiuxiao Tianqin 9.2.4.8" immersive sound system.
Examples of Models Equipped with "41 or More" Speakers
Source: ZoZo Auto Research "2026 Automotive Acoustic System (Audio, Multi-Channel) Industry Research Report"
II. Channel Layout Evolves from 7.1.4 to More Complex Sound Field Architectures
In-vehicle audio system channel annotations commonly use two structures: the two-part A.B format and the three-part A.B.C format. The 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos is a typical representative of the three-part architecture, where each number corresponds to a different channel meaning: the first digit represents the "number of horizontal surround channels" (including left, right, center, left surround, right surround, left rear surround, right rear surround, etc.); the second digit represents the "number of subwoofer channels"; and the third digit represents the "number of height channels" (e.g., top front left, top front right, top rear left, top rear right). Relying on the coordinated operation of various sound-producing channels, in-vehicle audio systems create an immersive, whole-vehicle surround sound field for users.
As acoustic technology in high-end intelligent cabins upgrades, some high-end models have derived a new four-part sound field architecture in the four-digit A.B.C.D format, based on the three-part architecture. A typical example is 9.2.4.8. The newly added fourth digit represents the number of independent headrest channels. Unlike ordinary headrest speakers that reuse the whole-vehicle channels, independent headrest channels possess independent signal paths and independent amplifier outputs, enabling them to output audio streams completely different from the main vehicle system. The core advantages include the following:
Achieving precise audio zoning in the cabin and constructing multiple private sound zones. The driver's headrest can independently output navigation, voice broadcasts, and call voices, while the main cabin channels can continuously play music. The independent headrest channels for the front passenger and rear seats can also independently play audio and video content. Multiple audio sources can run simultaneously without interfering with each other, resolving conflicts in passengers' audio and video needs.
Near-field sound emission to enhance voice clarity. Headrest speakers are only 10 to 30 centimeters away from the human ear. Without needing to increase the whole-vehicle volume, users can clearly receive voices, effectively avoiding interference from driving noise and cabin sound reflection reverberation.
Perfecting the three-dimensional sound field system. The near-field mid-to-high frequency and voice output from the headrest can complement traditional horizontal surround channels and height channels, optimizing head sound field positioning and further enhancing the immersive audio experience of the whole vehicle.
Overall, compared to the two-part format, the A.B.C three-part channel architecture expands sound from a two-dimensional sound field to a three-dimensional space, constructing a more complete shared immersive sound field for the whole vehicle. Building upon this, the derived A.B.C.D four-part architecture further expands seat-level private sound zone capabilities, achieving the coexistence of a public sound field and multiple independent seat zones. However, this four-part format belongs to automakers' custom channel paradigms, used more for shaping product differentiation and building competitive selling points for high-end models, and has not yet evolved into a common industry upgrade path.
Vehicle Sound Field Layout (Partial)
Source: ZoZo Auto Research "2026 Automotive Acoustic System (Audio, Multi-Channel) Industry Research Report"
Application Case of In-Vehicle Audio System: NIO ES9
Source: ZoZo Auto Research "2026 Automotive Acoustic System (Audio, Multi-Channel) Industry Research Report"
III. Automakers Develop In-Vehicle Audio Systems to Build Proprietary Acoustic IPs
In recent years, Chinese automakers have successively launched self-developed in-vehicle audio systems. Unlike traditional OEM/licensing solutions from well-known audio brands, automakers complete the full-chain work—including whole-vehicle acoustic simulation, channel architecture definition, DSP algorithm development, amplifier logic design, and whole-vehicle physical tuning—by building internal acoustic teams.
By mastering the technical autonomy of algorithms and tuning, automakers break free from the functional iteration constraints of external suppliers. Automakers can iterate sound effects based on user feedback and push new algorithms via OTA, achieving deep coupling between the acoustic system and whole-vehicle NVH, intelligent driving alerts, and multi-zone cabin interactions. This creates a differentiated auditory experience in the cabin and builds proprietary acoustic IPs.
Table: Status of Automakers' Self-Developed In-Vehicle Audio Systems (Partial)
Source: ZoZo Auto Research "2026 Automotive Acoustic System (Audio, Multi-Channel) Industry Research Report"
Case 1: Chery has launched its self-developed in-vehicle audio brand "Boya Zhi Yin" (Sound of Boya), dividing it into three major product series: Feng (Wind), Ya (Elegance), and Song (Ode). Among them,
Feng (Wind) series is positioned as an entry-level product, featuring 12 acoustic units and a 7.1 channel architecture. It focuses on basic sound effects and has now achieved mass production;
Ya (Elegance) series targets the mid-to-high-end market, configured with 23 acoustic units and offering two channel architectures: 7.1.4 and 7.5.4.2. It features 4 height channels, independent subwoofers, headrest speakers, and a full set of AI sound field algorithms. It has completed mass production and is mainly installed in models such as the Fulwin A9L, Exeed ET5, Fulwin T11, and Exeed EX7;
Song (Ode) series is a flagship product with no less than 30 acoustic units. It adopts a full-domain multi-dimensional panoramic sound architecture, with an amplifier peak power of over 3000W. It is equipped with seat vibration units, multiple sets of independent subwoofers, and flagship-exclusive hardware tuning. It is currently in the planning stage and has not yet been launched.
Case 2: DiSound is BYD's full-stack self-developed in-vehicle acoustic system, mainly installed in BYD's high-end models. Unlike the cooperation model of purchasing Dynaudio hardware and Dirac algorithms, DiSound achieves independent development across the entire chain, including sound-producing units, amplifiers, DSP chips, sound field algorithms, and whole-vehicle cabin acoustic tuning. It offers multiple hardware configuration versions, balancing the in-vehicle panoramic sound experience with innovative applications of portable audio outside the vehicle.
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