When The Beatles recorded ‘Abbey Road‘ at the now-iconic studio of the same name, they weren’t just making music—they were redefining it. From the layered harmonies of ‘Here Comes the Sun’ to the groundbreaking medley on Side B, Abbey Road Studios became synonymous with innovation. And as Pink Floyd brought ‘The Dark Side of the Moon‘ to life, and film scores like The Lord of the Rings and Black Panther found their symphonic soul, the studio’s reputation for changing our concept of sound was forever consecrated.
And now, this iconic studio’s legendary tenor is hitting the road—literally—with the debut of Abbey Road Studios Mode in Volvo’s EX90. When Volvo Cars brought their Bowers & Wilkins partnership into Abbey Road Studios, the goal was clear: to redefine what in-car audio could be. The result? The Abbey Road Studios Mode, a cutting-edge sound feature making its debut in the Volvo EX90.
The partnership was unveiled at a packed-out event inside Abbey Road Studios, hosted by DJ and broadcaster Jamz Supernova. It wasn’t just another launch—it was a sensory deep dive into the magic of sound. Guests roamed Studio Two, immersed in the same sonic environment that has shaped albums from The Beatles to Ezra Collective, whose Mercury Prize-winning jazz ensemble capped off the evening with an energetic live performance.
At its core, the Abbey Road Studios Mode is a game-changer for how we listen to music in cars. Developed with Abbey Road’s engineers, the technology emulates the acoustics of the studio spaces and the vintage EMI-era equipment that has shaped decades of iconic records. Whether you’re cruising to 70s prog-rock or turning up the volume on Kendrick, this mode is designed to transform your Volvo EX90 into a rolling sound stage.
It’s not just about better audio though; it’s about putting listeners in the producer’s chair,with configurable settings to tweak tonality, expand the stereo field, and even mimic specific studio acoustics. For those less confident in sound engineering, there are four curated presets. It’s in-car sound customisation taken to the next level.
And that’s the point. Volvo isn’t just selling cars; it’s selling experiences. The EX90 already boasts a powerhouse Bowers & Wilkins system with 25 strategically placed speakers, including headrest and ceiling units. But with the addition of Abbey Road Studios Mode, Volvo is signaling that it’s not just about getting from A to B—it’s about enjoying and personalising the journey.
This collaboration also reflects a wider trend in the automotive world. Brands like Volvo are leaning hard into cultural partnerships to connect with a generation that values creativity and individuality as much as performance. Like Bentley with its recent PICANTE capsule, Volvo is recognising that the future of luxury lies in storytelling, innovation, and relevance.
Premium cars aren’t just vehicles—they’re platforms for art, sound, and inspiration.
