Burmester Audiosysteme GMBH are manufacturers of handcrafted audio components for high-end vehicles.
Founded in 1977, Burmester Audiosysteme has been manufacturing high-end audio components to the highest quality standards. Since the company’s inception, its goal has been “to create a perfect blend of the highest quality sound, technological innovation, and timeless design.” All Burmester components are handcrafted and assembled in their Berlin factory. “Made in Germany” is a label that Burmester takes very seriously. Burmester’s research and development department strives not only to keep up with the latest developments, but also to set its own trends and standards.
Many people spend a significant amount of time in their cars, perhaps even more time than they spend sitting in the living room at home. For many people, their car is more than just a means of getting from point A to point B, it’s a mobile haven where they can forget about their worries and anxieties and just relax. This is the reason why some drivers increasingly appreciate a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere in their cars. For many, the sound of music can go a long way in making driving a much more enjoyable experience.
Burmester’s first major foray into the automotive industry was the result of the challenge of installing a high-end sound system in a vehicle. The vehicle was the Bugatti Veyron. For the Bugatti Veyron, Burmester engineers designed a special sound system that this unusual vehicle required. The Bugatti Veyron required a system that had to meet very demanding and specific requirements. Unlike a normal production car, the method of integrating a full sound system into the Bugatti was challenging. Both the Burmester and Bugatti teams tried to find the best arrangement for all components of the car. This process took place and was taken into account while the monocoque chassis was still being developed. This close cooperation in the early design stages of the Bugatti allowed for the best design and performance of the complete system. Throughout this process, many aspects of the system were changed, including the audio controls, which were completely redesigned. This change allowed the driver to use them effortlessly, especially at high speeds.
After his first successful association with Bugatti, Burmester was able to acquire a contract to work with Porsche. The experiences of the exciting cooperation of these two projects have enabled Burmester to set new global standards for the automotive industry. The Burmester high-end surround sound system was introduced alongside the Porsche Panamera ($5,890 option) and has since become the benchmark for factory-installed, integrated car audio systems. The Burmester system was gradually added to other models in the Porsche lineup, including the Porsche Cayenne ($5,690 option) and the iconic Porsche 911 sports car ($5,010 option). Intensive research and development has made it possible to transfer Burmester’s long experience in providing high-end sound for the living room to the automotive industry.
Some facts and figures about the system installed in the Panamera. The system features sixteen speakers throughout the Panamera’s luxurious interior and has a total of 372 square inches of radiant surface area. Over 1000 watts power the drivers while you drive the drivers and you. Perhaps most impressive is that the entire system only adds 26.5 pounds. That’s a small percentage for a vehicle that weighs more than two tons, but remarkable given the performance potential. The use of materials found in higher-end Burmester systems certainly add to the “Burmester DNA” of the vehicle. Listening to music in the car is no longer a compromised affair. A highly efficient amplification system, lightweight neodymium magnets, equally lightweight aluminum speaker baskets, and various lightweight synthetic materials are in keeping with the lightweight construction that tends to be found in sports cars. The Burmester sound system has several innovative ways to enhance individual listening pleasure. For example, in the Panamera and Cayenne, the sound can be optimized for the front or rear seats at the push of a button. In Porsche sports cars equipped with a Burmester system, it is possible to select the “Smooth”, “Live” or “Surround” settings to obtain the best sound for listening pleasure. The system’s superiority is the net result of countless details and one main goal: perfect sound.
Burmester is now forming partnerships with many other auto manufacturers. Mercedes-Benz will offer a Burmester audio system as an option on its upcoming redesigned S-Class.