High-end audio meets luxury automotive design in the latest collaboration between premium speaker manufacturer Bowers & Wilkins and iconic British car maker McLaren. The two brands have unveiled a new wireless smart speaker, the Zeppelin McLaren Edition, celebrating their long-standing partnership and McLaren’s 60th anniversary.
The Zeppelin McLaren Edition is far from the first instance of these two high-end brands coming together. Previously, Bowers & Wilkins captured the attention of tech aficionados and automotive enthusiasts alike with the release of their Px8 McLaren Edition headphones in 2022. Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins has also been the go-to partner for designing the stock audio systems in McLaren’s newly manufactured supercars. The new speaker features a striking Galvanic Grey and Papaya Orange color palette, reminiscent of the iconic Papaya Orange hue that McLaren designer Anna-Louise Clough first introduced in 1967. This color scheme pays homage to McLaren’s rich history and its ongoing relationship with Bowers & Wilkins.
When it comes to performance, the Zeppelin McLaren Edition does not compromise. It’s packed with state-of-the-art audio features that ensure an immersive sound experience. Utilizing Double Dome tweeters, FST midrange drivers, and a beefy subwoofer, the speaker is capable of producing 24-bit audio resolution. For those who appreciate the nuances in sound, this means you can expect audio reproduction with an astonishing level of crispness and clarity, particularly when streaming analog or lossless audio.
Designed for the modern listener, the Zeppelin McLaren Edition provides a host of connectivity options. The speaker is not only compatible with AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, but it also comes preloaded with a variety of onboard apps for popular music streaming services such as Spotify Connect, Deezer, and Last.FM. Moreover, Bowers & Wilkins has introduced a wireless multi-room feature alongside the launch. This allows users to easily integrate the speaker into a more expansive home audio setup, including compatibility with other Bowers & Wilkins products like the Panorama 3 and the Formation series of wireless speakers. All of this can be controlled effortlessly via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app.
This limited edition speaker is not just a piece of audio equipment; it’s a collector’s item. Priced at a hefty $899, the unit also carries the weight of rarity as only 60 pieces will be made. These units are likely to be snapped up quickly, making them instant collectibles. While the speaker has been available since yesterday on the official B&W website, its limited availability could mean that many would-be buyers will be left empty-handed.
If you find the Zeppelin McLaren Edition has already sold out, fret not. Bowers & Wilkins still offers its standard Zeppelin wireless smart speaker, which is available for $799. While it may not carry the McLaren branding, it does offer the same premium sound technology.
