Mazda and Bose Partnership Produces Revolutionary Sound System

Few experiences are more satisfying than driving on an open road with your favorite music blasting in the background.

The relationship between driving and music is undeniable, which is why so many customers search for vehicles that offer an incredible driving experience combined with an incredible sound system. That is the key reason the Mazda/Bose partnership is so successful.

It may be hard to believe, but it’s been more than 30 years since Mazda and Bose first paired up with the goal of revolutionizing the in-car audio experience.

The incredible success of this partnership is undeniable, thanks in part to the mission of the two brands, which share a customer-centric design philosophy rooted in the desire to deliver unique and engaging experiences filled with power and joy.

Of course, the sound capability of Mazda vehicles and their Bose sound systems has not been static over the years. Mazda and Bose have both evolved along with the changing technology and design principles that define both the automotive and sound industries.

Let’s look at the Mazda and Bose partnership, starting from its revolutionary roots in the Mazda RX-7 to the modern sound and acoustics of the Mazda MX-30 EV. This history — and future, illustrate how and why Mazda and Bose is one of the most important partnerships in the industry.

A Brief History of Mazda and Bose

The partnership between Mazda and Bose began in 1991 when Mazda’s audio engineers began looking for a speaker solution for the RX-7 coupe.

As a premium vehicle, the RX-7 required a top-of-the-line system, and engineer Ryoji Oe had his eye on the Bose Acoustic Wave Canon system as the solution. There was just one problem. In its original form, the Acoustic Wave included a 3.6-meter tube that was far too big for a small performance vehicle.

Luckily, Bose engineers were up to the challenge and developed a unique way to bend the Acoustic Wave’s pipes without compromising sound quality and fit them into the RX-7. Thus, the tradition of innovation and high-quality results between Mazda and Bose began.

A few years later, Mazda developed another iconic performance car, the MX-5 Miata, which once again called upon the innovation and dedication of the Bose team to create something that the industry had never seen before — a convertible that provided drivers with premium sound, even with the top down.

Bose’s response, an innovative and responsive sound system designed specifically for the MX-5, includes speakers embedded into the headrests of the car along with an EQ switch that changes the sound experience based on whether the convertible top is up or down.

Perhaps most importantly, the work that Mazda and Bose put into the MX-5 became the start of something even bigger and farther reaching. Bose’s commitment to design sound systems tailored to Mazda vehicles did not end with the MX-5. Today, not only do all Mazda vehicles offer drivers Bose sound options, but the innovations Bose developed for the MX-5 have also spread to other Mazda models.

The Bose Influence on Mazda Sound Today

In 2022-2023, most drivers know that Mazda vehicles come with Bose sound systems; however, that’s just the start. Many modern models offer drivers additional features that are unique to the Mazda Bose partnership, such as enhanced speaker placement along with technologies like AudioPilot, CenterPoint, and BassMatch.

Bose Speaker Placement in Mazda Vehicles

Beginning in 2019 with the Mazda3, Bose designed woofers that sit in the cowl side of the vehicle, above the kick panel, rather than in the door.

This placement, now present in all new Mazda models, allows for a better sound experience because of simultaneous sound reflection from the floor, firewall, and kick panel, which creates a richer bass that is no longer prone to rattling like traditional door-mounted woofers.

Enhanced Bose Technologies: AudioPilot and CenterPoint

Additional Bose technologies also come with certain Mazda models, including AudioPilot and CenterPoint. AudioPilot, which was developed as a direct result of the MX-5 Miata design, monitors and compensates for background noise from the road. AudioPilot does this automatically, adjusting the sound of your music as you drive.

CenterPoint, on the other hand, works to enrich the sound that does come out, regardless of background. Rather than using the typical left/right, two-channel sound of most recordings, CenterPoint works to convert music into a multi-channel, surround sound experience. The result is a more immersive sound experience that is tailored for the cabin of each Mazda vehicle.

The Future of Mazda x Bose: BassMatch

Although the current features of the Mazda Bose partnership are incredible, the future also looks bright.

Mazda and Bose continue to challenge themselves and their partnership with new innovations. Most recently, they came together to revolutionize bass sound by adding another subwoofer in the rear of some vehicles, a feature they call the BassMatch configuration because it “matches” the low-frequency sound performance across the entire vehicle cabin. BassMatch is available in select Mazda CX-30, CX-50, and MX-30 models.

As an all-electric vehicle, the MX-30 EV has no motor sound, allowing the bass to really shine.

Come Hear the Difference

Driving and listening to music are a natural match. Like any perfect pairing, however, the quality of the experience matters. In this case, it’s important to consider both the quality of the vehicle as well as the sound system and the features it offers. The 30-plus year relationship between Mazda and Bose has produced just that.

But don’t take our word for it. Come down to hear — and drive — for yourself. Visit the DePaula Mazda showroom for a test drive — and don’t forget to bring your favorite tunes.