Sony Premium Audio In The All New 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum
All great adventures go well when the best tunes are playing. The all-new, technology forward, 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum edition includes an exclusive Premium Sony Audio System with Clear Phase and Live Acoustics.
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum 360 At North American International Auto Show 2015
- Ford Explorer Platinum series introduces an industry-first audio experience with a 500-watt Sony Audio System
- System includes two industry-first features previously offered only in high-end home audio systems
- Live Acoustics and Clear Phase technologies
- Algorithm in Explorer Platinum audio system tuned to authentically reproduce the sound quality and signature ambience of concert halls in Amsterdam, Berlin and Vienna
2016 Ford Explorer Inside
“Explorer is about pushing boundaries, and authentic high-end home theater sound isn’t just for the living room anymore,” said Craig Patterson, Ford utilities marketing manager. “The new Platinum series gives customers everything – including a sound system that will knock your socks off.”
Disclaimer: Photos are courtesy of Sony or Ford unless otherwise noted. I have not been compensated for this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
During my multi-city test drive with the new audio system, I could clearly hear the center and surround speakers separating the different parts of songs and live recordings. Its square subwoofer with an 8-inch driver and a 12-liter enclosure in the back right produced tight and full bass tones with no distortion, even with the live concerts. The luxurious Platinum interior complemented its 12 speakers, door woofers and chrome tweeters with translucent grilles, pumping out a maximum of 500 watts.
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Driver View Sony Premium Audio
“This technology was previously available only in our high-end home audio systems,” Sony lead engineer, Shiraishisan said. “We’ve now applied the algorithm of Live Acoustics to Ford Explorer Platinum’s audio system to transform the listening experience to be among the finest in the world.”
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Sony Premium Audio Console
Clear Phase audio technology optimizes the sound stage inside of the 2016 Ford Explorer Platinum that made the music sound as if it was coming from standing in a concert venue. Every instrument is located in its proper place, and vocals are forward sounding instead of being lost or distorted. I wish I had brought along my 5th Element movie soundtrack along.
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Sony Premium Audio Zones
The high-end Sony Audio System is a perfect fit for the new Explorer Platinum edition, which takes the attributes of Explorer Sport and the Limited series to what luxury buyers want. The home audio sound quality and craftsmanship standards certainly rival the most premium home furnishings. Being enveloped with fine leather and surround sound made my travels around the Canadian Rockies fun.
2016 Ford Explorer Sony Audio Side Panel Speakers
Machined aluminum and real ash wood appliqués can be seen on door panels and around the instruments of the Platinum edition Explorer. The wood and leather-wrapped heated steering wheel showcases precision stitching that matches what is used throughout.
2016 Ford Explorer Dash
Nirvana leather, yes that is a real thing, wraps the instrument panel, armrests, quilted door bolsters and upper door trim. A large 10-inch digital display is part of the instrument cluster supported with analog readouts. Clarity in easy-to-read information display along with subtle leather allow for a luxurious and a stress-free ride.
The standard smart technology in this full-size SUV worked well in many instances. Active park assist helped when backing up on boat ramps in several places to get the right Instagram photo. The Explorer Platinum’s lane-keeping system helped to keep us on course while traversing tight roads on and off of the Trans-Canadian highway. Rain-sensing wipers rescued us effortlessly when driving in moderate to heavy rain.
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Explore More Trip
The standard dual-panel moonroof was awesome to look through and see Canada’s wilderness above us. This gave all three rows of passengers a fresh scenic-outlook and increased enjoyment for every row of seating. The bold 20-inch wheels gave it a premium exterior look that people ogled over as I found parking at many of the Canadian excursion lookout points.
Increased visibility at night was achieved through the Explorer Platinum’s bright glow of LED headlamps’ lighting surrounds, which gave us better visibility to our winding drive in the mountains and through the woods to our destinations.
2016 Ford Explorer Platinum Johnson Lake Canada
Adventure seeking drivers can spend more time enjoying the path to their destination in the technology-driven Ford Explorer Platinum edition. Luxurious appointments and a generous interior will make sure every new turn is as fun as the first in America’s top-selling SUV for 25 years.