McIntosh's first in-car audio system in two decades will be in a Jeep

McIntosh's first in-car audio system in two decades will be in a Jeep
(Image credit: McIntosh)

McIntosh is returning to in-car audio. The high-end hi-fi brand has signed an agreement with Jeep for one of its systems to appear in the upcoming Grand Wagoneer concept vehicle. It will be McIntosh's first in-car audio system in nearly two decades, and its first-ever 'automotive reference system'.

No specifics have been released as yet, but the system will apparently be "exclusively designed, and custom tuned to the vehicle’s luxurious cabin".

As implied in the teaser video below, the system promises to feature the trademark McIntosh blue lights and aluminium frames. Of course, we hope to hear the company's typical level of sound quality, too.

McIntosh's previous in-car systems include both OEM and aftermarket fittings. At the start of the century, it developed custom systems for Harley Davidson's special edition motorcycles, as well as the 100th anniversary edition of the Ford GT.

Since then, it has focused on its vast catalogue of home hi-fi systems. But last month, it announced a partnership with Sonus Faber – part of the McIntosh Group – and Alps Alpine, an OEM supplier of components and complete systems with more than 50 years of experience in the field.

Expect a full unveil of the Jeep Grand Wagoneer soon, along with more details on the McIntosh system inside.

MORE:

McIntosh and Sonus Faber announce car audio partnership

McIntosh C22 Mk V and MC1502 valve amplifiers replace anniversary designs

Burmester High-End 3D Surround Soundsystem (2019 Mercedes-Benz S-Class) review

What Hi-Fi?

What Hi-Fi?, founded in 1976, is the world's leading independent guide to buying and owning hi-fi and home entertainment products. Our comprehensive tests help you buy the very best for your money, with our advice sections giving you step-by-step information on how to get even more from your music and movies. Everything is tested by our dedicated team of in-house reviewers in our custom-built test rooms in London, Reading and Bath. Our coveted five-star rating and Awards are recognised all over the world as the ultimate seal of approval, so you can buy with absolute confidence.

Read more about how we test

Latest in Hi-Fi
Speaker, turntable, streamer and headphones on grey background
We've built an affordable, all-purpose hi-fi system for vinyl, streaming and even headphone fans
iFi Valkyrie in gold with a laptop
iFi's flagship iDSD Valkyrie DAC/amp teases cutting-edge tech for a sound that's worthy of Valhalla
JBL SA550 integrated amplifier
JBL SA550 Classic
Klipsch Heritage speakers in dark, warm lifestyle setting
Klipsch updates iconic Klipschorn and La Scala high-end speakers with new drivers and active crossover module
A WiiM streamer in action
We asked hi-fi engineers what makes a music streamer sound great – and it's about much more than just chipsets
iFi Zen Phono 3 phono stage
iFi Zen Phono 3
Latest in News
Sony WF-C710N earbuds lined up in different finishes
They’re official! Sony finally takes the wraps off its WF-C710N budget wireless earbuds
A flower on a TV screen with a gem in the middle.
TCL's new Mini LED TV range comes with huge brightness gains, reduced blooming and souped-up sound
Sony WH-1000XM4 on a table with a plant
Some of our favourite-ever five-star wireless headphones have plummeted to nearly half price – £172 off!
RCA Roku TV 24-inch (RK24HF1) small TV
My favourite kitchen TV has dropped to under £100 for Amazon Spring Deal Days
Sony XR-48A90K
Amazon has slashed the price of this five-star Sony OLED, but we have found an even better deal
Fiio FX17 in-ear headphones
Fiio's flagship in-ear headphones are packed full of drivers to put your music in pole position