Dolby Atmos, renowned for its spatial audio technology, which has become synonymous with high-end sound experiences in theaters and luxury vehicles, is now making its way into more budget-friendly options. Hyundai’s new Elexio EV, an SUV currently exclusive to the Chinese market, will be equipped with Dolby Atmos audio. This move marks a shift, as the Elexio EV is priced between RMB 119,800 and 149,800, approximately $16,800 to $21,000, a far cry from the typically more expensive vehicles that traditionally feature this technology.

While luxury cars like those from Mercedes-Benz, Rivian, Cadillac, and Lucid often include Dolby Atmos as part of an upscale package, Hyundai is setting a new standard by offering it across all trim levels of the Elexio as a standard feature. The vehicle comes with six speakers, with the option to upgrade to eight with an external amplifier. Although this setup doesn’t compare to the numerous speakers found in some luxury vehicles, the inclusion of Dolby Atmos promises a richer audio experience, making daily commutes or long waits in traffic more enjoyable.

Additionally, Hyundai’s Elexio will support streaming services like Kugou Music and iQIYI, allowing passengers to enjoy music, films, and dramas in Dolby Atmos, effectively turning the car into a mobile entertainment hub. However, it’s important to remember to keep your eyes on the road and not on screen activities. This development raises the question: Is this the dawn of Dolby Atmos becoming more widely accessible? Having personally experienced Atmos in various vehicles, there’s hope this trend will continue, though, as of now, there’s no indication of similarly affordable Dolby Atmos-equipped cars expanding beyond China.