What cars have Bose suspension systems?
There are no widely sold production cars that feature a Bose-branded suspension system. Bose has historically focused on audio and related automotive technologies, and any attempts at a Bose suspension have remained experimental or limited to concept vehicles. This article explains the history, current status, and how suspension tech is typically implemented in modern cars.
Bose suspension: what it is and where it stands
Bose has explored the idea of an active or semi-active suspension system under its automotive research umbrella, aiming to improve ride comfort and handling by actively controlling damper response. However, these efforts have not led to a mass-market, Bose-branded suspension system in production vehicles.
Historical context and prototypes
In the 1990s and 2000s, Bose publicly showcased concepts and demonstrations of active suspension technology in collaboration with various automakers. These demonstrations were primarily intended as research showcases or design studies rather than production programs.
- Public demonstrations of Bose suspension concepts occurred during auto shows and in collaboration with unnamed automakers, highlighting potential ride-quality benefits.
- The efforts did not progress to production vehicles due to cost, reliability, and integration challenges with existing vehicle architectures.
- Bose subsequently shifted its automotive focus largely toward audio systems, acoustics, and related in-car technologies rather than bringing a Bose-branded suspension to market.
- Today, there is no confirmed, mass-market car model that ships with a Bose-branded suspension system.
In short, while Bose explored the technology ambitiously, it has not become a consumer-facing feature in cars as of today. Automakers continue to pursue suspension advancements through other suppliers and in-house systems.
What cars actually offer in suspension tech today
For drivers seeking advanced ride comfort and handling, modern vehicles typically rely on a variety of non-Bose solutions such as magnetic dampers, air suspension, and adaptive electronics. The following are representative examples of the types of systems you’ll encounter across today’s market, rather than a Bose-specific solution.
- Magnetic ride control (also known as Mag Ride) systems, used by several General Motors models and other brands, offering real-time dampening adjustments to improve both ride and responsiveness.
- Air suspension (AIRMATIC or similar) on many Mercedes-Benz models, Range Rover line, Bentley, and other luxury brands, providing ride-height adjustability and enhanced comfort.
- Adaptive/active dampers and suspension systems (BMW, Audi, Mercedes, Volvo, and others) that adjust damping in response to road conditions and driving dynamics.
- Electronic stability and active body control features that coordinate chassis movements for improved handling and comfort in various road scenarios.
These systems reflect how the industry commonly advances ride quality today—through a combination of sensors, actuators, and sophisticated control algorithms—without a Bose-branded suspension solution in production.
Bottom line
Despite decades of research and public demonstrations, there is no production car model that ships with a Bose suspension system. Bose’s automotive contributions have remained largely in the realm of audio, acoustics, and select concept work rather than a consumer-ready suspension offering. If you’re shopping for a smoother ride today, look to models with magnetic ride, air suspension, or adaptive dampers from established manufacturers rather than a Bose-suspension option.
Summary
Bottom line for readers: Bose does not currently supply a suspension system in mass-market cars. The suspension tech you’ll encounter on today’s roads comes from other manufacturers and suppliers, with options like magnetic dampers, air suspension, and adaptive dampers delivering the day-to-day ride improvements that drivers seek. Bose’s legacy in cars remains strongest in audio and cabin acoustics, not in production suspension systems.
Which car companies use Bose?
Many car brands, including Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet, Honda, Hyundai, Infiniti, Kia, Mazda, and Nissan, use Bose speakers in their vehicles, often as an optional or premium audio system. Porsche, and Volvo are other brands that have also collaborated with Bose for their audio systems.
- Buick: Uses custom Bose systems in models like the Regal.
- Cadillac: Features Bose systems in models such as the ATS, CT4, and XT5.
- Chevrolet: Offers Bose systems in models like the Corvette, Colorado, and Malibu.
- Honda: Collaborates with Bose for its vehicles, including the Pilot.
- Hyundai: Uses Bose systems in models like the Creta, Tucson, and Kona.
- Infiniti: Has a long-standing partnership with Bose, integrating their audio systems into most of its models.
- Kia: Incorporates Bose sound systems in models like the Seltos and Sorento.
- Mazda: Offers Bose audio, often found in higher trim levels like the Mazda3 and CX-60.
- Nissan: Features Bose systems across a wide range of its models, such as the Micra, Qashqai, and X-Trail.
- Porsche: Offers Bose systems, such as in the Macan and 718 Cayman.
- Volvo: Has a new collaboration with Bose.
Why don't cars use Bose suspension?
The answer is fairly simple: the system was too heavy and too expensive for commercial viability, although elements of the technology were used for the company's 'Bose Ride' seat for truck drivers.
What car has Bose suspension?
Lexus LS400 prototype
Amar Bose himself, the company's founder who had a hunch this tech would work, and the team showed off a working Lexus LS400 prototype in 2004.
Is Bose ride suspension still available?
In 2018 Bose sold its 'Magic Carpet' active suspension system to a company, which said it was slated to come out in a 'low volume' production vehicle in 2019 (and mass production in 2020).
