What cars use Bose suspension?
In short, there are no production cars that publicly market a Bose-branded suspension system as of 2024. Bose Corporation is renowned for its audio systems and cabin electronics, not for mass-market suspension hardware. While the company has experimented with automotive suspension concepts in the past, no Bose-suspension system has been offered as a standard option on a production vehicle.
That context matters because Bose’s influence in cars has historically centered on sound and cabin comfort rather than chassis engineering. Researchers and industry watchers have noted Bose’s exploration of active suspension ideas and collaboration with carmakers, but these efforts did not culminate in a widely sold Bose-branded suspension. Today, ride quality in most vehicles is achieved through systems developed by automakers or third-party suppliers focused on dampers, air springs, and control software, rather than a Bose-sold suspension unit.
Where Bose fits into automotive tech
Bose’s primary impact in the automotive world has been acoustic excellence. The company has supplied premium audio systems, noise-reduction technologies, and interior acoustics solutions designed to improve the overall in-cabin experience. While these amenities can subtly influence perceived ride comfort—by reducing road noise and enhancing sound quality—Bose has not sold a standalone suspension platform for vehicles.
What does modern suspension look like in production cars?
Contemporary ride quality is driven by a blend of adaptive dampers, air suspension, and sophisticated vehicle dynamics software. Rather than a Bose-branded solution, automakers and suppliers offer technologies such as magnetic or adaptive dampers, electronically controlled suspension modules, and air-spring systems. Prominent examples include:
- Adaptive dampers that adjust stiffness in real time to road conditions and driving style
- Air suspension systems that can raise or lower ride height for comfort or performance
- Manufacturer- or supplier-developed suspension architectures that combine multi-link layouts with active control
These technologies are marketed under the automaker’s own branding or under independent names from suppliers, and they are not associated with Bose as a suspension provider. For shoppers, this means evaluating ride quality through official model specifications and real-world test drives rather than seeking a Bose-suspension badge.
Bottom line
As of 2024, Bose suspension does not appear as a production feature on any mainstream vehicle. If you encounter references to Bose suspension, they’re typically historical, conceptual, or marketing-oriented rather than evidence of a sold product currently in use on road cars.
Summary
Bose remains a respected name in car audio and cabin acoustics, but there is no widely available production car that uses a Bose-suspension system. For a smooth ride, modern cars rely on adaptive dampers, air suspension, and advanced chassis control from various suppliers—none of which are Bose-branded suspension systems. prospective buyers should focus on the specific suspension technologies offered by each vehicle rather than seeking a Bose-branded option.
Which cars have MagneRide suspension?
Many performance and luxury cars use magnetic suspension, including the Chevrolet Corvette, Cadillac CTS-V, Ford Mustang GT350/GT500, Chevrolet Silverado, and various models from Audi, Ferrari, and Lamborghini. Brands like Land Rover and Acura also offer it on some of their vehicles, such as the Land Rover Range Rover Evoque and Acura NSX.
You can watch this video to learn how the magnetic suspension system works in a Porsche: 58sThe ShellYouTube · Dec 19, 2023
Examples by manufacturer
- Cadillac: Available on most modern Cadillac models, including the CT4, CT5, and Escalade.
- Chevrolet: Found on the Corvette, Camaro SS and ZL1, Silverado, and Tahoe/Suburban.
- Ford: Standard on the Mustang Shelby GT350 (2015–2020) and GT500 (2020–2022), and the 2024 Mustang Dark Horse.
- Audi: Featured on models like the TT and R8.
- Ferrari: Used on models such as the 599, California, and La Ferrari.
- GMC: Available on the Sierra and Yukon.
- Land Rover: Offers the technology on the Discovery Sport and Range Rover Evoque.
Key takeaways
- What it is: Magnetic suspension uses a special fluid with magnetic particles that can change viscosity (thickness) when an electric current is applied. This allows the system to rapidly and constantly adjust the stiffness of the suspension for a balance of comfort and handling.
- Benefits: It provides a smoother ride by reacting to road imperfections in real-time and improves handling by keeping the vehicle stable during turns and braking.
- Availability: While initially a feature for high-end sports cars due to its cost, it is now found on a wider range of performance and luxury vehicles, as well as some trucks and SUVs.
This video explains how the magnetic suspension system works in a Porsche: 43sCNETYouTube · Feb 3, 2016
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.
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.
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.
