One of the more interesting products from Bowers & Wilkins is the Zeppelin. Introduced first in 2007 as an iPod dock/speaker with a unique “zeppelin” shaped design, the loudspeaker was one of the first of its kind in the premium tabletop audio space and has remained in the lineup for 16 years.
Improvements have been made throughout the years, and in 2015, the Zeppelin dropped its iPod dock features and became a full-fledged wireless streaming speaker.
Features
Core features of the current iteration of the Zeppelin include:
- Bluetooth Support: Ver 5.0., aptX Adaptive, AAC, SBC
- AirPlay 2 Compatibility: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch with iOS 11.4 or later, Apple TV 4K or Apple TV (4th Generation) with tv OS 11.4 or later, Mac or PC with iTunes 12.8 or later
- Bowers & Wilkins Music App with Deezer, Qobuz, and TIDAL support
- Additional Streaming Support: Spotify Connect
- Speaker Complement:
- 2 x 25mm (1”) Double dome tweeters
- 2 x 90mm (3 1⁄2”) FST midrange
- 1x 150mm (6”) Subwoofer
- Frequency Response: 35Hz to 24kHz
- Amplifier Power Output: 240W
- Additional Audio Support: Digital Signal Processing, Dynamic EQ
Upgraded Multi-room
Bowers & Wilkins has added multi-room capability and new streaming services including Amazon Music, Amazon Music HD and Pandora (available in North America only). The new version, along with all compatible Zeppelins, will now benefit from extended multi-room compatibility with both the Panorama 3 and the Formation wireless speakers.
This allows Bowers & Wilkins users to seamlessly connect and configure their in-home wireless speaker system, all easily set up and controlled via the Bowers & Wilkins Music app for ultimate convenience.
The McLaren Connection
Bowers & Wilkins has announced both a McLaren Edition and a 60th-anniversary limited-production version of the Zeppelin to celebrate McLaren and Bruce McLaren’s legacy with a Galvanic Grey and Papaya Orange finish.
Tip: Bowers & Wilkins has previously partnered with McLaren on a special edition of the Px8 Headphones and the sound system for the McLaren 750S Supercar.
The limited-edition Zeppelin features racing livery-inspired colors, including a vibrant orange finish, giving the Zeppelin’s silhouette an even more distinctive aesthetic, while a Speedy Kiwi on the rear of the product pays homage to Bruce McLaren’s pioneering vision.
Since 2015, Bowers & Wilkins has been responsible for the development of the high-performance audio systems found in McLaren Automotive’s supercars and hypercars. The partnership is built on firm technical foundations while being rooted in both brands’ shared values of delivering the highest levels of performance possible.
Most recently, Bowers & Wilkins has worked with McLaren’s design and engineering teams to create and optimize the audio system found on the company’s latest supercar – the McLaren 750S. Like its predecessors, the 750S features the latest speaker technologies, developed in Southwater, home to the Bowers & Wilkins research and development team since 2019, and only 30 miles from the McLaren Technology Centre in Woking.
From Dan Shepherd, VP of Licensing & Partnerships for Bowers & Wilkins: “I am thrilled to introduce the latest addition to our expanding product portfolio developed in collaboration with our partners at McLaren Automotive. The Zeppelin McLaren Edition joins the highly successful Px8 McLaren Edition, creating a uniquely appealing and innovative wireless product range that I’m sure will find eager buyers amongst both fans of McLaren and fans of Bowers & Wilkins alike.”
Price & Availability
The Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin McLaren Edition is available today (October 11, 2023) for $899 at bowerswilkins.com, while the limited-edition 60th Anniversary model is available only from select McLaren dealerships.
The regular Zeppelin is available in Midnight Gray or Pearl Gray for $799 at Amazon.
Zeppelin Through the Years
2021: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Gets The Led Out For The Streaming Age
2015: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Wireless Speaker
2011: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Air iPod Speaker Dock
2008: Bowers & Wilkins Zeppelin Is Named Best Of Innovations 2008 Design And Engineering Award Winner
