Sundays at Salon Privé 2025

Salon Privé, widely considered the UK’s most prestigious luxury automotive event held at Blenheim Palace in Oxfordshire, is in its 20th year. The organisers clearly wanted to make this anniversary edition special. Vintage and classic cars sit alongside modern supercars. Prototypes and some of the world’s rarest and most desirable cars were also on show. We went along to see if audio was represented. Although not prevalent, we discovered several cars with audio upgrades onboard.

Bentley

The newly introduced Automotive Gallery marked the show’s anniversary, hosting many prestigious manufacturers. McLaren and Aston Martin both showcased new models -the McLaren Artura Spider and the Aston Martin Vanquish. Both vehicles feature sound systems carrying Bowers and Wilkins badges. It was impossible to get a demonstration, so we continued across to look at a Bentley Continental GT Azure.

Bentley’s Azure range was created with the wellbeing of their luxury customers in mind, inviting their clients to step into a personalised environment, with a focus on the quality of sound. This Continental GT Azure featured the optional £5,000 Bang & Olufsen's lifestyle-oriented audio system.

Given this billing, I was eager to take a seat and listen. A representative invited me in and streamed “Own It” by Stormzy, a song I know. I felt a significant disconnect between the soundstage and my position in the driver’s seat. The song features strong bass notes. Stormzy’s vocals are very low, but I couldn’t hear the tonality of the bass.  This Bang & Olufsen system is a noticeable step up from a base audio system. However, I wanted a bit more fro the cost of the upgrade.

Twisted

A name that caught my attention on the exhibitor list was Twisted. 

I knew I was in for a treat, as their commitment to quality is well-known. It’s no surprise they use both Audison and Hertz aftermarket audio equipment to deliver an unmatched sound experience, as standard. Salon Privé was the exclusive unveiling of their Special Project No. 251, a classic Range Rover in Twisted’s signature yellow. I was cordially greeted and offered a demonstration.

‘Always Remember Us This Way” by Lady Gaga blew me away. I didn’t have it turned up very loud, but it didn’t need to be. it was quite easy to pick out the piano, the bass guitar, as well as the acoustic and electric guitars. The audio system, paired with the track, created a rare intimacy within the show - turning the Range Rover into a private concert space.

Lunaz Designs

Moving outside of the Gallery, we found Lunaz Designs. Specialists in electrified reimaginings of classic cars, Lunaz had three of their recent commissions on display, including an electric 1950s Rolls-Royce. Founder David Lorenz invited me to experience the car first-hand.  He played “I Remember” by Maribou State. This song is a hybrid of live instruments and electronic layers. I felt immersed in the song, as the soundstage played right in front of me, despite the Prima coaxial speakers being installed low down in the doors. The sound was well-balanced, with the bass not overpowering the song. Lunaz Designs clearly demonstrate that Classic cars can seamlessly accommodate modern audio without compromise.

CALLUM Designs

Having seen Audison Prima and VOCE speakers installed in the “Wood and Pickett” Mini by CALLUM at Goodwood Festival of Speed, I had to have a demonstration. A reinterpretation of the classic British Mini, CALLUM, working alongside Wood and Pickett, has brought a well-loved icon into the 21st century, with the first “Wood and Pickett” Mini being for David Gandy.

John Whately, from Wood and Pickett, was on hand to demonstrate the audio. He chose “Bloodline” by Alex Warren and Jelly Roll. This powerful and emotive song, draws you into the music. The guitar and banjo are at the core and even with further instrumentation in the chorus, I could still pick these instruments out. The Prima and Voce speakers did a brilliant job.

Final Thoughts

Salon Privé 2025 reminded us why it remains one of the UK’s most significant automotive events. What stood out to us was how present audio has become in the language of luxury. It is no longer an afterthought for brands like Twisted and CALLUM. It’s an important detail. At this level, cars are about more than getting from A to B – The journey is as important as the destination, and there is nothing like god quality listening to enhance the experience.

Top Five Tunes:

II Remember - Maribou State

Remember Us This Way - Lady Gaga (Shallow)

Small Change - Don West

Bloodline - Alex Warren with Jelly Roll

Own It - Stormzy ft. Ed Sheeran