Autos with stock awsome sound systems; Recomend?

I have been lucky enough to spend some time with an Audi A8 equipped with the Bang & Olufsen "advanced sound system", and it is by far the best audio system I've ever heard in a car, period . . . whether stock or aftermarket/custom. Too bad the car is simply way out of my budget.

The thing I hate the most about most car sound systems is that they're abnormally bass-heavy, and you can do very little with the tone controls to improve matters. The bass also usually seems "late" or "behind the beat", depending on the program material. For some reason I associate this with the Bose 'house sound', but they are by no means the only or even the worst offenders . . . I have even heard some Bose car systems that I liked OK.

The 'premium' system in my wife's new Mini is especially bad in this department. It's really too bad because it sounds nice otherwise . . . and it would only take a single band of parametric EQ to fix it.

I like Levinson system in my Lexus. A friend just bought a BMW and the sound system there is on par.

I have been lucky enough to spend some time with an Audi A8 equipped with the Bang & Olufsen "advanced sound system", and it is by far the best audio system I've ever heard in a car, period . . . whether stock or aftermarket/custom.

I second that. Too bad is sooo expensive. The tweeter towers popping up from the dashboard are awesome.

The other excellent system I have heard is a Naim system in my neighbour's Bentley Continental GT Speed.

Mark Levinson systems that can be found in variuos Lexus models are all overrated IMO (heard one in LS460 and SC), although still better than bose from my Audi, whcih is a complete crap.

(I'm a former car audio "Pro 600" champion and GASCA - German Auto Sound Challenge Association judge).

Thanks for all the input. I reckon we'll take a cd along with us on the test ride. That way we can drown out the car salesman in the back seat trying to hawk his way into our pocketbook. Of course we could always test drive a 2 seater...
-John

Stock systems - especially the dreaded "optional" upgraded systems - are grossly overpriced regardless of how good they are. You can likely build a better system on the aftermarket for less money. Just something to consider.