McLaren Unveils Limited-Edition Zeppelin Speaker

Renowned premium speaker designer, Bowers & Wilkins, has unveiled its latest masterpiece in collaboration with the world-famous British luxury auto maker, McLaren. The aptly named Zeppelin McLaren Edition pays homage to a six-decade legacy of high-quality craftsmanship and innovation between the two iconic brands.

Bowers & Wilkins has a storied history with its Zeppelin speaker, with its sleek, distinctive design that has drawn comparisons to airships or even footballs, depending on the beholder’s perspective. To underscore the enduring success of this speaker series, it’s noteworthy that Yanko Design once reviewed an early Zeppelin model, originally conceived as a dock for the inaugural iPod Touch.

The Zeppelin McLaren Edition takes this legacy to new heights, donning a Galvanic Grey and Papaya Orange color scheme. The Papaya Orange hue, emblematic of McLaren, was designated by the visionary McLaren designer Anna-Louise Clough back in 1967. This distinctive edition marks yet another chapter in the ongoing collaboration between the two prestigious brands.

McLaren’s quest for audio excellence is no secret. In 2022, we marveled at the breathtaking B&W Px8 McLaren Edition headphones, piquing our appetite for more co-designed products. McLaren has entrusted Bowers & Wilkins with crafting audio systems for their supercars since 2015, solidifying their partnership’s legacy.

The Zeppelin McLaren Edition is not just a speaker; it’s a collector’s item of sheer opulence. Priced at $899, this exclusive piece serves as a tribute to McLaren’s remarkable 60-year journey. Regrettably, it seems only 60 fortunate souls will have the opportunity to possess this exquisite creation. Although officially available through the Bowers & Wilkins website, securing one may now be a fleeting dream for many.

For those who may have missed out on this limited masterpiece, a silver lining exists. Bowers & Wilkins offers a regular Zeppelin wireless smart speaker on their official website for $799, with all the same exceptional internals. Featuring “Double Dome tweeters, FST midrange drivers, and a potent subwoofer,” this speaker boasts a 24-bit audio resolution, delivering audio with unparalleled clarity and precision, especially when playing analog or lossless formats. It also provides support for AirPlay 2 and Bluetooth aptX Adaptive, along with onboard apps for popular streaming services like Spotify Connect, Deezer, and Last.FM.

The Zeppelin McLaren Edition is available now, but the window of opportunity may be swiftly closing. The method of distribution remains somewhat enigmatic, leaving many to wonder if they will be among the fortunate few to acquire this unique piece through the online store. It’s not improbable that, unless you secured your Zeppelin McLaren Edition, you might soon be scouring platforms like eBay or Craigslist, albeit at a substantially higher price.