Gasgoo Munich- On September 22, Tesla announced an over-the-air audio update for select Model 3 and Model Y vehicles via its official Weibo account.
Image Source: Tesla
At the heart of the update is a proprietary smart audio algorithm that transforms standard two-channel music into a 360° surround-sound experience. Users must upgrade their infotainment system to version 2026.14.11 or later; on the Model Y L, the feature is branded "Immersive Sound X."
The rollout covers Model 3 Long Range All-Wheel Drive and Performance variants built from September 2023 onward. It also applies to Model Y Long Range All-Wheel Drive, Model Y L, and Performance All-Wheel Drive editions produced from February 2025. For the Model Y L specifically, a center speaker has been added beneath the second-row screen to sharpen the back-seat listening experience.
Under the hood, the algorithm splits stereo sources into direct and ambient sound. It channels the direct audio to the front row while routing ambient tones to the side and rear speakers — stitching them into a cohesive surround effect.
Tesla Vice President Grace Tao has noted previously that the company's audio system is entirely proprietary — spanning the algorithm, acoustic design, speaker layout, and tuning. Audio engineers join the project at the earliest design phases, weaving speaker placement deep into the vehicle's overall architecture.
