Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Audio Boost for Repeat Gainesville Client

One of our clients recently returned to Sound Depot and Performance for the next stage in upgrading her 2016 Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 audio system. In the previous stage, we upgraded her speakers and added an amplifier to make the system sound better and play louder. We had installed a pre-fabricated subwoofer enclosure to fill in the bottom end. Now the client wanted something significantly more unique for her subwoofer system, so we started to design the system you see here.

Custom Subwoofer Enclosure

Patience and precision are required for upholstery work.

The trim pieces begin to be upholstered once all the fabrication is complete.

A test-fit to make sure everything fits before final installation.

The enclosure and amplifier pod look like a high-end audio upgrade that Mercedes-Benz would offer.

Grooves were machined into the front of the enclosure to compliment similar shapes found in the doors.

The subwoofer enclosure would be home to a pair of JL Audio 12W6v3-D4 subwoofers. We designed and built the subwoofer enclosure based on JL’s tried-and-true design information. The enclosure offers excellent efficiency and lots of low-frequency output. We placed the slot ports together in the center of the enclosure.

To give the enclosure a unique look, we created a front trim panel using three MDF rings. The outside rings trim the subwoofers while the third ring, mounted at an angle, covers the vents. We molded the trim rings into the face of the enclosure and to the sides of the trunk. Once we finished the fabrication, we wrapped the trim panel in black vinyl. The finishing touch on the front trim panel was a large Mercedes-Benz star emblem – similar to the one of the front grille of the vehicle. We mounted the emblem to a pressed mesh grille that fits into the center ring.

We used our router to machine grooves into the rear trim panel of the enclosure. The angle of the grooves matches the stitching on the door cards. Picking up on stylistic accents in the vehicle can have a dramatic effect on how the system blends with the rest of the interior.

Floating Amp Rack

The mounting pod for the amplifiers is designed to have a think layer of silver to complete the theme of the front display.

A custom piece of Plexiglass was etched to highlight the amplifier rack.

The mounting pod for the amplifiers mimics the factory information display.

During the design of the enclosure, we came up with the idea of mimicking the ‘tablet’ look of the factory infotainment center display. Angled into the top of the enclosure is a stack-fab constructed rack that is home to a pair of JL Audio XD600/1v2 amplifiers. The top and bottom pieces of the rack have a ½-inch rounder over to enhance the floating look. We cut a piece of plexiglass and painted the edge silver. This accent picks up on the design of the dash display pod.

We covered the amps with a piece of Plexiglass that has an AMG logo etched into it. Red LED lighting inside the amp rack illuminates the logo once the sun sets and mimics the lighting we added to the remainder of the vehicle interior.

We upgraded the AudioControl OEM audio interface to a JL Audio FiX86 processor. This processor removes the factory equalization and time alignment from the signal coming out of the factory amplifier. This processor improves the sound of the system.

Under-vehicle Lighting

The interior modifications are now complete, we previously upgraded the interior lighting.

In the previous stage of this project, we added LED lighting to the interior of the vehicle. During this visit, we added LED lighting underneath the vehicle. We used RGB LED strips so the client can pick whatever color she wants using a hand-held controller.

Amazing Wheel and Tire Package

The Lexani wheels complete the package.

The client’s quest to make her vehicle unique turned next to the wheels. We replaced the stock wheels with custom-ordered Wraith wheels from Lexani. The wheels are painted gloss-black and have a subtle red pinstripe on the inner rim edge. We ordered a set of Mercedes-Benz center caps from the local dealer to top off the integrated styling theme of this project.

Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Audio System Is Just What the Client Wanted

The client dropped the truck off on a Monday morning and picked it up the following Saturday. She was anxious to hear the new subwoofer enclosure and see the wheels on the truck. She loved the way both looked, and the bass produced by the new enclosure was clean and effortless. Once we fabricated the custom amp rack and enclosure, it is safe to say there is no Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 like this anywhere else on the planet.

If you have an audio or accessory project in mind for your car, truck or boat, drop by Sound Depot and Performance in Gainesville, Florida. We would be happy to work with you to achieve your goal.

For more information about any of our products or services, contact us here.