The Pi8 platform in an edition connected to McLaren.
Its difference from Pi8 lies in the collaboration-led design.
The single Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 McLaren Edition product contains two earbuds and a case. The 12 mm Carbon Cone drivers, 24-bit processing, noise cancellation and connection features remain those of Pi8. The edition reflects work with McLaren Automotive and the Formula 1 team; it is not a new driver platform or a longer-lasting battery version.
Key features
- McLaren edition of Pi8 with 12 mm Carbon Cone drivers
- Bluetooth 5.4, aptX Lossless and Adaptive, multipoint, ANC, three mics per side
- Case retransmits audio from USB-C or 3.5 mm analogue input
- Up to 6.5 hours with ANC plus 13.5 from case; wireless or USB-C charging
- Five-band EQ with TrueSound; IP54 earbuds weighing 7 g each
Shared functions
Bluetooth 5.4 supports aptX Lossless and Adaptive alongside the other listed codecs, with multipoint. Five-band EQ and TrueSound offer app adjustment. Three microphones per earbud serve calls and ANC. The case can retransmit audio received over USB-C or a 3.5 mm analogue connection to the earbuds wirelessly.
Battery and use
Battery life reaches 6.5 hours with ANC plus another 13.5 hours from the case. Charging is via USB-C or wireless; 15 minutes yields up to 2 hours. Each IP54 earbud weighs 7 g. These figures match Pi8, making the McLaren collaboration and design the reason to choose this edition.
Against Pi6, the technical steps are Carbon Cone drivers, aptX Lossless, a more detailed EQ and audio retransmission from the case. Between Pi8 and Pi8 McLaren Edition, the principal specifications coincide. Decide whether the aim is a different set of functions or this interpretation of the same platform.
