I have never gone into car audio with the expectation it’ll be anywhere near home audio quality, for reasons many have stated. Especially as many of our home systems cost as much if not more than many cars entirely. If a car’s sound system is enjoyable for what it is, that’s what counts. I’ve felt lot of it falls on sources and EQ which some manufacturers provide more adjustment and flexibility than others.
My fiance’s Harmon Kardon in the X5 sounds much better than the Bose in my A6. My old A6 had Bose and in some ways, sounded better than my significantly newer one. Are either ’audiophile’ quality? Nope, but in 90% of my experience optional systems sound better than base systems. As should be expected. Is it worth the price? That’s up to the individual.