Is that upgrade worth $4550 over the standard Burmester sound system? Anyone had a chance to compare?

I've been wondering this myself. But I heard from someone that the base Burmester is not as good as the HK in the previous MY GLS550 so I ended up ordering a 580 with it. I don't have a 450 with the base Burmester but I'll be able to experience how good it is in a few days hopefully. My GLS seems to be stuck on VPC Ready since the 8th...

The standard Burmester has less powerful amps compared to the previous generation HK. It also doesn't have a dedicated sub woofer like the previous generation HK. So it doesn't sound as nice as the HK. The 3D Burmester is a bit better than the previous gen HK and current gen base burmester. But I'm not sure it's nearly $5k better.

I have listened to both side by side on the dealer lot. I'm no audiophile, but can tell the difference between the two and to me, it wasn't worth the cost. I wish they would have a system similar to the previous gen HK for about $1k or so.
I decided to get a few other options I normally wouldn't get (like massage seats) instead of 3D Burmester

Thanks for the info. It's reassuring to know that I made the right choice with the upgrade.

Do you know how it performes compared to the outgoing B&O system?

That's what I'm curious about as well, how does it stack up to the B&O? Given how they cost about the same, as I assumed it would be at least as good, but based on what you said it doesn't sound like that is the case.

I had the base Burmester in my 2017 S63 cabriolet, and it was fair to poor. If you pull out the grills, you’ll see it uses MB speakers. I got the high end Burmester in my 2019 S63, and it sounded great, but was an amazing $6400. B&O, Naim, and Mark Levinson sound systems are better than either.

Same with me. My 580 has been stuck in Vance VBC since the 6th. Dealer doesn't know why. I suspect the roof spoiler, did you spec that option?

I don't know how the B&O system sounds in the previous gen. Never tested it.

Thank you for the info anyways. Appreciated. At least I can feel better about speccing it.

Im going off topic here but yeah mine's at the Baltimore VPC. It initially said VPC Delayed on the 7th, and then became VPC Ready on the 8th, but no carrier assignment or ETA. Weird. I didn't spec the roof spoiler. Here's my build sheet so maybe you can compare to see what the commonalities are and just maybe it's one of those items that is causing the delay?

Well, that’s interesting not only for the huge number of options they have these days, but that you got both of them together.So the DOG is in error. No surprise there.

I compared both on the dealer's lot. The standard Burmester sounded good, and the Burmester High End 3D Surround Sound system sounded better. But is it worth $4550? My GLS 450 is very new and I haven't driven it too much yet, but I would have to say that it is not worth the extra money. If you are an audiophile that may take drives long enough to experience the nuances the upgrade purports to provide, then you might be happy shelling out the extra money. As I say, there is a difference in quality, but I don't think it's worth $4550.

Friends any one else have the 3d system? Any additional inputs from anyone or verdict after using it? I am in s serious dilemma as in Canada its worth 7000$ but i really like good sound. Thanks

I don’t know about in the GLS, I’m lurking here looking for the wife’s new ride. I do have it in my MY19 E63S and think it’s worth it. I will say the system sounds better as the speakers break in more. Bass gets deeper and more responsive as the speakers get some hours on them. Long story short the system sound good on the lot, but better after a couple months. It sounds better than the B&O 3D that was in my MY16 Audi S6.

Don't have it, but note that you lose the spare tire with the 3D system. That's a big compromise in my book.

Hi!
I don’t have it yet but I have listened in a GLE and I think it was awesome. I have only tried the base Burmester in the GLS and it was ok but not as good as I remember the 3D...
My order is with the 3D but it is expected to be built on Friday and delivered in April/May...

if you like to listen to a lot of music and have a good set at home and can afford it, go for it! That was how I did.

After listing to the standard Burmester system, I would recommend the 3D system. I guess, any update to the standard system will be better than the standard Burmester. I am compacting the standard Burmester with the upgraded sound system I had in my previous SUV.

Where is that screenshot from? The wording in the latest Feb 9 order guide is slightly different.

I ordered the 3D Burmester after listening to both quickly on a dealer's lot. It sounded clearly better but after taking delivery of my GLS, I questioned whether it was worth the upgrade. I've had it now about a month, and I'm enjoying it more and more, especially on longer trips that I take about twice a month, and also with the Acoustic Comfort Package the testers lacked, since so much outside road noise has been nearly eliminated. The Burmester sound system is now given a chance to shine. Definitely worth it in retrospect. I'm lovin' it.

It was from one timestamped 2/9 at the top, but must have been an older one. Same net result; TireFit instead of a spare.



In even older DOGs this was not mentioned. It appears the change was made 11/7/19.

Compared both recently, the 3D burmester is definitely better but not $4500 better. No way. I’ll probably say worth about $1000 more .

I and others have posted lots about Burmester vs 3D in the S-Class forum here. Check it out, but basically Burmester is a bad deal no matter which one you choose.

Hi all,
what options of the HK system is available for the 2020 GLA? Is there an option for something better then the Logic 7 system?

perhaps you did! Just took the deliver of our 2022 GLS 450 with standard Burmester. It is way inferior compared to the 2017 GLS HK that we traded in… big disappointment🤨

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