I am a freak about noise, vibration and harshness, especially when it comes to my big, comfy, luxurious saloon. I thought my 2018 S560 was a pretty quiet car, but I couldn’t help thinking that it could have been—and SHOULD have been—even quieter. Enter my new 2020 S560, which I just got the other day and which has only 90 some miles on it so far.

From the moment I first fired this car up, taking it for the test drive before I signed all the papers, I could both hear and feel that something was different and in a very positive way. All sound entering the cabin is highly reduced, including engine noise. The sound of passing traffic on roads and even on our notorious So. California freeways is substantially muffled, compared to the 2018. The two cars are identically optioned, but this new car has the Burmester 3D Sound system. I am wondering: If, when you pop for this $6,400.00 option, might they put in additional insulation to make the cabin as quiet as an empty concert hall? I doubt that is the case, I just think that somewhere between the times when my early 2018 and my very late 2020 were produced, changes were made to the insulation, the door seals, etc. and BOY, am I ever tickled with the results! AND.........I haven’t even swapped out the run flats yet! That happens next week.

Streamliner, What tires do you plan to install if I may ask?

My favorite tires are the Bridgestone QuietTrack tires. These are the replacements for the Serenity Plus line, which was discontinued a year or two ago. Over the years, I have had many sets of these and they are SO soft riding and near silent. I just LOVE these tires. It was part of the deal, that the dealer would swap the tires out.

It would seem so, Captain.

Use a decimeter and ensure you've controlled all variables (weather, speed, road).

I think this is too good to be true.

I wonder if they have active noise cancellation in the 3D system. I don't have the 3D audio but my 2019 is very quiet- more so than my 2015, but I haven't been in a car with the upgraded audio to compare...

Unfortunately, I have no reading from the 2018 to compare it to. That said, my wife—who pays virtually zero attention to the sounds a car produces—has noticed that the new car is much quieter.

I know nothing about noise cancellation technology. If the system had it, would it only function when the audio system was turned on, or would it be doing its thing all the time?

Yes, all the time.

But only when the ignition is turned on, I would imagine. I just drove the car, stopped on very busy Pacific Coast Hwy, picked up lunch and when I got back into the car, traffic was roaring by and when the soft close feature pulled the door closed, it was as if an “air lock” in a diving bell had closed. This was with the ignition off. I am very impressed with this 2020 model so far.

Darn. Sorry to confirm you don't have your 2018 anymore?

This is a geeks dream to be able to rest and compare!

I turned the 2018 S560 in when I picked up the 2020.

It is interesting since I'm on the same shoe as you. Had an 18 and just got my 2020 S560. I can hear more engine noise inside the cabin than my 2018, so generally, the cabin of my 2020 is noisier than my 2018. I have already talked to the dealer. They said Mercedes changed some components and software for the 2020 engines!

That is interesting. Does your new car have the 3D sound? Did the 2018 have it?

I don't have 3D on my 2020. Also didn't have it on my 2018.

If you guys bought a s63 , would you expect total silence or hear the engine growl? I will say tires make a big difference, just took off Continentals , and replaced with Michelin Pilot sports 4 , big difference in road noise with new tires being much quieter , and ride improved much more than Continental tires. I also have 3 d sound and no difference there What brand tires do the2020 come with ?

It should be the other way around, really...

Mine came with Pirelli. I switched the Pirelli on my 2018 with Michelin Pilot Super Sport and honestly wasn’t happy with the road noise. The ride quality was improved but believe it or not the Pirelli RFT are quarter than Michelin !

I would expect that in an S63, one would hear much more in the way of engine noise. Of course, to S63 guys, I’m sure it’s “music” to their ears. Glad you guys enjoy these AMG cars, but I wouldn’t choose one even if they were the same price as my S560.

Since ride quality and a hushed cabin are extremely important to me, as on my 2018, I ordered my 2020 S560 With 18” wheels and it came with Continental tires, as shown here. Look at the depth of those sidewalls! Just what the doctor ordered to soak up road imperfections. I must say that I am impressed with the constant improvement in run flat tire technology, as these tires are quite comfortable. That said, I know that the Bridgestone QuietTrack tires will be even more comfortable and much quieter. Can’t wait!

One would certainly think so.

Well then perhaps the speculations about the 3D Sound might be right. Having that option may include additional insulation and/or, the 3D system might include noise cancellation tech. That said, if those things are present, wouldn’t we think MB would tout them in the option description of the 3D?

I did some looking in EPC at the various paneling and lining categories for the S560 and did not find any additional insulation or damping associated with the High-End 3D system. Obviously there are differences in trim pieces and the rear deck, but I couldn't find any parts associated with the 3D option code that are clearly for noise reduction.

Both the standard Burmester and the Burmester High-End 3D sound systems feature something Mercedes calls VNC or "vehicle noise compensation" which seems to be just equalization to compensate for the spectrum of the vehicle's noise, not active noise cancellation. This shouldn't account for any differences that you've heard.

Michelin PSS is a sporty tire, meaning it gives a stiff ride because it prioritizes handling over comfort. I also had PSS before and removed them very quickly because the ride was too stiff.

What did you end up putting on for your S class after Michellin?

They constantly make little improvements here and there, my guess is thats what it is. I found all the 2020 S560s I've driven to be very quiet. Where they really excel compared to my Lexus is in isolation from road noise and engine noise.