When it comes to the noise levels of modern vehicles, the sound produced by an engine can play a significant role in the overall driving experience. From the hum of electric motors to the growls of internal combustion engines, the auditory perception of a car can influence how comfortable and enjoyable a ride is. For some, a quiet cabin is a mark of luxury and refinement, while for others, the growl or roar of a powerful engine adds excitement to the experience. In this ranking, several cars are evaluated based on their noise levels, from engine sounds to wind and road noises. In this review, we’ll explore the vehicles that struggle most with engine noise, ranking them from tenth to sixth place.
The cars reviewed here include a mix of petrol, diesel, and electric models, each with its own characteristics regarding sound insulation, engine type, and driving experience. Noise levels are measured in “sone,” a unit of perceived loudness, to provide a quantitative view of how intrusive the sounds inside each car can be. Some vehicles manage to maintain a quiet and refined ride, while others, despite their performance capabilities, can be noisy and disruptive under certain conditions. Let’s dive into the specific noise-related challenges faced by each vehicle.
BMW 4 Series: The Engine Struggles
The BMW 4 Series delivers a smooth and refined ride on most occasions, particularly when cruising at constant speeds. The vehicle’s four-cylinder turbo engine operates with a surprising level of quietness under normal conditions, making for a pleasant driving experience. However, when acceleration is required, particularly at full throttle, the engine noise becomes considerably louder. While the engine’s sound is described as “lusciously sporty,” the volume exceeds what one might expect from a more refined luxury car, with the wind noise at high speeds intensifying the auditory experience. At the top speed of 250 km/h, the noise becomes quite overwhelming.
Despite its refined cruising capabilities, the BMW 4 Series struggles when it comes to noise during more demanding driving situations. The engine, while powerful enough, generates a significant amount of noise under load, which might be off-putting for those seeking a quieter ride. Additionally, the wind and road noise, particularly at high speeds, contribute to the vehicle’s overall noise profile. In terms of sound levels, the BMW ranks poorly in this category, with the wind noise at top speed being particularly loud. The interior of the 4 Series fares better at lower speeds, but the increase in noise levels during acceleration reduces its overall comfort.
Renault Zoe: Chirps Very Gently
The Renault Zoe, an electric vehicle, provides a relatively quiet driving experience in most situations. The characteristic sound of an electric motor is more noticeable at lower speeds, where the gentle hum of the engine mixes with the noise of the wind and the road. At 60 km/h, the sound is comparable to the noise produced by a tram, blending with the wind noise and the sound of loose gravel being thrown by the tires. As the speed increases, particularly at higher speeds, the wind noise becomes more prominent. With a maximum speed of just 135 km/h, the Zoe’s engine noise does not have the power to overwhelm the cabin at high speeds, but it still lacks the overall sound insulation that more powerful vehicles offer.
Despite its quieter electric engine, the Renault Zoe suffers from a higher level of road and wind noise compared to other cars on the list. The lack of an internal combustion engine means that the typical engine noise is absent, but other noises take its place, particularly the sound of tire noise and wind turbulence. Although the Zoe’s engine is relatively quiet, it still struggles with noise levels during high-speed driving. The interior of the car, however, remains relatively peaceful, with the wind and road noises being the dominant factors when it comes to the overall sound experience.
Fiat 500L: Two-Cylinder Rattle
The Fiat 500L, despite its small size, comes with a turbocharged two-cylinder engine. This engine, while small and efficient, generates a surprising amount of noise considering its size. At lower speeds, the engine produces a subtle, constant chatter, which can be somewhat noticeable, but it does not generate significant noise. Surprisingly, the noise level remains quite low even at 130 km/h, where the engine’s sound is barely audible compared to the wind noise. However, as the car reaches higher speeds, the wind noise becomes more pronounced, and the small engine’s inability to completely mask these sounds becomes evident.
In comparison to other small cars, the Fiat 500L excels in its ability to maintain a quiet ride despite the modest power output of its two-cylinder engine. The noise is not particularly intrusive during regular driving, but it does become more noticeable when cruising at high speeds, where wind and road noise can overwhelm the cabin. While the engine operates with relative quietness during normal driving conditions, its small size and limited power output mean that it can only handle so much when pushing the car to its limits. This results in a higher level of external noise penetrating the interior.
VW Golf: Only Grumbles When Accelerating
The VW Golf is well-known for its smooth and refined driving experience, and this extends to its handling of noise. The TDI diesel engine, while capable of generating a mild growl under load, is well insulated, making it barely audible when idling or cruising at lower speeds. It is only under acceleration or at higher speeds that the engine’s sound becomes more noticeable. The growl of the engine is subtle but increases when pushing the vehicle during acceleration. However, the overall sound experience in the Golf is quite pleasant, as wind and road noises do not overpower the cabin.
At 130 km/h, the Golf demonstrates an impressive level of sound insulation, with the engine noise remaining relatively low. Wind and rolling noise are the dominant sounds at higher speeds, but the TDI engine is well-insulated enough that its presence is not felt during normal cruising. The interior of the Golf remains calm, even at higher speeds, and the cabin is well-suited for conversation without the distraction of loud engine noise. This makes the Golf one of the quieter vehicles in its category, with its diesel engine only grumbling when necessary.
Ford C-Max: Mutters Quietly into Midfield
The Ford C-Max, equipped with a three-cylinder EcoBoost petrol engine, strikes a balance between performance and quietness. While the engine can be heard under load, particularly with the turbo assistance, it remains relatively restrained in terms of noise output. The car’s insulation plays a significant role in keeping noise levels low, even at higher speeds. The relatively low maximum speed of 190 km/h helps limit wind noise, ensuring that the cabin remains quiet even at faster speeds. On rougher surfaces like cobblestones, the car handles the noise well, keeping the interior relatively free from disruptive sounds.
Though the three-cylinder engine provides plenty of power for the Ford C-Max, it is the car’s sound insulation that ensures a pleasant auditory experience. Even when the engine is working hard, the noise remains muted, and the vehicle does not struggle with excessive sound levels during daily driving. However, as with the other vehicles, higher speeds and rough road surfaces introduce more noticeable road and wind noises. Nevertheless, the Ford C-Max manages to keep the overall noise levels within a comfortable range, making it a relatively quiet option in its class.
Opel Ampera: Electric Pioneer Allows Engine to Have Its Say
The Opel Ampera impresses with its electric motor’s quiet operation, delivering a serene driving experience when powered purely by electricity. Its acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h is virtually silent, making it one of the quietest vehicles on the market. The effective insulation ensures minimal intrusion from road and wind noise, contributing to a peaceful cabin environment. At constant speeds, the Ampera remains composed, with external noise barely penetrating the interior. This electric vehicle stands out for its ability to maintain a calm atmosphere, similar to that of luxury sedans.
However, the quietness of the Ampera is disrupted when the petrol engine, acting as a range extender, kicks in. This engine, although providing extended driving range, introduces noticeable noise, especially under load. When this occurs, the car’s previously serene acoustics give way to a more intrusive hum. Despite this, the Ampera’s overall noise levels remain commendable, with the electric motor offering near-perfect tranquility until the range extender is engaged. This vehicle demonstrates the potential of electric cars to combine quiet driving with practical range extensions.
Audi A3: Beautifully Discreet Engine
The Audi A3, equipped with a four-cylinder turbocharged engine, offers a refined driving experience with minimal engine noise. When idling or cruising, the engine remains almost silent, with only a subtle hum noticeable during acceleration. The vehicle’s excellent insulation ensures that even at higher speeds, the engine’s sound doesn’t penetrate the cabin. The A3’s performance is further enhanced by its quiet operation when driving over cobblestones or rough surfaces, where the tires provide minimal road noise. This combination of low engine and rolling noise positions the A3 as one of the more acoustically refined compact cars available.
Even under full load, the Audi A3 remains impressively quiet, making it a solid contender in this ranking. The turbocharged engine provides sufficient power without overwhelming the senses with noise, delivering a balanced acoustic profile. At higher speeds, wind and tire noise become more prominent, but they do not overshadow the otherwise peaceful cabin environment. For those seeking a compact car that excels in both performance and noise management, the Audi A3 delivers a refined driving experience with an emphasis on discretion and comfort.
Bentley Mulsanne: Whispers Quietly
The Bentley Mulsanne, a luxury vehicle with a powerful V8 twin-turbo engine, is designed to offer a whisper-quiet ride despite its performance capabilities. While the engine itself remains mostly subdued, it does make its presence known when pushed to its limits, with a noticeable roar at full acceleration. However, the Mulsanne excels in insulation, effectively blocking out road and wind noise, ensuring a quiet and comfortable journey. Even on cobblestones, the vehicle glides effortlessly, with minimal intrusion from the exterior environment. The interior remains calm, with only a slight hum from the wheel wells detectable at higher speeds.
Despite its incredible performance, the Mulsanne’s interior noise levels remain impressively low. The luxurious materials and engineering ensure that the vehicle provides a serene atmosphere for passengers, even during more spirited driving moments. While the engine’s sound becomes more audible during hard acceleration, it never becomes intrusive or unpleasant. The Bentley Mulsanne demonstrates how a high-performance luxury car can still maintain an extremely low noise profile, allowing passengers to enjoy both comfort and performance without compromise.
Rolls-Royce Ghost: Almost Complete Silence
The Rolls-Royce Ghost stands as a benchmark in automotive tranquility, offering near-complete silence at cruising speeds. While the 570 hp V12 engine makes itself known during acceleration, it does so in a refined manner, providing just enough sound to remind passengers of the car’s immense power. Once the Ghost reaches cruising speed, however, the noise levels drop dramatically, leaving only a faint whisper of wind noise. The car’s exceptional insulation ensures that road and engine noises are almost entirely kept out, providing an environment so quiet that it is reminiscent of a peaceful sanctuary.
Even on cobblestone roads, the Rolls-Royce Ghost effortlessly maintains its serene atmosphere, with the chassis absorbing most of the external noise. However, a faint creaking from the rear backrest area is the only audible distraction, which detracts very slightly from the otherwise perfect acoustics. The Rolls-Royce Ghost exemplifies the ideal of a quiet, luxurious driving experience, where the car’s performance does not compromise the tranquility of its interior. With minimal sound intrusion, the Ghost remains a top choice for those seeking ultimate comfort and refinement in their driving experience.
Mercedes S 500 LWB: You’ll Hear Nothing From This Purring Machine
The Mercedes S 500 LWB takes the top spot for its exceptional quietness, making it the benchmark for luxury sedans. The twin-turbocharged V8 engine, though capable of producing 455 hp, remains almost entirely silent under normal driving conditions. Even during rapid acceleration, the engine’s growl is subtle and does not overwhelm the cabin with noise. At cruising speeds, particularly at 130 km/h, the S-Class remains incredibly calm, with only the faintest hint of wind noise. The car’s meticulous insulation and soundproofing ensure that the interior is a quiet haven, even at high speeds or on rough surfaces like cobblestones.
This car’s quietness is further highlighted when stationary, where the only audible sound is a slight whisper from the air-conditioning fan on its lowest setting. The S-Class achieves a remarkable level of acoustic refinement, setting a new standard for luxury cars. It offers a level of calm that makes it ideal for those who value serenity during their drive, ensuring that the driver and passengers can enjoy the journey without distraction. The Mercedes S 500 LWB’s balance of performance and noise reduction makes it the ultimate choice for those seeking an unparalleled peaceful ride.
The vehicles in this ranking demonstrate that modern engineering is increasingly prioritizing interior tranquility. Whether through electric propulsion, refined combustion engines, or advanced soundproofing materials, these cars show how noise management can significantly enhance the driving experience. From the quiet hum of the Opel Ampera to the near-silent serenity of the Mercedes S 500 LWB, it’s clear that noise reduction is now a critical element of luxury and performance. The ability to create a peaceful cabin environment, even at high speeds or on rough surfaces, is a testament to the advancements in automotive technology, providing drivers and passengers with a refined, undisturbed journey.
