We’re just as guilty as anyone else when it comes to appreciating the sound of a car. For many enthusiasts, a big part of the appeal lies in how a car engages all the senses.
The roar of a high-revving engine enhances the feeling of acceleration or deceleration in a way that hits you right in the gut. When an engine hits the top of its rev range with an eager wail, it amplifies the sense of sheer speed. In the world of performance cars, sound is a core part of the vehicle’s character.
But sometimes, you just want the opposite. There are days when what you crave is something closer to a rolling sensory deprivation chamber.
That doesn’t mean you have to trade power for peace and quiet. Some of the quietest cars available are packing serious engines. Just look at the likes of combustion-powered Rolls-Royces, Bentleys, and top-tier Mercedes-Benz models.
Take Rolls-Royce, for instance. The brand is fanatical about eliminating noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH). The result? You’ll only hear the engine if you’ve buried the throttle deep into the plush, sound-muting carpet.
The future of quiet motoring may lie in electrification, but the silence of an EV can actually be a drawback. Without engine noise and vibration to mask them, every little interior creak or rattle stands out more.
Just drive a Tesla and you’ll get what we mean. How Rolls-Royce addresses this with the Spectre—shown above and below—will be something worth watching.
In the meantime, let’s dive into some of the more traditional vehicles CarBuzz has tested that turned out to be impressively quiet.
1. Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Yes, the S-Class carries a hefty starting price of $110,000—but that’s still only about one-third the cost of the most affordable Rolls-Royce.
This German flagship has long been the gold standard for four-wheeled business class, and that refinement starts with its design. The shape of the A-pillars and side mirrors is optimized to slice through the air with minimal disruption, cutting down wind noise significantly.
Add to that thick layers of glass, deep carpeting, and a considerable amount of sound-damping material, and you’ve got a seriously serene ride.
The latest S-Class also features a sound system equipped with active noise cancellation. Imagine driving with high-end over-ear headphones that block out the outside world—that’s the level of quiet we’re talking about. These are just a few standout features in what is ultimately a technological tour de force.
One of the reasons the S-Class continues to be so significant is that it consistently debuts the newest Mercedes technology before that tech becomes available across the broader lineup.
Even though introducing the latest innovations in this lavish, tech-laden limousine is something we’ve come to expect, it remains a special experience—comparable to hearing music performed live by a full orchestra rather than streamed through a smartphone.
For 2021, the S-Class received a series of updates that further distinguish it from rivals like the Audi A8, BMW 7 Series, and Lexus LS. And it’s succeeded in doing exactly that.
While its exterior appearance hasn’t radically changed from the previous generation, it now shares several design elements with other recently refreshed Mercedes models. The updated grille and more rounded headlights, for instance, resemble those found on the newest E-Class.
When viewed from the side, the new S-Class has fewer character lines than its predecessor. This change results in a smoother profile, although it does make the car resemble a stretched version of the E-Class. At the rear, the new brake lights closely resemble the triangular units seen on the CLS.
A standout feature is the flush-mounted door handles that extend outward automatically when the vehicle detects your presence. Once inside, the S-Class presents an interior that looks completely distinct from any other Mercedes model.
Buyers have a range of interior trims to choose from, including an elegant wood finish that incorporates vertical metal accents. It’s a design that looks as if a vintage speed boat had a rendezvous with a grand piano.
This wood trim becomes even more striking when paired with the car’s ambient mood lighting. As with earlier versions, the S-Class is available with a panoramic glass roof, which enhances the already spacious interior by letting in more natural light.
There’s no shortage of room in either the front or back, and for those who require even more legroom, a long-wheelbase version is also available.
The most immediately noticeable change inside is the new central touchscreen. This large display replaces 27 physical controls from the previous generation, including the old central touchpad.
The touchscreen is equipped with advanced technology that detects your finger’s position before contact and offers haptic feedback, making it easier to interact with while driving. It can also be locked using facial recognition or a fingerprint scan, preventing passengers from tampering with the settings while you’re away from the vehicle.
The new Mercedes S-Class will be offered with five different powertrains: three six-cylinder 3.0-liter engines—a petrol and two diesel options—all mated to a nine-speed automatic transmission. Additionally, a highly efficient plug-in hybrid version is also available.
Adaptive air suspension comes standard, providing a ride quality so luxurious that only a velvet-lined waterbed might rival it. Even more impressive is how the S-Class balances near-silent cruising comfort with impressive handling on twisty backroads.
Although it’s fairly nimble for a car of its size, the BMW 7 Series might still edge it out slightly in terms of driver engagement. Then again, that probably won’t matter much to many S-Class owners, who are more likely to enjoy the experience from the rear seat.
The S-Class also includes exclusive safety innovations. For example, an optional rear-seat airbag offers rear passengers in long-wheelbase variants a level of crash protection comparable to what front-seat occupants receive in head-on impacts.
Furthermore, the car supports Level 3 autonomous driving, meaning it can steer, accelerate, brake, and even change lanes for you on highways.
Also Read: 5 Cars That Can Idle Forever and 5 That Overheat at Stoplights
2. Lincoln Navigator
While Germany often gets the spotlight for building quiet, powerful luxury cars, the U.S. is no slouch either—and American build quality has taken serious strides forward.
Leading the American charge is the Lincoln Navigator. Beneath its bold exterior, it hides a twin-turbo V6 engine making a stealthy 440 horsepower and 510 lb-ft of torque.
Step inside, and you’ll find an interior finished with top-tier materials and thoughtful craftsmanship. Lincoln’s Active Noise Control system goes to work neutralizing road noise, while laminated glass keeps the chaos of the outside world right where it belongs—outside. This SUV doesn’t just isolate you from noise; it elevates the experience entirely.
For over a quarter of a century, the Lincoln Navigator has consistently delivered full-size SUV luxury paired with impressive towing capabilities. With seating for up to eight and the option of two wheelbase lengths—the extended version offering more cargo space—it naturally squares off against rivals like the Cadillac Escalade and Jeep Grand Wagoneer.
Still, Lincoln places its emphasis squarely on luxury rather than athletic handling or off-road bravado. That’s not a criticism—the cabin comes wrapped in leather and includes standard heated, ventilated, and massaging front seats.
The dashboard showcases a striking 48-inch panoramic display that includes a “Rejuvenate” mode, clearly designed to help the affluent unwind after a demanding day of affluent activities. BlueCruise hands-free driving tech is also included, offering yet another layer of relaxation for those long drives.
Under the hood, a 440-hp twin-turbocharged V-6 and standard all-wheel drive give this large SUV confident acceleration, and it’s capable of towing up to 8700 pounds.
Towing tasks are streamlined with standard Pro Trailer Backup Assist and Hitch Assist, which simplify the process of placing your trailer exactly where it needs to be. If your group values upscale comfort and you have the resources to afford both the purchase and the fuel, the Navigator promises a refined ride to any destination.
3. Honda Odyssey
In an effort to encourage buyers to opt for practical vehicles rather than oversized SUVs, automakers have spent years enhancing the quality of their alternative offerings.
This effort has paid off—minivans have now evolved into premium and even luxury-level vehicles, all while remaining relatively affordable. The Honda Odyssey is a prime example, with prices ranging from around $38,000 to $50,000. It delivers a blend of cutting-edge technology, family-friendly functionality, and one of the most refined driving experiences in its class.
The cabin of the Odyssey is exceptionally quiet when in motion—”It’s positively serene inside a moving Odyssey, but only when the kids have their headphones plugged into the rear-seat entertainment system.”
The 2025 Honda Odyssey continues to showcase why minivans, while not often considered cool or stylish, remain some of the most practical vehicles for families. With ample space to accommodate passengers and cargo alike, it’s a top choice for those prioritizing utility.
This year’s model brings refreshed styling with a redesigned grille and updated front and rear bumpers. Inside, it adds a larger center touchscreen, a newly designed digital gauge cluster, and an upgraded rear-seat entertainment system featuring a larger screen.
These updates help keep the Odyssey current in a segment that prioritizes comfort and tech for growing families. Honda has also dropped the entry-level EX trim for 2025, streamlining the model lineup. This version remains part of the fifth generation, originally launched in 2018.
Performance-wise, the Odyssey benefits from a strong V6 engine and stable handling, making it more enjoyable to drive than one might expect from a minivan. However, its fuel economy is merely average, which might be a drawback for budget-conscious buyers.
Additionally, it lacks conveniences like power-folding third-row seats and a surround-view camera system—features offered by some competitors. The forward collision warning system is also notably sensitive, which could frustrate some drivers with its frequent alerts.
Despite those shortcomings, the Odyssey delivers where it matters most. Its interior is roomy and thoughtfully designed, with large sliding doors that simplify entry, exit, and loading. One standout feature is its configurable second-row seating, which allows individual portions of the bench to slide or be removed entirely, providing multiple setup options to suit your needs.
Now you don’t have to shout or look back to call some attention. How handy.” These small but meaningful touches underscore Honda’s attention to family-friendly details.
Cost-wise, the Odyssey EX-L trim is estimated to cost $171 per month to drive, based on 15,000 miles per year with a mix of city and highway travel and a fuel price of $3.15 per gallon in North Dakota
. That compares favorably to the segment average of $199 per month for midsize minivans. Overall, while the Odyssey may not win style points, it absolutely delivers in functionality, comfort, and everyday usability—making it a solid choice for families who need a reliable and flexible vehicle.
Also Read: 12 SUVs Built for Comfortable Long Highway Commutes
4. Lexus ES
The Lexus ES makes no attempt to masquerade as a sporty vehicle, even while competing with performance-oriented models like the BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz E-Class. Instead, Lexus goes all-in on luxury and ride comfort. “Driving the ES, you get the idea that an engineer would have been executed on the spot if they brought up the ‘S’ word.”
With a plush suspension, seamless gear shifts, and a V6 engine that powers the front wheels, the ES thrives by embracing a singular mission: to deliver a smooth, composed ride. It doesn’t pretend to be anything else, and that’s precisely what makes it so good.
The Lexus ES nails the luxury sedan formula, offering a cabin that is remarkably quiet and comfortable, a soft and compliant suspension, and an impressive list of standard features.
It comes with three available powertrains: a mild-mannered four-cylinder, a silky V-6, and a fuel-efficient hybrid setup. If your priority is smooth, serene driving, the ES will likely tick all the boxes.
However, for buyers who value driving excitement, the ES may fall short. Lexus attempts to inject some life into the experience with its F Sport trims, but these are more of a compromise than a transformation—they offer modestly increased engagement while diminishing the model’s natural comfort. Still, there’s a reason the ES remains Lexus’s top-selling sedan.
It presents a compelling value when compared to German rivals, even if it doesn’t quite match them in performance. For those not concerned with the Lexus badge, the more affordable Toyota Camry shares much of the ES’s feature set and is available with two hybrid powertrains, often at around $10,000 less.
In the current luxury midsize car rankings, the Lexus ES holds the #9 spot. The list is topped by the Mercedes-Benz E-class, which starts at $63,600, followed by the Genesis G80 at $58,450 and the Audi A7 at $73,295. Other competitors in this space include the Audi A6, BMW 5-series, and of course, the Lexus ES, which starts at $43,215.
5. Hyundai Elantra
Hyundai is proving that a calm, quiet ride doesn’t have to come with a high price tag. Similar to Cadillac, Hyundai incorporates steel to minimize chassis vibrations and uses a sub-frame mounted suspension to smooth things out.
Where some brands like Honda and Toyota may cut corners on soundproofing, Hyundai does the opposite. They invest in ample sound-deadening materials and use thicker window glass to reduce ambient road noise.
Combined with its finely tuned suspension, the Elantra delivers a driving experience that rivals more expensive German cars. “The Elantra is easy on the ears and the wallet.” Just steer clear of the Elantra N model—”that’s rowdy enough to upset California cops.”
The 2025 Hyundai Elantra is the brand’s compact sedan, positioned just below the midsize Sonata in Hyundai’s lineup. However, once you’re seated inside, you might be surprised by just how spacious this “small” sedan really is. Even the rear seats provide enough room to comfortably accommodate adult passengers.
Beyond its impressive interior space, the Elantra stands out with its bold, eye-catching design, an abundance of features for the price, Hyundai’s industry-leading warranty, and a wide-ranging model lineup that includes the fuel-efficient Elantra Hybrid as well as the high-performance Elantra N.
This year, Hyundai has revised the trim level lineup as part of the ongoing evolution of the Elantra’s seventh generation, which was first introduced in 2021. The 2025 model continues to offer plenty of value and versatility, though not without a few drawbacks.
On the plus side, the Elantra delivers a generous list of standard and optional features, spacious seating that enhances comfort for all occupants, and an engaging driving experience in the N Line variant, which is tuned for sportier performance.
On the downside, the base engine feels underwhelming with its sluggish acceleration, some of the cabin materials feel a bit subpar, and wind noise at highway speeds can intrude into the otherwise comfortable cabin.
Barely Legal Cars That Have Cabin Noise Above 90dB
One of the most captivating traits of traditional internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles is their sound—an area where they often outshine electric vehicles. While EVs are praised for their silence and efficiency, many enthusiasts still gravitate toward the visceral audio experience that ICE engines provide.
Some ICE-powered cars, however, have turned to artificial engine noise, a practice that began with the VW Golf GTI. Although not every vehicle boasts a pleasing engine note, the sports car, supercar, and hypercar segments consistently deliver some of the most thrilling and well-crafted soundtracks on the road.
5. 992 Porsche GT3 – Decibel Level: 99 dB
The 992-generation Porsche 911 GT3, like its predecessor, comes equipped with a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that sends its power exclusively to the rear wheels. Generating 502 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 346 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, it’s a high-revving powerhouse that reaches 60 mph in just 3 seconds.
Mated to Porsche’s lightning-fast PDK automatic transmission, the GT3 produces an exhilarating auditory experience. As it screams up the rev range to a dizzying 9,000 rpm redline, it hits 99 decibels with a sound that is rich, raw, and unmistakably Porsche.
Each rapid-fire gear change delivers only a fleeting pause in the noise before the twin-exit exhaust belts out another round of thunderous sound. The result is a driving experience that rivals even the iconic Mezger-engine cars in acoustic drama.
Isn’t ‘the 911 GT3’ the answer to that question? Every generation since its debut in 1999 has served as the go-to response—unless, of course, you’re part of the small camp that doesn’t embrace the 911. Yes, it may seem predictable, but that’s hardly a fault of the Porsche 911 itself.
The reason it’s the benchmark is because it simply is the world’s best sports car. Soaked in Porsche’s unmatched motorsport heritage, the GT3 has always represented the ideal balance between road and track performance, consistently hitting that perfect sweet spot.
However, for the first time since 1999, the latest GT3 faces an unusually challenging environment. Public perception of this kind of high-performance, precision-engineered indulgence isn’t as accommodating as it once was. Moreover, competition is now closer to home.
The new Turbo S, with its blistering speed, has gained a new level of sophistication, presenting a genuine internal rival. Then there’s the all-electric Taycan, a Porsche that’s electrifying in more ways than one and continues to reshape what performance means in this evolving era.
Yet Porsche hasn’t given up on natural aspiration. Quite the opposite, in fact. The company is going to remarkable lengths to satisfy the hardcore loyalists. The latest GT3’s engine is a naturally aspirated 4.0-litre unit, sharing little with the rest of the 992 series but a great deal with the version used in Porsche’s GT3 Cup racing car.
Although the power increase over the previous generation is modest—just 10bhp more, bringing it to 503bhp, and torque up to 347lb ft—that’s still more than sufficient. The car launches from 0 to 62mph in just 3.4 seconds and can reach a top speed of 198mph. Also ample.
Built on the same production line as its motorsport sibling, the engine includes six individual throttle butterfly valves and is paired with a newly designed stainless-steel exhaust system.
This makes the GT3 a true outlier in the 911 lineup, powered by a bespoke engine that consciously avoids the tech adopted by its turbocharged siblings. No forced induction. And that’s likely just the way GT3 devotees want it.
4. Ferrari F50 – Decibel Level: 104 dB
The Ferrari F50 might have lived in the shadow of the F40 for some purists, but in terms of sound and presence, it stands tall. Powered by a 4.7-liter naturally aspirated V12 engine producing 513 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 347 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, the F50 launches from 0 to 60 mph in 3.7 seconds.
What sets it apart, however, is its unforgettable soundtrack. With its V12 engine derived directly from Formula One technology, the F50 became the first road-legal Ferrari to feature an F1-sourced powerplant.
This mid-mounted masterpiece produces a piercing wail as it tears through the rev range, and with the hardtop removed, the sensory impact of that sound is even more intense.
The result is a sonic onslaught that’s raw, visceral, and completely unfiltered—one of the loudest and most emotionally stirring experiences ever offered in a street-legal car.
3. Dodge Charger Hellcat – Decibel Level: 105 dB
The Dodge Charger Hellcat, much like the LT5 V8 found in the Chevrolet Corvette ZR1, features a supercharged Hemi V8 engine that naturally earns it a spot on any list of loud, aggressive-sounding cars.
With 797 horsepower at 6,300 rpm and 707 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, the Charger Hellcat launches from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.6 seconds—and makes a serious amount of noise doing it. Its powerplant is far from subtle, with a decibel reading that actually surpasses that of the McLaren 720S.
In addition to the ferocious growl of its eight-cylinder engine, the Charger Hellcat’s sound is enriched by the unmistakable whine of the supercharger, adding another layer of sonic aggression to its already thunderous V8 roar.
The Dodge Charger Hellcat Redeye is not my kind of car. My preferences tend to favor nimble, corner-hugging canyon cars over raw-power muscle brutes, and I may well be the only person to ever collect a Hellcat while wearing Birkenstocks and tie-dye wool socks.
I take pride in preferring a more well-rounded approach to performance—cars like the modestly powered Mazda Miata that deliver speed without the machismo, or even electric super sedans such as the Porsche Taycan Turbo S, which deliver blistering acceleration while helping soothe any environmental conscience.
But temptation is a powerful force, and the devil proved to be a persuasive seductress. After spending ten days and 1,670 miles with the four-door Hellcat Redeye, I found myself pondering serpents in gardens more than any flaming feline. SRT offered me the metaphorical apple, and I didn’t just take a bite—I devoured it, seeds and all. Forgive me, my ministerial mother (no, seriously, my mom is a minister), for I have sinned. This is my confession.
Avoiding pride in the Charger Hellcat Redeye is nearly impossible. With 797 horsepower and a claimed top speed of 203 mph, this machine holds the title as the fastest and most powerful production sedan ever made.
No matter how many Mercedes-AMG E63s, BMW M5s, or Porsche Panamera Turbos you encounter out on the road, when you’re behind the wheel of this Charger, your right foot controls more horsepower than any of them.
And with all 797 of those horses sent exclusively to the rear wheels, each of the Redeye’s rear tires is handling more power than the tires of the all-wheel-drive, 1,479-hp Bugatti Chiron.
2. 991.1 Porsche 911 GT3 RS – Decibel Level: 108 dB
Few cars deliver a sound as sharp and unforgettable as the Porsche 911 GT3 RS, especially the 991.2 generation. At the heart of this machine lies a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated flat-six engine that delivers 500 horsepower at 8,250 rpm and 339 lb-ft of torque at 6,000 rpm, propelling the car from 0 to 60 mph in just 3.2 seconds.
The auditory experience is nothing short of intense, often described as “eye-damage-inducing.” Compared to the standard 911 GT3, this model produces 20 additional horsepower and can scream all the way to 9,000 rpm.
As it nears redline, the pitch of the signature flat-six thrum rises sharply, resonating through the RS’s center-exit tailpipes. Engaging launch control results in a rhythmic, high-pitched thrum that only one automaker—Porsche—continues to produce with such purity and intensity.
1. Lamborghini Huracán Performante – Decibel Level: 108 dB
The Lamborghini Huracán Performante may not be the original “baby Lambo,” but it’s undoubtedly one of the most extreme variants of the Huracán family—and one of the loudest cars ever to roll off the production line.
Powered by a 5.2-liter naturally aspirated V10 engine generating 631 horsepower at 8,000 rpm and 443 lb-ft of torque at 6,500 rpm, it rockets from 0 to 60 mph in just 2.9 seconds. While the McLaren 720S delivers a solid soundtrack, its twin-turbocharged setup muffles much of the V8’s raw sound.
That’s not the case with the Huracán Performante. Its ten-cylinder engine delivers unfiltered noise thanks to a revised, lightweight exhaust system that features reduced back pressure compared to earlier Lamborghini designs.
Repositioning the exhaust system further amplifies the car’s aggression, creating a sharper, more ferocious note that makes the Performante a true standout in the world of high-decibel supercars.
When Lamborghini’s designers began work on the Performante, their focus was singular: to maximize aerodynamics and efficiency. As a result, the exterior modifications are precise and intentional, rather than inspired by a romanticized vision of elegant, flowing lines.
The Huracán Performante is constructed on a hybrid aluminum and carbon fiber frame, and the body above it makes extensive use of aluminum along with Lamborghini’s award-winning forged composite material. This cutting-edge material is applied to the rear spoiler, rear engine cover, rear bumper, and diffuser, contributing to a substantial weight savings of 88 pounds.
One of the most remarkable exterior elements is the integration of Lamborghini’s Aerodinamica Lamborghini Attiva active aerodynamics system.
Working in tandem with the Piattaforma Inerziale management system, this setup allows the Performante to adjust all its electronic systems dynamically. Impressively, the Huracán Performante is capable of modifying its active aero configuration in under 500 milliseconds.
