Luxury cars provide a smooth ride, incorporate the latest technology, and offer a quiet cabin. Automakers have begun using acoustic laminated glass in windshields and side windows to reduce unwanted road noise and create a serene cabin experience. This article explores how acoustic glass minimizes wind and road noise and highlights some cars that utilize this technology.
Manufacturers create acoustic glass for car windshields by sandwiching a polyvinyl membrane (PVM) layer between two pieces of traditional glass. Some automakers extend the PVM layer to the driver and front passenger windows for added insulation. However, in some vehicles with acoustic glass on the front windshield and first-row windows, road noise still permeates through the rear windows that don’t have the extra layer of insulation.
The polyvinyl membrane between the windowpanes absorbs intruding sounds that come into the cabin from outside the car. These include sounds from the engine, road noise, wind noise, vibrations, construction, and traffic. The noise-reducing glass keeps you and your passengers comfortable in the cabin and can mitigate distractions, making you an even safer driver. The dual-pane glass is also thicker and more difficult to break, enhancing your car's security. Additionally, manufacturers can add lamination to the auto glass for additional UV protection.
Acoustic windshields are present in many cars today, but high-end luxury cars with high price tags, such as Audi, BMW, and Lexus models, often feature them. However, some family haulers, like the Buick Enclave, Honda Odyssey minivan and Toyota Sequoia, have acoustic windshields available on higher trims.
Acoustic glass reduces noise, improves durability, and increases protection, but it’s more expensive and often only found on newer vehicles. And it’s important to note that installing acoustic glass after purchasing a car can be challenging.
To learn more about various automotive topics, visit the Shopping Guides section of the website.
Connor Hoffman has worked in the automotive industry since 2018 in both editorial and public relations. He has tested and written about hundreds of cars and helped lead the media launches of the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Land Cruiser. Connor started his career at Car and Driver after a summer internship and has contributed to Edmunds, U.S. News & World Report, and Capital One Autos.
Part of BMW’s Neue Klasse (new class) rollout of redesigned models, the 2027 BMW 3 Series is all-new and goes on sale in the first quarter of 2027.
Read the Full Article
Updates to the 2027 Honda Passport TrailSport include a reworked suspension, improved steering, subtle styling enhancements, and added standard equipment.
Read the Full Article
The midsize 2027 Mercedes GLE remains available in original and spicy Coupe recipes, now with standard 4Matic all-wheel drive (AWD), MBUX Superscreen technology, and a panoramic glass sunroof for ...See More
Read the Full Article
Nissan is about to introduce an innovative new SUV. The 2027 Nissan Rogue Hybrid has a gasoline engine, but it does not power the wheels. Instead, electric motors at each axle provide propulsion, ...See More
Read the Full Article