Inside the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class, the level of wind noise is impressively low and, despite the large windows, betters even the quietest car in the world – the S-Class Coupé. For passengers in the rear, the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class is the world’s quietest production saloon car. Extensive measurements were also taken in experimental vehicles considering the fully reclined position in the rear. That is because positioning the passenger away from the side windows and towards the rear window and triangular windows creates a new acoustic situation.
Mercedes-Maybach S 600
Special seals optimise the noise insulation, thereby ensuring excellent aeroacoustic performance in the rear. These include seals over the C joints in the rear doors, which have a hose profile rather than the usual lip seal, as well as bonded triangular windows with a special seal.
Other measures in the rear compartment are a generous area of insulation around the single seats extending from the seat cushion over the rear panel to the parcel shelf. Intelligent air ducting around the parcel shelf reduces the intrusion of noise, and sealed inertia reels on the seat belts prevent possible disturbing sounds. The textile underbody and wheel arch lining have an insulating and absorptive effect, which reduces high-frequency tyre noise in the interior.
A new aeroacoustic wind tunnel at the Mercedes-Benz Technology Centre in Sindelfingen became operational in September 2013 and played a crucial part in achieving excellent, quiet running. For example, the conveyor belt/balance system there is integrated into a turntable with a diameter of twelve metres. This means that test vehicles can also to be subjected to an angled flow of air in order to simulate crosswinds.
As a result, experts in aeroacoustics were able to study the perfect design for the door structure of the Mercedes-Maybach S-Class under wind load. The door seal must fit closely even when subjected to a constant or gusty sidewind such as would be encountered when passing a truck, on bridges, in wooded areas or when driving on a coastal road. Despite negative pressure on the side away from wind, the door must never be pulled more than a few millimetres away from the seal. Large doors are particularly susceptible to this phenomenon because strength is a product of (negative) pressure and area.
