Overall I'm okay with it and give it a solid B:

The road noise level is still not great, but perhaps better tires will help. I think even if Acura wants to stay with "smart" luxury, noise-suppression should improve.

The TL's spec sheet talks a lot about tech that went into noise suppression so that's why I'm a little surprised that it isn't as quiet as the Audi or Mercedes or Lexus.

One thing I'm puzzled about is the rear wheel wells/fender have these heat-treated felt linings, but the fronts don't. Any thoughts on why that is? Seems like if they put them there then as the driver/front passenger can enjoy a slightly quieter ride.

 

Just a guess about the felt missing in the front maybe has to do with the heat generated by the brakes and the engine may disintegrate the felt and may also start a fire? Just a guess though

 

The TL SH 6MT with the HPT package tested pretty well in sound level or db at idle, 70 mph and at full throttle, on the recent Edmunds full test/review. That is especially good because of the 19's and summer tires and the sporty exhaust note. While you shouldn't really compare it directly to another one of their tested vehicles numbers and think it 100% accurate due to normal variances and conditions, it can serve as a general idea. Comparing it to an A6 3.0T they tested without the sport suspension and on lower diameter rims and all seasons, the TL's results were better. That should give a good idea of where it's at even compared to some of the supposedly more luxurious and refined sport sedans.

 

Which Audi? I've had several and driven many more. Noise level in Audis depend very much on how much you pay and whether it is a sport or luxury-oriented model.

 

After driving my TL SHAWD for a few weeks, i'd say the noise supression is just "ok". The shawd model is sportier, but i still wish acura would figure out a way to quell road noise (wind noise suppression is good btw)

I also occasionally drive an audi A5, and while its wind noise suppression sucks, they seem to have a pretty good level of road noise. Just enough to let u know it's there, but not loud or annoying. My tl occasionally borders on annoying, up to the point that it doesn't feel like a $40k car. Generally it's "ok" for a premium car.

btw, human ears don't work like sound testing equipment, i wouldn't expect cars that both tested 70db to sound the same in real life.

 

I have a similar opinion. I wonder if it's the OEM tires? People have said the Michelins they put on the AWD is ok at best for quietness.

 

No personal experience with Audi's, but using them as example cuz most reviewers are in love with them and consider them quiet cars.

There was a post sometime back claiming the ride got a lot quieter after switching from OEM to Continental DWS tires. Guess I just need to drive a lot more aggressively and wear these OEM's out sooner!!! I just think half of the ELS' sound quality is wasted when I'm on the freeway and not on brand new roads....

 

Yeah road noise is bad on the TL (for the class), it was a trade-off for me when getting the car. My last car was a Camry which was much quieter. I don't know if it's the tires or what, but they need to work on this.

 

Going in, buyers shouldn't expect the TL to be some sort of Cadillac or Lexus....it isn't. First and foremost, the TL is a sporty sedan with some luxury features, not the other way around. If noise is an issue or quiet/comfort a priority, then the FWD TL is the better choice or even go with a Caddy or a Lexus ES350.

 

FWIW, I had a 09 Lexus (IS 250 AWD).

It was eerily quiet. Nice at first, but the more I drove it, the more I felt isolated and disconcerted. Eventually I began to feel nauseous. I literally saw the world drive by. Me inside the car, looking around outside, but not hearing anything (except my own head). IMHO, weird and nauseating.

I prefer the TL's interior acoustics. Could it be a little quieter? Sure, especially at highway cruising speeds. But there's just enough noise (with out being excessive) for me to aurally feel connected to the outside world. My

 

Point taken, haven't driven an "eerily" quiet car in some time. Perhaps I can find a happy compromise with quieter tires in the future. I just feel like Acura spent lots of effort (flattened underbody, etc) to quiet the car but the road noise is neglected somewhat.

 

Will the 17 inch tires that come standard be quiter than the optional 18 inchers?

 

Probably want to ask your question on one thread instead of 3. And quieter depends on the type of tire they put on there.

 

Regarding tire noise, It's not much the size that's in question but the make-up of the tire....composition, tread pattern, etc. For any given size in general, all-season tires will be much quieter and absorb road imperfections better than summer/performance tires.

 

I find the 4G to be fairly quiet. Compared to a G37 it is extremely quiet. Noise in the G is one of the major factors that I stayed with a 4G TL.

 

I totally agree with you. My mother-in-law owned a couple of Lexus ES300 & ES350 and I drove them and the car is numbing to drive. Like your in a capule. Super quiet & no road feel at all.

And as someone else mentioned the G35 is so friggin stiff and I find it very uncomfortable. Not as quiet as the Lexus.
That's why I think the Lexus is so popular with the older crowd (65+). And at that age I might want one then too.

 

The irony is that at that age it becomes a struggle to stay connected with the world, and we should probably take conscious steps to remain more in touch.

I think that's one of the reasons I keep doing my own shifting. I just feel a need to stay connected.

 

Too funny!