What shopping for a vehicle, many of us don’t consider how much noise we’ll hear in the cabin. It’s not something we might even notice until we’ve had our new vehicle a few weeks. That’s when we realize all the wind and road noise is annoying. Though we might not stop to think about how quiet a vehicle’s cabin is until it’s too late, Mercedes has our back. The automaker designed the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE with the quietest interior possible.

The importance of a quiet interior

In the grand scheme of things, a quiet SUV might not seem like a big deal. But the longer you drive a noisy vehicle, the more you’ll wish you’d done things differently. It doesn’t matter if you hear the constant hum of the engine or the whirring tires on the road — you’ll quickly grow tired of the experience.

When you’re in a vehicle with a quiet cabin, you’ll be more relaxed. Plus, you’ll also find it easier to focus on your surroundings and better deal with any surprises along the way.

Why the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE is so quiet

It’s no surprise the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE appears on U.S. News‘ list “The 11 Quietest SUVs in 2021.” Mercedes spared no expense or effort in using top-quality materials to construct the GLE’s cabin.

These materials provide a touch of elegance that you’d expect from the luxury automaker. But they also dampen and significantly reduce the amount of wind and road noise you experience while driving the GLE.

Other aspects you’ll enjoy about the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE

Though the quiet interior is a compelling reason to purchase a 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE, it’s not the only reason. This midsize SUV boasts potent acceleration. It packs a turbocharged and electric supercharged inline-six engine harnessing 429 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque, Autotrader reports. But with that power comes so-so fuel economy, at 18 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

As for infotainment features, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SiriusXM Satellite Radio, wireless smartphone charging, and much more comes on all GLE trims. Other amenities you’ll enjoy include heated front seats, an automatic hands-free liftgate, an adaptive suspension that provides a smooth ride no matter the road conditions, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen.

Though you might not usually think of using a GLE as an off-roader, there’s no reason it can’t take you on a camping adventure. That’s because models except the base trim offer 4Matic all-wheel drive. Plus, there’s plenty of room for your camping equipment. According to U.S. News, the GLE “has 33.3 cubic feet of cargo space with its rear seats upright and 74.9 cubic feet with these seats folded, which is above average for a luxury midsize SUV.”

Also, the GLE offers a third row, upping this SUV to a seven-seater. Though the third row is cramped for adults, it’s a great option for transporting larger groups.

Overall, the 2021 Mercedes-Benz GLE “holds its own in many ways with its quiet interior, impressive fit and finish, supportive seats, and strong engine,” Consumer Reports concludes.