[RVAGuy]

Originally Posted by X5 45e

It is also a safety feature. Bmw doesn't advertise with this but Volvo does. I think it is the same type laminated glass. It is more difficult to break in and should also be safer in an accident.

I have it on my 45e and it is really quite. In town I always drive electric so I should hear more environmental noise but I don't. So probably it works.

For Florida residents harder breaking glass is not a positive. Most drivers there carry a tool to break glass if vehicle ends up in water which happens frequently.

[X5 45e]

Originally Posted by RVAGuy

For Florida residents harder breaking glass is not a positive. Most drivers there carry a tool to break glass if vehicle ends up in water which happens frequently.

That I didn't think about. And combining that with slow lowering of the windows (see other post) might not be so safe after all.

But then again you are safer for carjacking

[chrisny]

I can't speak for the acoustic, but can confirm, as others have said, even without it, this car already is quieter inside. It's been 3 years since our F15, so can't say by how much, but definitely quieter and much quieter than the Volvo XC90 we had in between.

FWIW, I actually thought I had the acoustic glass at first, it is so quiet. That said, sounds like a reasonable and worthwhile upgrade for $650. Like anything else, try test driving back to back if you can.

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by RVAGuy

For Florida residents harder breaking glass is not a positive. Most drivers there carry a tool to break glass if vehicle ends up in water which happens frequently.

It's kind of amazing that they don't add a safety feature the opens all the windows and sunroof if the car detects its submerged.

[perikifi]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

It's kind of amazing that they don't add a safety feature the opens all the windows and sunroof if the car detects its submerged.

Maybe it's because the car stays afloat for a while if the windows are closed, and also it's easier to breath and figure out what to do next with some air inside.

[VTENGR]

Originally Posted by perikifi

Maybe it's because the car stays afloat for a while if the windows are closed, and also it's easier to breath and figure out what to do next with some air inside.

The car will still float with the widows open. At least long enough for you to figure you have to GTFO. Once the water reaches the bottom of the window the fluid pressure against the door would be too much for the average person to overcome. You're essentially trapped by that point.

[perikifi]

Originally Posted by VTENGR

The car will still float with the widows open. At least long enough for you to figure you have to GTFO. Once the water reaches the bottom of the window the fluid pressure against the door would be too much for the average person to overcome. You're essentially trapped by that point.

I don't think it will float for very many seconds with windows open, but you're right, being trapped is a big problem.

My point was that because automatically opening windows would sometimes help but sometimes cause more casualties, whatever the percentages, as a car manufacturer you would probably want to leave the feature out so that you won't be liable.

[apocalypsbe]

I have it and I like it, would go for it again

[RVAGuy]

Originally Posted by apocalypsbe

I have it and I like it, would go for it again

Acoustic glass is difficult decision as you can't see or touch it and comparing with and without is challenging. My decision to get was based on believe 1. a car can't be too quiet and 2. anything that lets me listen to music too loud has to be a good thing.

[Timmer-Bimmer]

I wonder ... if you get the acoustic glass, do they quieten the engine noise that comes through the speakers?

[chriscross]

I was told by the BMW genius today that the acoustic glass option reduces cabin noise by 4-5 decibels. But, this small reduction is supposedly noticable.

I didn't take it, it was 600 Eur (400 eur diplomatic/military sales) in Vienna, Austria.

[DNGRTOM]

my .02 cents:
(i have acoustic glass on my G05)

Compared to my wife's Tesla (that has 0 engine noise) the difference is not very noticeable -> I am rarely driving without some sort of in-cabin noise...be it kids yapping, music, talking to yourself, whatever.

Compared to the faint memory of the E71 we had in 2011, there is only a slight difference inside the cabin - I do remember that cabin was surprisingly quiet.

Its a nifty option but even when I'm in the car by myself and I shut off the radio, I still hear outside road noise (in addition to the engine noise).

The sound deadening the acoustic glass option provides is minimal. To my ears.
IMO; glass controls > acoustic glass if someone is trying to choose between the two...