2022 Mercedes-Benz C-Class – Burmester 3D Surround Audio Test

The 2022 Mercedes C-Class is a strong competitor in the compact luxury sedan class. Our C300 test vehicle came with the 15-speaker Burmester 3D surround audio system, so let’s take an in-depth look at its sound quality and features. We also recommend checking out the video down at the bottom.

Infotainment System and Sound Profiles

The 2022 C-Class features a large Mercedes infotainment screen, known as the MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience). The system offers various sound profiles to customize your listening experience. The available options include:

1. Pure: This sound profile aims to provide the most true-to-recording sound. It offers a balanced and accurate representation of the music.
2. 3D Sound: This profile creates a surround sound effect, giving you a more immersive and enveloping audio experience.
3. Personal Sound Profile: This feature allows you to customize the EQ settings based on your preferences. It guides you through a series of steps to set your personal comfort volume, adjust the balance of different frequencies, and choose the desired sound characteristics.

In addition to the sound profiles, the C-Class also offers EQ adjustments for bass, mid-range, and treble. You can fine-tune these settings to suit your preferences.

Audio Inputs and Connectivity

The C-Class provides a range of audio inputs and connectivity options. These include:

1. AM/FM/HD Radio and SiriusXM Satellite Radio
2. USB-C Ports: The C-Class offers USB-C ports for connecting your devices. However, it does not have a USB-A port, so you may need an adapter if you have devices with standard USB ports.
3. Bluetooth: The car supports Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to wirelessly stream music from your smartphone or other Bluetooth-enabled devices.
4. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: The C-Class supports both wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can easily connect your compatible smartphone and access your favorite apps and music through the car’s infotainment system.

Sound System Overview

The 2022 C-Class comes standard with a paltry 5-speaker sound system. Fortunately ours featured the 15-speaker Burmester radio. The speaker setup includes:

• Mid-range speakers
• Tweeters
• Front base woofers
• 3D speakers (for enhanced spatial sound)
• Surround speakers in the back deck lid

The sound system delivers impressive audio quality, with crisp highs and a well-balanced mid-range. However, it lacks a bit of full ness and depth in the bass frequencies. The front base woofers provide a punchy bass, but they don’t quite fill out the cabin with the rumbliness and richness that you might expect from a top-tier sound system.

Sound Performance Evaluation

To evaluate the sound performance of the Burmester system in the C-Class, we tested it with our variety of lossless, uncompressed WAV tracks, which we use on every vehicle. While the system sounded fantastic at lower volumes, it seemed to lack a certain fullness and depth when turned up. The sound was crisp and satisfying, especially in the higher frequencies, but there was a noticeable absence of a rounded-out, well-rounded bass.

We also tested the system with a bass-heavy track and turned up the bass to its maximum setting. While the system provided a punchy bass, it still fell short of delivering the deep, resonant bass that would truly fill out the cabin.

Overall, the Burmester sound system in the 2022 C-Class is a very good system, especially compared to other systems in its class. However, it could benefit from a bit more power or the addition of a subwoofer to enhance the low-end frequencies and provide a more well-rounded sound.

Conclusion

The 2022 Mercedes C-Class with the Burmester 3D surround audio system offers a high-quality audio experience with its crisp highs and well-balanced mid-range. The sound profiles and EQ adjustments allow for customization to suit individual preferences.

While the system falls slightly short in delivering a full and rounded-out bass, it still performs admirably and is one of the best sound systems in its class, earning an ‘A’ from us here at Daily Motor. The personal sound profile feature is a standout, allowing users to fine-tune the audio settings to their liking.

Overall, the Burmester sound system in the 2022 C-Class is a solid choice for those seeking a premium audio experience in a compact luxury sedan. If you’d like to see the whole evaluation, check it out below!