An internal combustion engine having an engine body and an acoustic and thermal cover assembly are provided. The engine body includes an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) pipe extending therefrom and the acoustic and thermal cover assembly is positioned adjacent to the engine body. The acoustic and thermal cover assembly includes a first section and a second section extending along the engine body. The assembly further includes an acoustic and thermal shield extending along the first section, a plastic shell extending along the second section, the acoustic and thermal shield and plastic shell forming a cover, and an insulating layer positioned between the cover and the engine body.