Audi Q5 - 5/5
The standard system in the Audi Q5 is relatively easy to use. The 8.3-inch display is bright, clear and crisp. You can jump through the menu using the scroll wheel on the centre console which is nearly as intuitive as BMW’s iDrive system. A touchpad, allowing you to write numbers and letters, is integrated into the rotary pushbutton. It recognizes handwritten entries as well as gestures such as zooming.
The MMI operating logic is based on the flat hierarchies used in today’s smartphones, and it offers such features as intelligent free-text search. The new natural-language voice control function also recognizes inputs from everyday speech. The Audi Q5 features a 10-speaker stereo with a subwoofer and 180W amp as standard which sounds great. The Bang & Olufsen Sound System has innovative 3D sound that introduces the spatial dimension of height.
For the full high-tech experience, you can opt for the optional Audi virtual cockpit features crisp graphics on its high-resolution 12.3-inch screen that replaces old-fashioned dials. The driver can choose from two views – a classic view with large round instruments and a mode in which the navigation map or lists dominate. Also optionally available is a newly developed head-up display which projects relevant information onto the windshield – including from driver assistance systems – as symbols and numbers that can be perceived quickly. Part of the Technology Pack is also wireless smartphone charging and a built-in hard drive for storing your music.
The Q5's satellite navigation has various menus that are sensible and easy to navigate. The system can calculate three different routes at once, based on total distance, journey time and fuel usage. And if you don't want to use Audi's maps, you can mirror your phone's navigation apps, and music streaming apps, through Apple CarPlay and Android Auto onto the Q5’s central display. The Audi phone box connects smartphones to the vehicle’s antenna for optimal reception quality; it also charges smartphones inductively according to the Qi standard.
Mercedes-Benz GLC - 4/5
Gestures are the original form of communication in the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class and are brief and unambiguous. The gesture control system allows you to keep full attention to the road while driving. Simply use one or two fingers to swipe or splay on the newly developed touchpad with a multitouch sensor system. It can also decipher letters and numbers in your handwriting allowing you to use most of the infotainment system through gestures.
Allowing you more focus to the road is the optional Head-up Display that projects a virtual image (approx. 21 x 7 cm) within the driver’s field of vision. This image appears to float over the bonnet around two metres ahead of the driver. The information is displayed in high-resolution and in colour. Depending on the equipment, the information displayed may include navigation tips, speed, speed limits or settings for cruise control or DISTRONIC PLUS, for example.
Let's put aside all the glance-over information and talk about the incredible sound. Mercedes has excellent sound systems that allow you to enjoy your music. There's also the optional Burmester® surround sound system composed of 13 high-performance loudspeakers, a 9-channel DSP amplifier and an output of 590 watts. It's perfectly tuned electronic and acoustic components turn the interior into a concert hall and the surround function creates a 3D feel-good sound.
In terms of multimedia in the GLC, there's navigation, telephone, audio, video, internet – all this is part of the optional COMAND Online control and display system. Information is shown in high resolution and in colour on a 21.3 cm (8.4-inch) central display. Operation via the new touchpad is easy and intuitive.
The Audio 20 USB multimedia system with 17.8 cm (7-inch) media display is internet-capable and enables networking with mobile devices via Bluetooth®. Optionally available as Audio 20 CD with 17.8 cm (7-inch) media display including navigation pre-installation and a touchpad is available on request.
The navigation system is user-friendly, gives accurate map data and excellent route guidance. Additionally, you can opt for the optional Garmin® MAP PILOT which transfers all the advantages of a Garmin® navigation system to the Audio 20 CD, and a touchpad is available on request.
Volvo XC60 - 3/5
The Volvo XC60 features a 9.0-inch portrait infotainment screen on the dashboard that's much like an iPad to use. It has logically laid out menus and responds quickly to your swipes and taps even if you're wearing gloves.
There are no physical shortcut buttons that will give you quick access to key features but the bold, bright graphics assist in you hitting the right icon even by a quick glance, most times anyway.
Volvo's satellite navigation system has been said to be complicated to use. Neither is it easy to enter a postcode nor does it calculate a route as quickly as an Audi or BMW system does. Although, you won't have a problem adding a petrol station waypoint to your route and a simple pinch and swipe will get you back to your route preview.
For the driver, a 12.3-inch screen digital display replaces analogue dials and puts important information right in front of you which includes sat-nav directions, and its brightness will adjust to the surroundings making it always easy to read. Still, it's not as clear or as sharp as Audi’s superb Virtual Cockpit.
The XC60 system also has an advanced voice control function which allows you to operate media, navigation, the telephone functions as well as climate control, using natural speech patterns, so there's no need to memorise any set prompts or commands.
Since music is part of the experience in the XC60, an integrated Spotify app means there’s no need to connect your phone to enjoy it. Support for Apple CarPlay allows you to link an Apple iPhone, while Android Auto is also supported. The Sensus Connect package gives you access to a range of additional apps, allowing you to enjoy internet radio and audiobooks in your car.
The XC60’s standard stereo, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, sounds pretty impressive but you can upgrade to a more powerful Bowers & Wilkins audio system. With this, you're getting 15 upgraded speakers, a subwoofer and customizable playback settings and is ideal for those who are serious about their music.
Recommended: New vs old Volvo XC60