Mercedes-Benz SL - 3.5/5
Navigation, telephone, audio, video, internet – with the control and display system COMAND Online (optional for the SL 400) the driver keeps these and many other functions in sight and under control. Information is shown in colour on a 17.8 cm (7-inch) high-resolution media display. Operation is simple and intuitive. Fast hard-disc navigation with realistic topographical map display for relaxed route guidance. In combination with a suitable mobile phone, it is possible to call up internet pages when the vehicle is stationary and to use Mercedes-Benz Apps such as POI search, weather or internet radio while driving.
Carefully coordinated technical components of the optional Harman Kardon® Logic 7® surround sound system with a total output of 600 watts and 11 high-performance loudspeakers ensure an unmistakably authentic soundscape. Passengers in all seats enjoy an enthralling 360° sound experience for both stereo and 5.1 multi-channel recordings.
The optional Bang & Olufsen BeoSound AMG high-end surround sound system – standard for the Mercedes-AMG SL 65 – was specially developed for the SL. Twelve high-performance loudspeakers, ICEpower amplifiers with DSP and a total output of 1020 watts produce tailor-made acoustics. Innovative solutions facilitate clear and precise sound reproduction. Via the digital sound processor, DSP, various sound settings can be made, and the tweeters’ acoustic lens technology ensures the characteristic virtual sound stage in front of the occupants. The aesthetic design of the illuminated tweeters and high-quality loudspeaker grille in aluminium completes the experience.
Loudspeakers with Frontbass – in the SL all three available sound systems have Frontbass technology. The standard-fit sound system with a total of eight loudspeakers provides a brilliant and balanced sound even during open-top motoring. The woofers are integrated into the bodyshell and use the space within the side members as resonance chambers for first-class bass reproduction.
While some parts of the dashboard are said to look dated like the small infotainment screen and its cluster of buttons, the system’s interface is rather user-friendly. An auxiliary audio input jack is not available, but two USB ports are.
Related: Shop through our listings for your own Mercedes-Benz SL
BMW 8 Series - 4/5
The new BMW 8 Series Coupé also ushers in a new era when it comes to connectivity. The innovations are BMW Live Cockpit Professional and BMW Operating System 7.0: A high-quality display network consisting of a touch-capable, high-resolution 10.25-inch control display and a fully digital 12.3-inch instrument display, on which the innovative operating concept runs with intuitive operation via gestures, voice and touch control and numerous options for customising all displays. The new user interface allows intuitive operation and can be adjusted to your own requirements with variable widgets. The touchscreen is said to have some of the sharpest graphics of any in-car display and is bright enough to read in almost-direct sunlight. Icons are also easy to recognise from a quick glance.
The innovative BMW Live Cockpit Professional with a learning navigation system is a new highlight of BMW’s typical driver orientation. All information is displayed in an appealing manner on the display network consisting of a control display and an instrument display. Thanks to the individually configurable operating concept of the BMW Operating System 7.0, even more intuitive operation via gestures, speech, touch screen and iDrive control is possible. With the enhanced functionality of the controller, all digital services such as apps can be selected directly and the whole system can be configured according to personal preferences. The Head-Up Display with extended contents also transmits information directly into the driver's field of vision without distracting from traffic
Due to a combination of an innovative operating concept, high-quality displays and the latest networking, the navigation system Professional1 offers a next-generation experience: Dynamic mapping content ensures a unique guiding experience. Address data can easily be entered by hand using the iDrive Touch Controller, touch screen or voice control. The navigation itself is visually fascinating: Three-dimensionally designed and with satellite images as map background as well as selected sights in photo-realistic representation, each journey becomes an informative experience, which now also takes place in the central area of the multifunctional instrument display, in which navigational content is displayed in a new form.
The BMW 8 Series does come with Apple CarPlay as standard which works well, however the unfortunate thing for Android users is you can’t get Android Auto smartphone mirroring for the 8 Series.
The infotainment system is also connected to a 16-speaker Harman Kardon stereo as standard which has more than enough punch to fill the BMW 8 Series’ cabin with whichever guilty pleasure you feel like blasting out on the commute.
Related: First Drive - BMW 8 Series on launch
Jaguar F-TYPE - 3/5
Delivering a wealth of information and entertainment, every F-TYPE is equipped with the InControl infotainment system, Touch Pro. It features intuitive and advanced integrated technologies to ensure everyone can make the most of their journey.
As part of the Touch Pro system is a standard 10-inch touchscreen at the heart of the centre console which supports swipe and pinch gestures and delivers rich audio-visual entertainment. To enhance the in-car experience, Touch Pro offers customisable home screens and fast response times. Multi-tasking is also made easy thanks to the Interactive Side Panel.
InControl is Jaguar's suite of standard and optional features that connects you to your vehicle and links you seamlessly, and securely, with the outside world. There is a range of packs and options available to choose from. There’s also a selection of apps to keep you close to your car.
Navigation Pro allows you to save your favourite places, use swipe and pinch-to-zoom gestures for simple map exploration and display a choice of either 2D or 3D crystal clear map graphics. You can also keep maps up-to-date with the latest release with Map Care1. Navigation Pro functionality is further enhanced by Connect Pro.
By screen sharing with F-TYPE's infotainment system, the Smartphone Pack helps you stay safely connected to your smartphone even while in the car. Featuring Jaguar InControl Apps technology, the Smartphone Pack allows vehicle-optimised apps on your Apple® smartphone to be controlled through the Touchscreen, including your contacts, calendar and music player, via a USB cable. You can also download third-party apps offering a vast range of services.
Related: Jaguar F-Type 2.0-litre - An Everyday F-Type
