4 Luxury SUVs with the Best Infotainment Systems

By Farzana Chaumoo

We take a look at the latest infotainment systems in top luxury SUVs such as the Audi Q7, BMW X5, Porsche Cayenne and Range Rover Evoque. 

 

1. Audi Q7

Audi’s Q7 is equipped with its top-of-the-range MMI infotainment system that is accessed through the high-resolution 8.3-inch display. This can be complemented by the optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display that shows all the vehicle instruments and the infotainment information.

The system looks great and while its menu is not as logically laid out as that of the BMW system, its menus are still easy to navigate.

Optional systems to add to the MMI system include a navigation system (with really detailed maps), Bluetooth streaming audio or the Audi Connect service. To keep the kids occupied in the back, you could also add a rear-seat entertainment system with individual DVD players and viewing screens.

The Q7’s infotainment system can also mirror your phone through using Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

The standard stereo is good and comprises of nine speakers, a subwoofer for extra bass, and six channels. There is also an optional, more potent, sound system upgrade – the 14-speaker Bose premium audio system that has a great output.

 

2. Porsche Cayenne

Despite the analogue clock that Porsche added into its Cayenne dashboard, you will be dearly mistaken to think that it’s taking a step back in technology. The Cayenne is fitted with the Porsche Communication Management (PCM) system that uses a massive 12.3-inch widescreen display with sharp, stylish graphics.

The system is easy and intuitive to use and you can adjust it to your personal preferences. Using predefined tiles, owners can quickly and easily create a home screen with their preferred functions, such as favourite radio stations, navigation destinations, favourite phone numbers or activation of the sports exhaust system.

The Cayenne and Cayenne S are equipped with the HiFi speaker system as standard, while the Cayenne Turbo comes with the BOSE^® Surround Sound System. With 14 loudspeakers and a separate subwoofer, 14 amplifier channels and a total output of 710 Watts, this system delivers true clarity of sound to all five seats. The Centerpoint^® 2 technology enables stereo sources to be played in surround mode, creating truly impressive acoustics. AudioPilot^® Noise Compensation Technology ensures that the sound experience can be enjoyed regardless of the vehicle’s road or engine speed.

There is the option of upgrading your sound system to the top-of-the-range Burmester^® 3D High-End Surround Sound System. It features the Auro 3D^® format, which creates a realistic concert hall atmosphere within the car. The system includes 21 loudspeakers with a two-way centre system, an active 400 Watt subwoofer and a total output of 1,455 Watts. Enhanced features and exclusive technologies such as the Burmester^® Air Motion Transformer and the Sound Enhancer^® form part of the system.

Full smartphone integration through the Porsche Connect App with access to online radio and social media channels is also available, along with HD Radio, satellite radio, a navigation system, and a rear-seat entertainment system.

 

3. Range Rover Evoque

The iconic Land Rover Range Rover offers three levels of its infotainment system starting at the base with the Touch, advancing to the Touch Pro, and sitting at the top is the Touch Pro Duo.

The Touch multimedia and navigation system features a clear and responsive 8-inch touchscreen with intuitive touch and swipe gestures.

Navigation is included on the Touch system and destinations can be easily searched for and favourite locations can be stored for later quick access. 2D and 3D maps, as well as voice prompts, make using the system a very intuitive experience.

The high-quality sound system also digitally corrects audio so all your passengers experience great sound from all sources anywhere in the vehicle.

You also get DAB (digital audio broadcasting) radio which ensures the best quality radio sound and a wide range of channels. You can also pre-set and store your favourite channels.

As part of the Touch system, the driver also benefits from the Head-up Display that projects transparent relevant driving information directly on to the windscreen.

Upgrades will include 10-inch dual high-definition touchscreens, an optional 12.3-inch high-definition Interactive Driver Display, touch sensitive switches on the steering wheel, Navigation Pro, Meridian sound systems and Digital TV.

 

4. BMW X5

In 2018, the updated X5 received a new infotainment system that blends the iDrive rotary knob with a touchscreen. BMW owners already familiar with BMW’s iDrive system will have no hassle finding their way around the menus. The wheel still supports drawing letters which many have found to be easier than the tapping.

The square cards found on the current system were replaced by a customizable layout that supports several individual "widgets". Much like other automakers, BMW has also reduced the number of taps needed to navigate through the most used features allowing drivers to keep their eyes on the road.

The new iDrive 7 supports profiles that are saved to a cloud. So if you’re switching BMWs, you can still sign in to your account making all your favourite locations, contacts and media easily accessible.