Audi S5 coupe vs Ford Mustang vs Lexus RC 350 F-Sport: which one has the best infotainment system?

Both the Ford Mustang GT and Lexus RC 350 F-Sport models have been available in their current forms since 2019. The Audi S5 is the most modern of the bunch after receiving updates in 2020, some of which has been applied to the exact area we will be focussing on, the infotainment system.

While it is important to like the styling of the vehicle you are considering, or focus on the efficiency or performance of the drivetrain hidden underneath, few take the time to fully analyse whether the interior and conveniences will suit their lifestyles. This after all is one of the most important aspects of the vehicle as this is where you will be spending most of the time. 

Audi S5 coupe

Traditionally the Audi MMI infotainment systems would exclusively take user inputs via a controller and buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. This, however, seems to be a thing of the past as the latest Audi S5 coupe comes fitted with a 10.1-inch touchscreen display with acoustic feedback for when a function has been selected.

In addition to the new touchscreen configuration, Audi installed the S5 with the latest MIB 3 modular infotainment platform as well as a new communication box which is in charge of telephony. This sees the graphics cleaned up and reduced to have an easy-to-understand menu structure. Owners can also search for specific options via free text input. 

Working alongside the central screen is the Audi virtual cockpit plus which incorporates a 12.3-inch screen into the instrument cluster. On this screen, the driver can select multiple views including navigation via the button inputs on the steering wheel. As expected, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto feature as standard allowing for improved smartphone integration.

One of the biggest areas of improvement is the Audi connect services. This sees that all models come fitted with the Audi connect roof module which with the press of a button will connect the vehicle occupants to Audi’s roadside assistance and emergency call centre to request emergency towing, ambulance, police or fire brigade support. 

The Audi connect system will also provide owners with Google Earth navigation and the ability to plan routes with even weather information and sending those routes to the vehicle via the myAudi mobile app. The app in combination with the Audi connect system also allows the driver to remotely access information such as fuel level, range, service appointments, warning messages. The owner could even set geo-fencing perimeters and speed limits if the vehicle is used by someone else.

Ford Mustang GT

The latest iteration of the Ford Mustang GT follows in the footsteps of even some of the earliest editions that arrived during the '60s. Not only is there a powerful V8 under the bonnet, but many of the design choices also incorporate themes that transformed the early models into motoring icons. However, the modern Mustang GT does not only cater to the driver with performance and styling but also nifty tech.

Centrally fitted to the dashboard is an 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen. Installed to the display is Ford's latest SYNC 3 communications and entertainment system. This infotainment system not only allows the driver to access audio and climate or the embedded navigation functions via touch input but also with voice commands. 

This configuration also provides the driver or passengers to connect their smartphone device via Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. This allows for accessing preferred navigational apps and streaming services such as Spotify for entertainment. Similar to its counterparts in this comparison the Ford Mustang also offer a digital instrument cluster.

The 12.0-inch LCD cluster is programmed to display the information most important based on the drive mode selected. The graphics displayed can also be configured by the driver and even programmed by the driver to display a range of gauges in one of seven colours.

Lexus RC 350 F-Sport

As mentioned earlier, the Lexus RC 350 F-Sport received a mid-life update during 2019 and one of the areas of improvement was the infotainment screen. Unlike that of the Ford or the Audi, the 8.0-inch display in the Lexus is not a touchscreen but rather is controlled by a touchpad located on the centre console.

Although the touchpad provides haptic feedback and navigating the infotainment system is made easier by the menu and map shortcut buttons, this input method has been met with criticism. Similarly to its competitors in this comparison, the infotainment system offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility via USB input. 

Customers can also conveniently conduct telephony via Bluetooth functionality. One of the biggest drawing cards of the infotainment configuration is that it is connected to a Mark Levinson sound system which utilises no less than 17 speakers to bring aural bliss to the occupant's ears. 

The driver is also treated to a digital instrument cluster that features a circular tachometer design. In the standard view, the driver can easily view the fuel range, engine temperature and odometer reading. With a push of a button on the multifunction steering wheel, the rounded design moves to the right and on the left additional information appears such as navigation or entertainment info like the current music track.

Switching between the drive modes to the sport setting will also change the cluster theme to display more red hues to signify that you are in the more aggressive drive mode.