Bentley Mulsanne vs Rolls-Royce Ghost vs Ferrari GTC4: which one has the best infotainment system?
In the world of luxurious passenger cars with seating for four, we look at the Bentley Mulsanne, Rolls-Royce Ghost and throw in the Ferrari GTC4Lusso, to see how their infotainment systems stack up.
When you start shopping for a vehicle with a price tag north of R5-million you hardly have a tough time choosing. Your mind is probably made up by this stage already. However, if you're still open to suggestions and still concerned with the appointment in the cabin, keep reading as we take you through the highlights of the infotainment systems of two British luxury sedans and one firey Italian GT car.
Related: Top 3 things you need to know about the Rolls-Royce Ghost
Bentley Mulsanne
R6 152 000
Our rating: 4/5
The Bentley Mulsanne is not a car that you will see very often, it's a vehicle crafted for the discerning buyer who knows what they want and strives to make a statement wherever they go. Buyers will be treated to an 8-inch, high-definition touchscreen infotainment system with an impressive audio package as standard.
This unit features a 60GB hard-drive with 20GB of personal space and will accept input from AUX, USB and Bluetooth. It's equipped with DAB digital satellite radio and a 6-disc CD changer with DVD functionality. You also have the option of expanding the storage with two SD card slots at your disposal. The unit is also 4G WiFi-enabled and has navigation installed.
Controls are found on the multifunction steering wheel and the unit has a control panel that sits lower in the centre fascia. 12 shortcut buttons will give you easy access to common functions while a large, rotary dial rests in the centre for adjusting the volume.
Audio is plumbed through a 14-speaker, 2 subwoofer audio system that is powered by a 6-channel digital amplifier. The 2200 W Naim audio package is also available that will see the system play through a total of 20-speakers.
Rolls-Royce Ghost
R5 800 000
Our rating: 3.5/5
There's only one name that is synonymous with luxurious appointment, and that is Rolls-Royce. The Ghost is the entry point into this exclusive world of opulence but that doesn't mean that it's shy on equipment. The Ghost may be based on the BMW 7 Series but only a small amount of BMW leaks into the equipment. The infotainment system is one such area.
Based on the BMW Drive infotainment system, the Ghost employs a rotary commander in the centre console, doing away with the touchscreen option. Speaking of screens, the screen on the Ghost can be hidden at the push of a button for a traditional look and feel to the cabin. This system is fitted with a hard-drive as well and will accept input from USB, AUX, HDMI, Bluetooth and will provide a 4G Wifi hotspot.
Passengers in the rear will benefit from their own Spirit of Ecstasy rotary commander for their dual 9.2-inch screen and have the ability to send certain information, such as a navigation address, to the front unit.
Ferrari GTC4Lusso
R6 531 900
Our rating: 3.5/5
The Ferrari GTC4Lusso is the odd-ball in this line-up as it edges more towards the GT car segment than the luxury sedan market. With that said though, many potential customers of both the Mulsanne and Ghost will look at driving their own cars, rather than being chauffeur driven - so why not do it in a Ferrari?
The GTC4Lusso thankfully moved away from the binnacle-mounted infotainment system that is found on their mid-engined offerings and with the help from former Apple designers have given us a centrally-mounted 10.25-inch touchscreen infotainment system that is packed with modern features. The split-screen functionality makes it possible to view two different functions simultaneously and this includes 3D navigation. Climate control is also controlled via the infotainment system.
Control comes from the touchscreen or a 2-rotary dial and 4-button control pad just below the screen on the driver's side. This controls volume, selection and shortcut functions including a personalizable hotkey. The system supports Apple CarPlay, has USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
Recommended next:
Top 3 Ferrari FF features that stand out from the competition.
McLaren MP4-12C vs Ferrari 458 vs Lamborghini Gallardo: which one has the best infotainment system?
