BMW 4 Series vs Audi A5 vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe: which one has the best infotainment system?

The BMW 4 Series is due for a replacement and the rumour mill has it that we should be seeing the newest incarnation of the popular coupe by the end of 2020 (that said, it is 2020 and anything could happen). It's much the same for the Audi A5 which is also due for an update this year. The Audi A5 will only be receiving a facelift though. 

Related: New BMW 4 Series Coupé (G22) arriving in late-2020

As for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it was last updated in 2018 and Mercedes-Benz seems quite content with what they have and at the time of writing this, there was no official word on a C-Class replacement.

 

Thus, this comparison will cover most instances for a BMW 4 Series from 2017 to 2020, Audi A5 from 2017 to 2020 and Mercedes-Benz C-Class from 2018 to 2021.

It's also worth noting that individual vehicle specifications may vary from those listed below as the options lists on these three models are rather extensive and include a variety of infotainment system choices.

 

BMW 4 Series

Our rating: 4/5

Standard fitment on the BMW 4 Series is the BMW Radio Professional which features a 6.5-inch screen mounted on top of the dashboard. The most common option fitted to the 4 Series though is the Navigation system Professional which includes the fitment of a much larger, higher definition 8.8-inch screen with additional functionality.

The operating system used in the F32 4 Series is iDrive 6 which was the first to utilize a tiled home screen menu with customisable layout. This system is fairly intuitive and only a few intricate settings are tucked away in obscure locations. Each tile is a shortcut to a frequently used function and tiles are presented in a widget-style, offering high-level information at a glance.

 

The system is controlled by the iDrive controller in the centre console that consists of a large, touch-sensitive dial and several shortcut/control buttons. The shortcut buttons allow access to functions such as media, radio, nav and home, with a back button and options button situated down below. 

Often overlooked, the system also has a secondary input area above the climate control that features a row of several buttons for radio station shortcuts, track skip/search, eject, mode and a rotary knob for volume control. Further control comes from the multifunction steering wheel.

The system accepts input from USB, AUX, CD, Bluetooth and AM/FM with preparation for Apple CarPlay if so specified. The BMW Connected App allows for connection to a smartphone when away from the vehicle to monitor a limited array of vehicle vitals, such as door lock status and departure reminders. Customers also have the option of selecting a fully digital driver display which incorporates an 8.8-inch screen in the instrument binnacle and ties into the infotainment system.

 

Audi A5

Our rating: 3/5

Once again, standard fitment in the Audi A5 is rather basic, with a 7-inch screen doing duty up front unless one springs for the MMI Navigation Plus package that sees the fitment of an 8.3-inch screen and naturally, additional functionality.

The Audi operating system is getting on in years now but, despite this, the usability and functionality remain contemporary and simple enough to use; the sign of a great design to start with. This operating system utilises a circular menu system with colour coding to help differentiate between function and menu locations. 

 

Control systems include a touch-sensitive rotary controller in the centre console, flanked by several shortcut buttons and two, two-way toggle switches to allow access to key functions. Pinching or spreading fingers on the top of the rotary control allows for zooming in and out of maps. Further control of key functions happens through the multifunction steering wheel where one can change the volume, skip tracks/stations, answer or reject calls or switch input sources. 

The system accepts USB, AUX, and Bluetooth connections and is equipped with an AM/FM receiver. Integration of Apple Car Play and Android Auto is an optional extra as is wireless charging for suitable mobile phones. Customers can also opt for the Audi Virtual Cockpit for a 12.3-inch digital display for the driver which allows a variety of view options including satellite map views.

 

Mercedes-Benz C-Class

Our rating: 2/5

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class gets the largest screen of the three with a 10.25-inch display doing duty atop the dashboard. This high-resolution display is equipped with Mercedes-Benz's COMAND system, rather than the newer and more intuitive MBUX operating system. As with the other three, the standard specification is rather thin and many of the desired functions are part of add-on packages and options.

COMAND has always been a tricky one to use and the menu hierarchy is not overly user-friendly or intuitive. Only those familiar with the COMAND system and layout will be able to find their way around without much hassle. For others, we recommend a few hours parked in the garage to play with the various settings, menus and general functionality. 

 

Interacting with the system is done in several manners. The primary source of control is the COMAND controller in the centre console that features a touchpad, rotary dial and several shortcut buttons for frequently accessed functions. It's a system that can be fiddly at times, especially when on the move but works well for the most part. A row of additional shortcut buttons can be found on the centre fascia, flanking the clock.

Steering wheel controls include touchpads that respond to presses as well as swipes, allowing for 'easier' navigation through the user interface. These are also somewhat fiddly and take some getting used to with slightly errand swipes causing some confusion in the system.

Aside from the standard AM/FM capabilities, this system will accept USB, Bluetooth and supports Apple Car Play and Android Auto when specified.

 

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