In the full-size luxury sedan segment, the infotainment fight is in full force. As these models often represent the company's pinnacle of development, carrying the torch for their respective manufacturers, they're fitted with the latest advances in technology. One such area is often the fast-moving arena of infotainment systems.
With the upper tier of motoring being so evenly matched, we are surprised to see such variance in the technologies employed between manufacturers. While most will carry out many of the same functions, it's the ease of use that changes drastically.
Related: Lexus LS 500: The alternative luxury car
Let's see how the Lexus LS infotainment system compares to the systems found in the BMW 7 Series and Mercedes-Benz S-Class.
Lexus LS
Our rating: 1/5
The Lexus LS is tied for the top spot when it comes to screen size and in the LS you will find a 12.3-inch screen doing duty. While the gauge cluster is also a digital affair but has a limited resolution and is rather small. The main display has a decent resolution but the design is starting to feel dated.
Main menu options are accessed via a pop-up area on the lower section of the screen. The screen is set out in a split-screen format allowing you to access two separate functions, be it navigation and audio, or audio and air conditioning controls. The system is equipped with satellite navigation and a 360-degree camera system. It is fitted with a DVD player system and will accept Bluetooth, USB, and AUX connectivity. 2019 models are equipped with Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa support but are still devoid of Android Auto. When activated, the Lexus infotainment system can also function as a WiFi hotspot.
Interacting with the Lexus system is the most infuriating aspect of the system, even beating out the confusing and overly complex menu hierarchy. Lexus, for some reason unbeknownst to us, still insists on using a touchpad in the centre console. This system is difficult to use when stationary and nigh-on-impossible to use when on the move, with the cursor either rocketing around the screen or taking forever to get across, depending on your sensitivity settings.
The sound system is impressive though thanks to the Mark Levinson 12-speaker audio system which includes a subwoofer. Concert-type settings allow for an immersive experience but sadly it still falls short when compared directly to the competition.
BMW 7 Series
Our rating: 4.5/5
The BMW 7 Series features the latest BMW iDrive 7.0 system, replete with tiled main menu display and natural speaking "Hey BMW" voice commands. It uses the smallest screen of the three with a 10.25-inch touchscreen mounted atop the dashboard. Users can interact through the voice commands, gestures in front of the screen, the iDrive controller in the centre console or via the multi-function steering wheel.
This system accepts connections from USB, AUX, and Bluetooth with support for Apple CarPlay. A 360-degree camera is complemented by a virtual 3D model of the vehicle offering a unique view of the vehicle and making difficult parking manoeuvres considerably easier.
The menu system is simple, clear and rather intuitive and the home screen can be customised to present a layout that best suits you with your most frequently accessed tiles presented on the first page.
Audio quality from the standard system is impressive but this goes one step further when you spring for the optional Bowers & Wilkins audio solution.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class
Our rating: 3.5/5
Passengers in the Mercedes-Benz S-Class will notice the impressively designed infotainment system that features two screens. One large screen rests in front of the driver, replacing the traditional gauge cluster and the large 12.3-inch infotainment screen in the centre. This system uses a slightly dated menu layout that is starting to show its age. Despite this, it is familiar and not too convoluted, allowing for relatively quick access to primary functions.
This system accepts connections from USB, AUX and Bluetooth and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped. The standard audio system is more than adequate but opting for the Burmeister Audio package will leave you astounded. It comfortably has the best sounding audio system of the three with crisp highs and clear, deep lows, especially at medium volume levels.
Interacting with the system is done either via the centre command controller that features a familiar rotary dial as well as a touchpad on top. While not ideal, it does the job well enough once you learn to not rest your hand on the touchpad. You can also scroll through and make selections with the multi-function steering wheel that also features touchpads similar to those we used to find on Blackberry phones.
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