the vanilla Mercedes-Benz CLS has slowly withered away into the shadows, you can still get your hands on a performance model in the form of the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53. You're not going to get a V8 model, but the turbocharged straight-six will still get your pulse racing.
Related: Approaching the Mercedes-AMG CLS 53 4MATIC+ with caution.
It finds itself in amongst the likes of the BMW 8 Series Gran Coupe and the Porsche Panamera and we dive into the details surrounding the infotainment systems fitted to these three models to see which one comes out on top.
Mercedes-AMG CLS
It's a tech fiasco in the Mercedes-AMG CLS, especially if you check the right options boxes. The CLS gets a similar treatment to most higher-end Mercedes-AMG offerings with two 12.3-inch displays linked under a single pane of glass. The one ahead of the driver replaces the instrument cluster and allows for customisable displays while the other handles infotainment and vehicles functions.
The system uses the MBUX interface with a touchpad controller in the centre console. One is able to use voice commands, the touchscreen, the multifunction steering wheel with touchpads or the central controller for system inputs. The unit will allow for AM/FM radio, audio streaming via Bluetooth as well as hands-free telephony and is Android Auto and Apple CarPlay enabled. All USBs are of the Type C format, favouring more modern devices with Type A to Type C converters available for older devices.
The menu layout is simple and logical, using a stepped hierarchy. It takes a short while to climate oneself to the various areas of the menu system but switching settings on the go will prove distracting even when familiar with the system as the touchpads often see you venturing off into unwanted areas of the screen.
One of the unique features of the MBUX system is the Energizing Comfort Control which alters several aspects of the vehicle in order to create an ambience and environment best suited to your mood. This will change playlists, alter interior ambience lighting, engage massaging seat functions and climate controls (with fragrances) depending on the selected profile.
The Mercedes Me functionality allows for your diary to be synced with the system and will update the navigation to include routes for your appointments in chronological order.
Porsche Panamera
Inside the Porsche Panamera you won't find two screens, per se. While the driver's display houses analogue gauges for the tachometer and speedometer, the cluster off to the side shows a digital display that can be modified depending on the information the driver wishes to see. The infotainment centre houses a 12.3-inch touch display that handles entertainment, vehicles settings and HVAC displays. This is the Porsche Communication Management system.
With two-finger multi-touch control, users are able to swipe, zoom and pinch on various areas of the screen depending on the chosen function. Proximity sensors also enlarge various areas of the screen making it easier to make contact with the correct area one wishes to press. This allows for more information to be displayed and doesn't hinder accessibility. The screen also supports handwriting recognition for faster inputs for systems such as navigation.
Porsche Connect Plus supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for seamless smartphone mirroring and access to approved in-car apps. The navigation system supports Google Earth and Google Maps and with an SIM card can create a mobile WiFi hotspot for occupants.
Several audio systems can be specified including a Bose system as well as a 1 455 watt 3D surround sound system from Burmester with 20 speakers and an active subwoofer.
BMW 8 Series
The BMW 8 Series is equipped with the latest BMW Live Cockpit display and infotainment system that employs BMW's OS 7.0. Together these two screens replace the instrument cluster and allow for various, customisable displays for the driver, with information shared between the two screens.
The 10.25-inch touchscreen atop the dashboard is the primary infotainment display and serves as access to vehicle settings and functions. It can be controlled in multiple ways from direct touch, gesture, voice, via the multifunction steering wheel or via the Drive commander in the centre console. This large rotary knob with push-button shortcuts has been a mainstay of the BMW infotainment systems for over a decade and remains one of our favourite ways to interact with an infotainment system.
This system allows for AM/FM reception and audio streaming from either Bluetooth enabled devices or USB tethering. It supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Office 365 will synchronise your diary with the system to remind you of appointments, remind you when to leave and plan your route for you when using the onboard navigation.
