Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs BMW 3 Series vs Audi A4: which one has the best infotainment system?

2018 saw the Mercedes-Benz C-Class undergo an extensive mid-lifecycle facelift and with that came an upgrade to the infotainment system options as well as an update to the operating system.

While a standard 8-inch screen is fitted to base models, most customers will opt for the upgraded 10.25-inch media display and the touchpad with Controller, R9 000 and R2 500 options respectively. Navigation with live traffic updates and Car-to-X communication are further options.

All models are now smartphone compatible (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) and this is possibly the easiest way to circumvent the factory operating system which remains somewhat slower to respond and more complex to navigate than the competitors. Previous Mercedes-Benz owners may not struggle with this but those new to the system will need some time to familiarize themselves with the menu hierarchy.

New for the 2019 model year is the touch-sensitive pads for input on the steering wheel. Reminiscent of the touchpad technology we saw in BlackBerry devices, this interface can prove somewhat fiddly to use.

Higher spec models are fitted with Burmester audio systems as standard but this is an R12 800 option for lower spec models. Systems are devoid of AUX input and feature two USB inputs as well as Bluetooth hands-free and audio streaming capabilities.

2018 BMW 3 Series

3.5 / 5

With the new BMW 3 Series on the horizon still, we will look at the outgoing configuration of the BMW iDrive 6.0 system in this comparison.

The current iDrive interface and the tiled operating system are at the pinnacle of the system's progression, doing away with the convoluted menus and making navigation between screens simpler and more intuitive.

The system is still controlled by the rotary dial and buttons in the centre console with touchpad input on the top of the rotary dial. The buttons flanking the dial serve as shortcuts to frequently accessed screens and functions, taking only a short moment to memorize.

Wireless Apple CarPlay is an optional extra on iDrive 6.0 allowing for screen mirroring and use of approved third-party apps (including Google Maps). Other options include navigation with RRTI (Real-time Traffic Information), Concierge services, wireless charging, and remote services.

2018 Audi A4

4 / 5

Our pick of the comparison is the robust and user-friendly Audi MMI systems. Entry-level vehicles will be equipped with the MMI Radio Plus that employs a 7-inch screen and has Bluetooth connectivity, AUX and USB inputs with voice control as standard.

Optional upgrades include scaling up to an 8.3-inch screen which can be complemented by the optional 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit display. This upgrade includes a touch control interface for the rotary dial that serves to navigate through the logical, circular menu layout.

Additional options include preparation for smartphone connectivity and navigation with real-time traffic information.

The Audi MMI is our pick of the bunch thanks to its user-friendliness and simple tactile interface with a clean menu hierarchy that makes it easier to access menus without pulling your eyes off the road.

View our full vehicle comparison here: BMW 3 Series vs Mercedes-Benz C-Class vs Audi A4