Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé vs Jaguar F-Pace vs Audi Q7: Which one has the best infotainment system?

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé strikes the ideal balance between luxury and sportiness. It's packed with the latest technology from Mercedes-Benz but still retains its sporty, adventurous nature. While most will never see as much as a dirt road, the GLC is equally compliant and capable off the road as it is on it. It's the perfect companion for the family, filled with tech, safety, and convenience features. The Coupé version adds an element of sportiness to proceedings. 

Related: Which is the best variant of Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé?

Of the tech features in the Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé, the MBUX infotainment system is one of the most prominent and powerful devices in the cabin. A central interface for vehicle engagement and entertainment, it will also keep you connected and informed. We compare this robust unit to the competition, namely the Audi Q7 and the Jaguar F-Pace, two vehicles that are evenly matched in price to the GLC Coupé.

Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé

The Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé is fitted with the latest generation MBUX infoatainment system that features an 11.9-inch portrait touchscreen with a high resolution. From this screen you will access a variety of services and vehicle functions. This unit complements the 12.3-inch driver display that has selectable themes, allowing you to choose a display that best suits your needs. This includes widescreen navigation for the driver. 

The climate control is controlled via the touchscreen unit, as are a multitude of vehicle settings for comfort, lighting, driver assistance, etc. On the entertainment front, it supports wireless Android Auto and wireless Apple CarPlay, and the USB port allows for a mobile device to be tethered. It also supports Bluetooth audio streaming for music and hands-free telephony. A 5G modem is integrated and allows for WiFi hot-spotting and connected services. These include navigation with a tour guide that can point out certain points of interest along your drive. The latest voice assistance can be accessed by simply saying "Hey Mercedes" and then speaking your command. This updated version of this system recognises natural speech and is able to control more of the vehicle.

Control is primarily via the touch screen, but the driver has control over basic functions through the multifunction steering wheel. A control surface is also provided below the screen that will allow for touch control of basic audio functions and quick access to drive mode settings as well as prompting the 360-degree surround view camera. Customers can opt for a powerful 15-speaker Burmeister audio system, should they so wish, for accurate and clear audio reproduction.

Audi Q7

Both the Audi and the Jaguar are starting to get a little longer in the tooth compared to the recently updated GLC, but that doesn't mean that their infotainment systems are any less capable.

The Audi Q7 runs Audi's MMI Plus infotainment and control system that utilizes a large, wide, touchscreen with haptic feedback. It features an embedded SIM for connectivity and WiFi hostspotting and this allows the Audi Connected Apps to operate when needed. These include real time traffic updates, points of interest searches, and navigation with support for Google Earth satellite imagery.

Audi separates the HVAC and climate controls from the infotainment with a separate screen. A smaller, touchscreen rests below the main unit and allows access to the climate controls and comfort settings, it also doubles as the telephone control interface. 

The Audi MMI Plus offers Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for smartphone tethering and also supports Bluetooth connections. Primary control is the touchscreen, while the driver is able to control the system through the multifunction steering wheel as well. Tactile controls in the form of a physical volume/mute knob allow for quick controls without diverting your eyes from the road.

This system pairs with the digital cockpit driver display that has multiple views so that the driver can prioritize what they wish to see.

Jaguar F-Pace

With the last major update coming in 2021, the Jaguar F-Pace is also somewhat established. A class leader in its technology and infotainment at the time, the PIVI Pro system in the F-Pace has aged remarkably well. With its curved glass 11.4-inch touchscreen, the PIVI Pro system is a powerhouse in more ways than one. Our favourite feature is the dual power supplies that power the unit up as soon as the car is unlocked. This means that the unit is ready for use and connected the moment you climb in. It also features a dual SIM setup that allows for multiple actions to be carried out simultaneously, such as media streaming and software updates - which are able to be done automatically and over the air, ensuring that your PIVI Pro is always up to date.

The PIVI Pro system has a simplified menu system, and Jaguar ensures that you'll be able to perform 90% of the tasks in two taps or less. This unit supports Android Auto and Apple CarPlay along with Bluetooth connection for audio streaming or hands-free telephony. The cellular signal is boosted to ensure crisp call clarity with an external aerial dedicated to the task. A 360-degree surround camera helps you navigate parking lots and tights spaces.

The PIVI Pro system ties in with the 12.3-inch driver display that allows for drivers to display their preferred content, be it audio, or navigation.