Volvo V40 Cross Country vs Mercedes-Benz GLA vs Audi Q2: which one has the best infotainment system?

Volvo described its V40 Cross Country as a ‘compact premium hatchback’, and aimed it at those seeking a slightly more adventurous lifestyle than the buyer of the standard V40 would aspire to.

Volvo has been phasing out the V40 and V40 Cross Country since December 2019, but there are plenty of pre-owned examples for sale on this site.

Related: We compared Volvo V40 Cross Country engines, and the fuel-economy crown goes to...

 

Volvo V40 Cross Country

Our rating: 2/5

The Volvo V40 Cross Country comes standard with Volvo’s elegant Sensus infotainment system. Sensus includes a 7-inch (17 cm) screen mounted inside the dashboard, as well as a 5-inch (12.7 cm) digital driver’s display mountain inside the instrument binnacle. All apps and functionalities are native to the Sensus operating system, which means there is no option for switching to Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

 

The Sensus system ensures that all the driver’s basic needs are covered. It includes (optional) navigation, radio, media, hands-free phone operation and access to various system settings. Volvo also offered a Harman Kardon sound system to ensure occupants enjoy a premium audio experience.

Volvo merged the old with the new in its floating centre console by including ‘hard’ telephone digits, which the average driver will rarely use, since the car comes with modern hands-free Bluetooth functionality. This inclusion makes the centre console feel crowded and slightly intimidating to use. Thanks to more sensible buttons on both the centre console and steering wheel, operating the Sensus infotainment system is simpler than it appears ay first.

 

Accepted media inputs include USB, Aux, CD, AM/FM radio and Bluetooth. In some markets the the system came with an on-board hard drive, allowing music to be stored, but only in mp3 format.

 

While the Volvo’s Sensus infotainment system seems to cover all one’s needs, it does leave a bit to be desired in a modern-day vehicle. The main screen in the centre console seems almost hidden where it’s sitting deep inside the console. The multitude of buttons on the centre console can easily be overwhelming, especially if used while driving. The standout feature of the Sensus system must be the simple but sensible and engaging digital driver’s display.

 

Audi Q2

Our rating: 3/5

Similar to Mercedes-Benz, Audi allows for many optional extras to enhance its MMI infotainment system. We recommend the addition of Audi’s Virtual Cockpit, as it is one of the best and most immersive digital instrument clusters on the market, especially when it comes to navigation. It depicts the most important driving-relevant information in high resolution on large screen where the dials are normally housed. The driver can switch between two views by pressing the “View” button on the multifunction steering wheel. In classic mode, the instruments appear as large as the usual analogue displays. In infotainment mode, a central window predominates that provides more space for the navigation map or shows clearly arranged lists for the phone, radio and so on.

 

The MMI radio plus with the non-retractable monitor is standard equipment. There is a choice of two different MMI Navigation systems to choose from, a basic version or an advanced version. Both versions include Audi connect and Bluetooth streaming, the only difference being the MMI touch pad and the level of radio system. With Audi connect, many online functions are brought into the car such as Google Earth and Google Street View. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto round off the infotainment offering by seamlessly integrating into the car via the Audi smartphone interface system.

 

What counts against the Audi is that the standard infotainment offering is a bit spartan. You have throw money at Audi to get the good stuff.

 

Mercedes-Benz GLA

Our rating: 3.5/5

The latest GLA includes Merc’s native “Hey, Mercedes!” MBUX infotainment system – a much needed improvement on its previous COMMAND system. Not only does its interface and hardware look much sharper, but it performs much better as well. Merc offers various screen-size options, from 7 (18) to 10.25 inches (26 cm) . The quality of the screens, along with the system’s 3D graphics, allow for a stunning experience.

 

The MBUX system offers the latest in in-car functionality, making it almost as versatile as your smartphone. It is highly customisable and includes artificial intelligence with a voice assistant very similar to that of Apple’s Siri and Google Assistant, activated by saying “Hey, Mercedes”. The system’s artificial intelligence (AI) gets to know the driver, and over time will adapt to better suit his needs and lifestyle inside of the GLA. Furthermore, it offers touch and gesture controls for those who aren’t in love with the sound of their voice. What does all of this mean? Simply put: the driver can keep her hands on the steering wheel and eyes focused on the road while interacting with the system – from playing a favourite new song, calling your mom and adjusting cabin climate to perfectly suit your preference. Note that navigation is a cost option.

 

MBUX does allow for alternative operating systems like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but the Stuttgart company is confident MBUX will become so slick and user friendly that customers won’t even bother. We have our doubts about that... Alternative inputs are restricted to USB Type C ports. As far as native in-car operating systems go, Merc might have nailed it with MBUX. There is a MBUX Innovation package (for a whopping R 23 000) that “extends the scope of functions of the cockpit and MBUX multimedia system. The combination of innovative and proven equipment provides you with the ideal prerequisites for convenient operation,” Mercedes-Benz says. We’ll have to get our hands on the GLA to see what this and the other MBUX upgrades entail. We’re deducting half a point for the high prices of these upgrades, but the Merc still wins this shootout.

Related: The new Mercedes-Benz GLA 2020: What you need to know

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