Volvo XC60 vs Audi Q5 vs Mercedes-Benz GLC: which one has the best infotainment system?

By Farzana Chaumoo

We take a look at the highlights of the infotainment systems found in the Volvo XC60, Audi Q5 and Mercedes-Benz GLC.

 

Volvo XC60 – 3/5

The Volvo XC60 features a 7-inch portrait infotainment screen in the dashboard. Feeling like an iPad, menus are logically laid out with quick response times which will even pick up your fingers through gloves.

Volvo didn’t add any physical shortcut buttons to give you quick access to key features, however, the bright, bold graphics make it hard for you to miss the icon you seek.

There’s also a Media Server with a Digital TV receiver. The Media Server allows your passengers to enjoy large amounts of entertaining content for their smartphones and tablets. Independent of phone network coverage, they wirelessly can enjoy movies, music and photos stored on a USB memory connected to the server. The media server also allows streaming of terrestrial TV on your smartphone or tablet during the journey. The Media Server also creates a WiFi zone that allows you to connect up to 6 different devices at the same time, Apple as well as Android. For optimum comfort and safety when using your iPad® in the rear seat, we recommend our specially designed holder.

The satellite navigation in the XC60 isn’t as easy to operate as ones offered by BMW and Audi. Although, you can add a petrol station waypoint easily and through pinching and swiping you’ll be able to preview your route ahead.

Behind the steering wheel, the driver gets a 12.3-inch screen which replaces the analogue dials. This screen adjusts its brightness to the surroundings so it’s always easy to read and displays everything from infotainment features to sat-nav directions and even vital vehicle stats. It’s also said to be not quite as sharp or as clear as Audi’s Virtual Cockpit. It’s also tied to an advanced voice control function which allows you to operate climate control, navigation, media and telephone functions using natural speech patterns, so there’s no need to memorise set prompts or commands.

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring comes optional and allows you to use a selection of apps through the XC60’s built-in screen. This comes handy when you’re using your phone’s Google Maps or Waze or even to stream music. On the plus side, the XC60 has the Spotify app integrated into the system without the need to connect your phone. With the Sensus Connect package, you’ll get access to a range of additional apps, allowing you to enjoy internet radio and audiobooks.

The infotainment system is combined with a Harman Kardon Premium Sound system that gives you precise, powerful sound, while top-of-the-range Bowers & Wilkins audio provides remarkable clarity and power.

The XC60’s heated seats and air conditioning are both controlled through the infotainment screen which some users may find frustrating, but it does have a handy set of dedicated icons at the bottom of the screen so it’s not too much of a schlepp finding a menu to change your temperature.

The Volvo XC60’s standard stereo, Harman Kardon Premium Sound, gives you precise, powerful sound. You can upgrade to the top-of-the-range Bowers & Wilkins audio system that comes with 15 upgraded speakers, a subwoofer and customizable playback settings that can mimic the acoustic properties of Gothenburg Concert Hall – naturally. If you’re serious about your music then that’s the one to have.

 

Review: Volvo XC60 T6 AWD R-Design - Built for snow, and degrees way below

 

Audi Q5 – 5/5

The Audi Q5’s standard infotainment system is relatively easy to operate. Its large, slim 8.3-inch colour display is bright, clear, crisp and nearly as intuitive as BMW’s iDrive system. For added convenience, you can jump through your menu using a scroll wheel on your centre console or via touchscreen or voice control. The optional Audi smartphone interface integrates selected mobile phone content into your Audi.

The optional Audi virtual cockpit makes progress visible. The fully digital instrument cluster with high-resolution 12.3-inch screen displays a wide range of driver-related information. From speed and navigation to communication – you choose from several display options.

 

Audi connect

With the aid of optional Audi connect services you can get an impression of your destination even before you arrive: thanks to the intelligent integration of Google Earth™. Access messages and emails on the road, arrange a servicing appointment with your Audi dealer or activate the auxiliary heating via your smartphone app before you get in the car. Audi connect keeps you perfectly connected everywhere and at any time. Even if you break down, help is only the push of a button away. So you can continue your trip as quickly as possible.

Audi’s Q5 models come with optional satellite navigation. Its various menus are sensible and easy to navigate and the optional Technology Pack lets you enter a postcode by writing numbers and letters on a dedicated touchpad with your finger. The system can calculate three different routes at once, based on the total distance, journey time and fuel usage.

The Audi Q5 is fitted with a 10-speaker stereo with a subwoofer and 180W amp as standard. It sounds amazing and makes the optional Bang and Olufsen upgrade seem a little unnecessary.

 

Review: 2017 Audi Q5 2.0TFSI Quattro Sport

 

Mercedes-Benz GLC – 4/5

The Mercedes-Benz GLC comes with two infotainment displays as standard. This consists of a 5.0-inch screen mounted between a pair of conventional analogue dials and a second 8.0-inch touchscreen up on the dashboard with a high-resolution multimedia display. It features the COMAND Online system which includes navigation, telephone, audio, video, and internet. With this easy and intuitive system, you have all your media, information and communication options in view and under control.

In combination with a suitable mobile phone, it is possible to open Internet pages when the  is stationary and use Mercedes-Benz apps such as POI search, weather or internet radio while driving.

The fast, hard-drive-based navigation with realistic, topographical map illustration and three years of free navigation updates, receive and take into account up-to-date traffic information.

The main display can be accessed from the touchscreen, steering wheel controls, or via the large touchpad on the centre console. The latest touchpad, while still difficult to use compared to the Q5 or X3, is said to be much more intuitive than the old model’s awkward scroll-wheel arrangement

It can be easier to use the ‘Hey Mercedes’ voice recognition feature to control the system’s main functions. With this system, you can change the radio station, adjust the climate control settings and add addresses and waypoints to the built-in sat-nav without taking your hands off the steering wheel. While it’s certainly not like Siri, it understands more commands spoken in plain English than the rival’s voice-control systems.

To minimize distraction, the Bluetooth® interface includes hands-free and text message reading functions to guarantee safe and convenient communication while at the wheel.

Despite all of this, the GLC doesn’t get a stylish two-piece widescreen display like the ones fitted in the GLE and the A-Class hatchback and looks a bit dated compared to those.

The GLC’s standard stereo can be upgraded to a punchier Burmester unit that comes with some snazzy laser-etched speaker grilles. Just a shame that mirroring your smartphone’s navigation and streaming music apps on the built-in display come only on the AMG Line Premium model.

 

Review: Mercedes-Benz GLC Coupé has a unique appeal

 

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