With ever more stringent safety and emissions regulations within the automotive world, we are seeing more uniformity between competing products, with distinguishing features such as brand, ergonomics and infotainment systems being more important than ever. With this in mind, the recent update made to Volvo's XC90, which includes a new Google-based infotainment system has seen the once-innovative portrait-mounted Sensus infotainment system receive a new lease on life. How does it compare with two other impressive systems seen in the Jaguar F-Pace and Volkswagen Touareg, though?
Related: Volvo reveal XC60 "Beast 2.0" at 2022 Festival of Motoring
Volvo XC90
As a pioneer of the portrait-orientated infotainment system and digitised instrument cluster, the Sensus system was a catalyst for many of the systems we see in premium products now in 2022, but it was most certainly in need of an update, which came recently in the form of a new Google-based operating system called IVIS.
The 9.0-inch primary screen has been retained, as has the digitised instrument cluster, however, the system now sports a better resolution and functions such as Google Assistant, Google Maps and Google Play within the system itself. There is still AM/FM reception, USB input, Bluetooth connections and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. With built-in Wi-Fi connectivity, you can also update the system over the air from the comfort of your garage.
Jaguar F-Pace
In 2021 the F-Pace model range was updated with the latest Pivi Pro infotainment system which includes an 11.4-inch curved-glass touchscreen that has been optimised to be as simple to use as possible, with the brand claiming that most functions are less than two taps away. There is a digitised instrument cluster that works in tandem with the system too, while key features include data SIM connectivity for over-the-air updates, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality as well as AM/FM reception, voice control and USB connectivity.
Volkswagen Touareg
The Touareg set a new benchmark for infotainment systems back in 2018, and its 15-inch Discover Premium system with a 12.0-inch digitised instrument cluster has been called the Innovision Cockpit. The system is configurable, allowing for the user to create their own personalised infotainment experience. Functionality includes Bluetooth, USB or Aux input, SOTA (Software Over The Air) updates, a built-in Spotify app, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone functionality.
Verdict
Looking at the three products used for this comparison, there are some deeply impressive infotainment systems on offer, but there can only be one winner, and that is the gargantuan system in the Volkswagen Touareg.
