Latest News
2025 GMC Sierra 1500 Review
Bigger Screens and Better Software
Infotainments are continuously changing year after year. They get faster, add new features, and grow in size – sometimes substantially. With so many different systems and different infotainment configurations in today’s new cars, it can be hard to know which ones are helpful and which can be a hassle. Thankfully, we’ve looked at all the different automotive software and identified which ones get paired with the best screen setups to provide the greatest user experience.
Audi MMI Navigation Plus
Inside Audi’s e-tron GT is a standard 10.1-inch touchscreen that’s powered by MMI Navigation Plus. The MMI Navigation Plus software features an easy, customizable user interface that can be tailored to different profiles. Audi adds features like a navigation system that responds in real-time to traffic data, Amazon Alexa voice assistant, Car-to-X services for road hazard warnings, and smartphone mirroring capabilities.
The unit in the e-tron GT also features vehicle settings like popping up the rear spoiler, adjusting ride height, or reviewing performance metrics. The e-tron GT version of the system adds switches and drops the second screen for climate control that’s prevalent in other Audi models, a choice that actually makes the experience easier in our opinion.
BMW iDrive with Operating System 8.5
The spanning screen featuring BMW iDrive is available in most of BMW’s lineup for 2024, but the plug-in hybrids and fully electric vehicles get extra benefits from the system. Models like the i4 and i5 now feature an update to the cloud-based BMW Maps that improves information on available charging stations to include a rating system. E-mobility Analysis was also added, which provides key all-electric driving metrics to the companion My BMW App and adjusts the vehicle to serve the best driving experience based on the driver’s behavior. The BMW system utilizes a curved, single pane display that encapsulates the 12.3-inch driver display and 14.9-inch infotainment touchscreen display. Play your favorite songs, use BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant with voice commands, or even play a game by using your phone as a controller.
Cadillac OLED Infotainment System
Cadillac adds an infotainment system that surrounds the driver in models like the Escalade and Lyriq. A 33-inch continuous advanced LED curved screen spans from the driver side to the center of the vehicle. This 9K resolution touchscreen acts as the infotainment system and driver information screen. System features include a quick access stack on the lefthand side of the display, the ability to use a physical navigation knob instead of touching the screen, Google Assistant, Google Play store applications, and helpful trip planning features.
Ford Sync 4
Sync 4 is available on pretty much all of Ford’s lineup, but the best experience with the system comes from the F-150 Lightning. Lariat and Platinum models feature a 15.5-inch, vertically oriented touchscreen display that is packed full of great features. Everything from climate controls to driver assistance to Apple CarPlay is controlled on this giant display and it’s all thoughtfully organized.
Hyundai Bluelink+
Hyundai made their Bluelink+ connect car service complimentary for 2024 models and newer now. This means you gain app connectivity that allows you to remote start, lock, adjust climate control, review diagnostics, set routes, and find your car all from their app. One of the best setups with this system is in the Hyundai Ioniq 5 where it features two 12.3-inch displays that act as a driver display and the infotainment touchscreen. One cool feature of note is the ability to split the infotainment screen to display between three different apps like navigation, media, and local weather all at the same time.
Lucid Infotainment System
Lucid is one of the few manufacturers dedicated to just electric cars and their luxurious Lucid Air features a bevy of screens for their infotainment system. The driver is presented with a spanning touchscreen that features a control stack on the left-hand side, diver information in the center, and their own personal infotainment screen. Then there is another touchscreen below that handles vehicle functions, navigation, and so much more. Too many screens to play with? Simply stow that lower screen into the dash and utilize Lucid’s voice-recognition software to direct commands at the integrated Alexa assistant.
Mercedes-Benz MBUX
Mercedes has found a bunch of different ways to display their MBUX system on various screens throughout their entire lineup. Probably the coolest setup is the Hyperscreen that turns the entire dashboard into a series of displays on models like the 2024 Mercedes-AMG EQE. Drivers get their own 12.3-inch digital cockpit display, passengers get their own 12.3-inch display, and then there is a massive 17.7-inch touchscreen in the center. Control vehicles settings, view navigation maps, download apps, adjust the climate and ambiance, and keep it up to date with all the latest features from Mercedes-Benz with over-the-air updates.
Porsche Communication Management 6.0
Porsche doesn’t offer the largest screens, but their Communication Management 6.0 system inside models like the Porsche Taycan is a simple and effective experience. The system itself features an intuitive user experience and makes navigating the interface even easier with the Porsche Voice Pilot integrated assistant. Along with the 16.8-inch driver display there are two stacked touchscreens. The dash integrated 10.9-inch unit handles the entertainment features like the integrated Spotify Premium while the lower 8.4-inch unit deals with items like climate control and navigation. There’s another 10.9-inch infotainment touchscreen for the front passenger and an optional 5.9-inch unit can be tacked on for the rear seats to control the rear climate too.
Stellantis UConnect
UConnect has continuously been one of the most user-friendly infotainment softwares year after year. For 2024, the best experience comes on the Jeep Wagoneer with its over 75 inches of total display from the driver side to the passenger side to the rear seats. The main unit is a 12-inch touchscreen that handles navigation, entertainment and a bevy of other applications. Below that system is a 10.25-inch unit dedicated to comfort settings while the front passenger gets their own 10.25-inch screen to review navigation and control media. Rear passengers get their own 10.25-inch comfort display too along with available 10.1-inch rear seat entertainment displays. And of course, the driver gets their own 10.25-inch digital gauge cluster.
Tesla Touchscreen
Tesla has been leading the way for giant, super responsive infotainment displays, and it continues to be the bright spot for this electric car manufacturer. You can’t really go wrong when it comes to which model to choose. The Tesla Model S has a giant, vertically oriented 17-inch touchscreen while the Model 3 features a 15.4-inch horizontally oriented screen and a second 8-inch screen for rear passengers.
Whichever model you get you’ll experience one of the fastest infotainment experiences that’s continually updated over-the-air to add more features. Tesla also adds some unique features like Dog Mode, Sentry Mode, and a built-in arcade racing game.
