All You Need to Know About Infotainment Systems

In today’s tech-oriented world, the car infotainment system has come on leaps and bounds in the last ten years. Nowadays, advanced infotainment systems aren’t just limited to prestige cars, they’ve become a norm in the industry. 

No longer simply for audio, they’re an in-car entertainment system that combines navigation, connectivity, music, and even safety features to enhance your driving experience. 

In this blog, we’ll explore what a car infotainment system is, why they are a must-have for modern drivers, and some of the best systems currently on the market. 

We discuss: 

Let’s break it down; the term ‘infotainment’ combines the terms ‘information’ and ‘entertainment’. 

An in-car infotainment system combines functions like navigation, audio, hands-free calling, and climate control into a single interface displayed on a car touchscreen. 

While they used to take the form of small screens, this is no longer the case. Nowadays, manufacturers have adopted ‘tablet-style’ screens that are essentially much bigger smartphones. 

You can control the system in a range of ways, which are ever-evolving. It started with just regular controls and touchscreen technology, but now various prestige cars come with hands-free controls on the steering wheel, a rotary controller on the centre divide, and even voice control.

A bit like how smartphones are essential in our lives, the same could be said for infotainment systems in your car. A good infotainment system enhances the driving experience by making it safer and more convenient. 

They allow drivers to stay connected without taking their hands off the wheel or eyes off the road. 

They also house a lot of modern safety features, and if your car comes with advanced driver assistance systems, you will control these through the infotainment system. 

The main purpose of an infotainment system is to enhance your driving experience. This originally came in the form of further audio functions, but in the modern age, your infotainment system has taken this many steps further and comes with a wide range of functionalities: 

• Audio - You’ll get access to various audio sources such as radio, Bluetooth, USB ports, and streaming services. 
• Smartphone integration - Almost every modern infotainment system comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to seamlessly connect your phone to your car. 
• In-car functions - Through your infotainment system, you’ll be able to manage climate control, customise seat positions, and control safety systems. 
• Navigation - GPS sat-nav with real-time map updates and over-the-air software updates. 
• Camera systems - If your car comes with a camera system, such as a rear-view camera or 360-degree camera, you’ll be able to view these through your infotainment screen. 
• Voice recognition - Some advanced systems come with voice recognition that allows you to control in-car features through the sound of your voice. 

Here’s our breakdown of the five best infotainment systems on the market: 

1. Tesla infotainment - Tesla is renowned for its state-of-the-art technology, and its infotainment system continues to follow the trend. Known for its massive touchscreen and intuitive interface, it comes with pretty much everything you could ask for, including streaming services, traffic updates, and a powerful voice assistant. 
2. Volkswagen infotainment system - Volkswagen uses various infotainment systems in their cars. However, their latest systems are seriously impressive. Found in cars like the Volkswagen ID.7, you’ll get a large touchscreen display that provides access to pretty much everything, such as climate control, voice recognition, and satellite navigation. 
3. BMW iDrive - BMW’s iDrive system has been constantly rated as one of the best in-car infotainment systems, and for good reason. Now in its ninth generation, it’s sharp, responsive, and comes with BMW’s Intelligent Personal Assistant. 
4. Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) - MBUX consists of two screens that integrate into the dashboard and utilise artificial intelligence to deliver a personalised experience. It comes with voice control, smartphone connectivity, and sat-nav as standard. 
5. Ford SYNC - Ford SYNC, now in its fourth generation, is a cloud-connected entertainment system that’s faster, smarter, and better than ever before. It’s incredibly easy to use, which is perfect for those driving a Ford commercial vehicle, and it’s cloud-connected, which means that it’s always up-to-date. 

So, you’ve wrapped your head around what an infotainment system is, but which one is best for you? When selecting a car infotainment system, consider the following factors: 

• User interface - Ensure the layout of the system is to your liking and is easy to navigate. Examine pictures and read reviews online to ensure you fully understand. 
• Connectivity - Check that the system is compatible with your smartphone and features your preferred apps. 
• Features - Identify which features are essential for your driving experience, such as sat-nav, artificial intelligence, and advanced safety features. 
• Updates - Go for an infotainment system that offers regular software updates to keep features current. 

What’s the point in getting a modern infotainment system if you don’t know how to use it? To maximise your infotainment experience, we’d recommend the following: 

• Stay updated - Regularly check for updates on the systems software, and don’t hesitate to update if it is available. This will ensure you continue to access new features and system improvements. 
• Learn voice commands - Familiarise yourself with voice commands to minimise distractions when using the system. 
• Customise the settings - A lot of systems nowadays allow you to customise your settings, such as adding your own styling and design. 
• Explore all features - When you first get your car, take a bit of time to explore all the features available to fully utilise the systems capabilities. 

Whether you’re looking for a luxury or reliable car, one thing is certain: it will come with a modern infotainment system. It’s essential that you take some time to understand how to use it, all of its features, and the best systems out there. 

If you’re after more advice, check out our comprehensive Personal Leasing Guides. We explain a range of topics, such as Automatic Car Leasing and Luxury Car Leasing. 

We are also one of the UK’s leading car leasing brokers, offering a range of leasing deals to suit your every need. For more information, check out our latest deals or call us on 0345 811 9595.