Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav & connectivity?
BMW 530e
BMW OS 8.5 | Key feature: Over-the-air updates
THE focal point of the 530e’s fascia is the wide display that appears to float in a single curving panel above the dash. It’s made up of a 12.3-inch instrument binnacle and a 14.9-inch touchscreen. The latter runs the brand’s latest iDrive software, and it has solid ergonomics, rapid loading times and excellent responses.
While we prefer physical climate controls, BMW’s large touchscreen keys are a permanent feature on the screen and are easy to use. We find the “My Modes” that are offered instead of the usual drive settings to be needlessly cryptic; we don’t see what’s wrong with Eco, Normal and Sport settings, or a single menu that lets you adjust the drive and interior settings. Despite these small issues, the BMW current iDrive system is still better than many rivals’ set-ups.
Standard kit included
Adaptive LED headlights, 20-inch alloy wheels, wireless smartphone charging, Harman Kardon sound system, keyless entry, radar and camera-based driver-assist systems, front sports seats, heated front seats
What we would choose
The Bowers & Wilkins sound system is among the best fitted to any car, so it’s worth the £1,250 upgrade. The panoramic-glass roof bathes the cabin with light, but is pricey at £1,600
VS
Mercedes E 300 e
MBUX | Key feature: Augmented-reality navigation
THE centrepiece of a trio of displays inside the E-Class starts with the huge 14.4-inch screen in the centre of the dashboard. The menu layouts are fairly logical, and the
