Top 8 Most Impressive Car Infotainment Systems

Car infotainment system (IVI – In-Vehicle Infotainment) is a combination of integrated technologies that help users interact with the vehicle through features such as navigation, music playback, climate control, and mobile connectivity. This is not only a driving support tool but also enhances the entertainment and comfort experience during the journey.

According to a report from Allied Market Research, the global IVI market is forecast to reach $30 billion by 2027, growing at a CAGR of 9.3%. This demonstrates the important role of IVI in the modern automotive industry.

The most prominent IVI systems today include Volvo Android, General Motors Google Built-in, Toyota Connected, Hyundai Blue Link/Kia UVO, Mercedes-Benz MBUX, BMW iDrive 8, Stellantis Uconnect 5, Audi MMI.

If you are looking for a system that meets the criteria of technology, features and interoperability, this article will provide a comprehensive perspective and in-depth information to support you in making the optimal decision.

Volvo Android

Volvo Android is a pioneering infotainment system that offers a seamless experience thanks to deep integration of Google services. Launched in 2021, the system makes Volvo one of the first automakers to bring Google Assistant to its vehicles, including the all-electric Volvo C40.

With Volvo Android, users don't need to rely on phone connectivity to access modern features, from navigation to entertainment.

Outstanding advantages:

Google Assistant integration:

• Intelligent voice assistant supports control of many in-car features, including the climate control system.
• Easy to use with voice commands, keeping the driver focused and reducing hand movements.

Google Maps navigation and apps directly in the car:

• Without needing to connect a phone, users can use Google Maps and other apps like Spotify right on the car system.
• Consistently update apps and new features to expand utility.

Remotely control your car with Google Home: In the near future, users will be able to control their car from home via voice commands with Google Assistant on smart devices.

Comprehensive integration across Volvo vehicles: Google comes standard on all new Volvo vehicles, ensuring a consistent and optimized experience.

Minus point: Lack of wireless Apple CarPlay feature, not fully meeting the needs of iPhone users, limiting the convenience in connection and use.

General Motors Google Built-in

General Motors (GM)’s Google Built-in infotainment system is designed to optimize the driving experience through deep integration with apps and services in the Google ecosystem. From intelligent voice assistants to detailed navigation, the system offers convenience and flexibility for users while ensuring ease of use, helping drivers focus on the road.

Outstanding advantages:

Google Assistant and Google Maps integration:

• Supports voice commands to adjust vehicle features and access detailed directions.
• Specially supports Super Cruise, which helps determine routes compatible with hands-free driving systems.

Google Play Store integration:

• Enables downloading of relevant applications, expanding entertainment and convenience capabilities right in the car.
• Rear seat passengers with entertainment screens can also access downloaded apps.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Compatibility: Provides flexibility for users who do not want to use the Google Built-in system.

Preparing to support Amazon Alexa: Increase the diversity of virtual assistants, suitable for the habits and preferences of many users.

Easy-to-use, low-distraction interface: Intuitive design that prioritizes simplicity and driver safety.

Minus point: Some car owners may find this system a bit monotonous, not creating an interesting or new feeling in the user experience.

Toyota Connected

Toyota Connected is a modern infotainment system designed to optimize the driving experience with a combination of advanced technology and practicality. Although it does not use the entire Google ecosystem like some other manufacturers, Toyota has integrated core elements to bring convenience and high efficiency, with an easy-to-use interface and many modern features.

Outstanding advantages:

Smart voice control: Able to learn user habits, helping to flexibly control car parts, including windshield wipers.

Navigate Drive Connect with Google Maps:

• Cloud navigation stores the entire route, ensuring the driver does not get lost even if the network connection is lost.
• Uses Google Maps, providing a familiar and accurate navigation experience.

Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration: Easily connects to smartphones, providing flexibility and convenience for users.

Toyota Mobile App: Allows remote vehicle start using your phone, enhancing user experience and convenience.

Modern display and interface: Sharp display with a minimalist, intuitive interface focused on ease of use.

Minus point: No support for Spotify and YouTube Music, which reduces the entertainment experience for users who are used to using them on a daily basis.

Hyundai Blue Link/Kia UVO

Hyundai Blue Link and Kia UVO are leading infotainment systems designed to enhance connectivity and convenience for users. Despite their different names, the two systems are very similar and are integrated into many Hyundai and Kia models. They not only support remote vehicle control but also provide modern conveniences, enhancing the daily driving experience.

Impressive points:

• Easy to use: Intuitive, user-friendly interface makes operations quick and simple.
• Remote control via app: Allows you to start your car, prepare the air conditioner, find your car location or perform other tasks from your phone.
• Convenient virtual key: Can share car access with others with limited features, such as only opening the trunk to get things.
• Versatile standard connectivity: Amazon Alexa, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, providing flexibility in using mobile devices.

Minus point: No global support for wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, causing inconvenience to users in unsupported areas.

Mercedes-Benz MBUX

The MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system is a testament to Mercedes-Benz's technological leadership. It is not just an infotainment system, but also an intelligent assistant, designed to provide high-end comfort and interaction for users.

Outstanding advantages:

Modern and highly interactive screen interface:

• Sharp, intuitive screen design, providing a great visual experience.
• Supports intelligent voice control with the command “Hey Mercedes”.

Smart learning and memory:

• Recognize and remember user habits such as frequent locations, favorite songs, or personal settings.
• Optimize suggestions and settings based on user behavior.

Gesture and touchpad control:

• Hand gesture recognition to activate functions, creating convenience and modernity.
• The center touchpad allows for one or more finger manipulation, providing precision and flexibility.

Integrated advanced technology: Equipped on many high-end Mercedes cars, helping to enhance user experience.

Limit:

• High price: Suitable for luxury cars, but not an economical choice for many users.
• Complexity: Although powerful and modern, this system can be difficult to get used to for beginners.

8 BMW iDrive

BMW iDrive 8 is the latest version of the infotainment system that has been refined by the company for more than two decades. Since its debut in 2001, iDrive has been continuously improved, and the eighth generation brings a combination of advanced technology and an intuitive user experience.

With fast response speed, smooth interface, and integrated smart features, iDrive 8 deserves to be on the list of top entertainment systems today.

Outstanding advantages:

Smart voice control technology:

• Allows users to command custom air conditioning settings, such as adjusting the temperature for a specific area based on personal preferences.
• Communicate via light on the dashboard, creating subtle and intuitive non-verbal feedback.

Faster and smoother interface:

• Significantly improved response speed compared to the previous generation, providing a seamless experience when operating.
• Modern design with friendly layout, easy to use even for beginners.

Improved center knob: Retains the rotary control feature from the first generation, but refined for more precision and convenience.

Smart and versatile connectivity: Integrates driving assistance and entertainment features, giving drivers easy access to advanced technologies without distraction.

Unique light feedback: The dashboard uses light to interact, giving a futuristic technological feel and enhancing the driving experience.

Minus point:

• Unreliable gesture control: Gestures are sometimes not recognized correctly, disrupting the user experience.
• No Android Auto support: This can be inconvenient for Android device users, reducing the flexibility of the system.

Stellantis Uconnect 5

Uconnect 5 is an infotainment system that Stellantis equips for Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep and Fiat vehicles. This system stands out thanks to the combination of advanced technology and user-friendly interface.

With Uconnect 5, drivers and passengers can enjoy a range of modern features, from voice control, precise navigation, to multimedia entertainment options for the whole family.

Outstanding advantages:

• Alexa and Google Assistant integration: Convenient voice control, supports music management, navigation, and car settings.
• Multimedia entertainment with Amazon Fire TV: Integrated in vehicles with rear entertainment screens, supporting streaming movies and shows.
• Precise TomTom Navigation: Easy-to-use interface, no phone app dependency.
• Friendly interface, easy to get used to: Information is presented clearly, logically, and easily customized according to individual needs.
• Flexible connectivity: Supports smartphone connectivity and modern applications.
• Ease of use compared to competitors: Easier to get used to than complex systems like Mercedes MBUX.

Minus point: The software sometimes lags, causing interruptions and reducing the user experience.

Audi MMI

Audi MMI (Multi Media Interface) is one of the most prominent infotainment systems in the automotive industry, combining sophisticated design with modern features. Equipped on Audi models, MMI offers a premium interactive experience with a beautiful interface and advanced technology, from rotary knob control to touchpad support for handwriting recognition.

Impressive points:

Unique Virtual Cockpit:

• The screen replaces the traditional instrument cluster, displaying full information from speed, rpm, to satellite images from Google Maps.
• Delivers a more intuitive, modern, and focused experience for the driver.

Sharp and sophisticated design:

• The graphics and layout are carefully crafted, in keeping with Audi's premium style.
• Excellent display quality with sharp screen and vivid colors.

Integrating modern technology:

• Supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring convenient connectivity with mobile devices.
• The touchpad recognizes handwriting, allowing for quick and accurate operation on some vehicle models.

Minus point:

• Learning how to use it can take time: For beginners, getting used to Virtual Cockpit and its controls can be a bit complicated.
• Lack of comprehensive voice control: The system isn't as robust as some competitors in recognizing and processing voice commands.

Frequently Asked Questions about Automotive Infotainment Systems

1. Which infotainment system is best at learning user habits?

The Mercedes-Benz MBUX and BMW iDrive 8 systems feature intelligent learning capabilities, such as remembering the user's frequently visited locations or favorite songs.

2. Which system supports the most voice assistants?

The General Motors Google Built-in and Hyundai Blue Link/Kia UVO systems integrate Google Assistant, Amazon Alexa, and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.

3. Which system is suitable for beginners due to its easy-to-use interface?

Toyota Connected, Hyundai Blue Link/Kia UVO, and Stellantis Uconnect 5 are all intuitively designed and easy to use, even for first-time users.

4. Which system best supports rear seat passengers?

Stellantis Uconnect 5 and General Motors Google Built-in both provide multimedia entertainment and app access to rear-seat displays, well-suited to passenger needs.

5. Where should I take my car for maintenance and repair?

Thanh Phong Auto is one of the reliable addresses, highly appreciated by customers in Ho Chi Minh City thanks to its professional and dedicated car maintenance and repair services.

Outstanding advantages of Thanh Phong Auto:

• Team of highly skilled technicians: Technicians at Thanh Phong Auto have solid expertise and many years of experience in repairing and maintaining different car models. Guaranteed to handle problems with car systems (drive system, safety system, infotainment system, brake system, power system...).
• Modern garage system: The garage is designed to be spacious, clean, and equipped with advanced machinery, meeting technical requirements from basic to complex.
• Genuine components, transparent prices: Thanh Phong Auto is committed to providing high quality auto parts, with clear origin and competitive prices, without intermediaries.
• Professional service commitment: No additional errors or unauthorized replacement of components; long-term warranty for repair services.
• Car rescue service on site: Especially convenient for customers in Ho Chi Minh City when encountering unexpected problems or not having time to bring the car to the garage.

Thanh Phong Auto is the top choice for those who want to ensure their car is always in the best condition, while receiving dedicated, transparent and professional service.