Inf tainment

score 3.3 Which multimedia system is best for music, sat-nav and connectivity?

ALFA ROMEO

STELVIO

Alfa Connect 3D Nav Standard Key features: 8.8-inch screen, sat-nav

OUR top-spec Stelvio comes with Alfa’s 8.8-inch infotainment set-up, which is controlled by a rotary wheel on the transmission tunnel. The big screen fits into the dash nicely, but the interface’s design restricts how much information can be displayed.

The sat-nav map isn’t as large or as clear as in its rivals, displayed in a letterbox format that makes it harder to view. Still, this doesn’t affect the usability of the system too badly – the Tomtom-based unit is easy to operate and works well – but it does mean the Alfa’s set-up looks small. The graphics could be sharper, too, especially compared with the Volvo’s, while the Stelvio’s lack of Apple Carplay and Android Auto isn’t so great next to the more advanced XC60. But both systems should be coming in 2018.

A seven-inch display behind the steering wheel shows driving data, and DAB radio is included. Milano trim gets upgraded speakers as standard, but you can have a Harman/kardon 14-speaker set-up for an extra £500.

VOLVO XC60 Sensus Navigation Standard Key features: Nav, sharp screen

THE nine-inch tablet-style portrait touchscreen is a highlight of the Volvo’s interior, and it’s certainly the best system in this test. The screen is fairly responsive, but sometimes does lag behind your inputs, which is annoying. With no place to rest your hand, the display interface isn’t the easiest to use on the move, either, unlike the wheel-controlled systems fitted in its rivals.

It looks great, though, with higher-resolution graphics than in either the Alfa Romeo or the Mercedes. Taking inspiration from the way we use smartphones and tablets, the set-up also proved intuitive to use.

Alongside apps such as Spotify for music on the go, Android Auto and Apple Carplay are available as part of the Smartphone Integration pack (£300). It’s a shame this functionality isn’t standard, but the Stelvio and GLC are even more limited for phone tech. There’s a Bowers and Wilkins stereo system with 15 speakers (£2,500); while you’ll pay for it, it’s one of the best systems around.

MERCEDES GLC COMAND Online Standard Key features: Sat-nav, Wifi hotspot

OUR GLC with the Premium Plus package has Mercedes’ COMAND Online infotainment system as standard, which includes an 8.4-inch display with sat-nav and a Wifi hotspot. You also get a Burmester stereo with 13 speakers as an upgrade over the standard stereo set-up.

The rotary controls make the system simple to use on the move; it’s easy to flick between menus. The screen is bright and the graphics acceptable, but the menu design feels dated next to the smartphone-like Volvo’s. Still, it’s better than the Alfa’s cheaper-looking and less responsive set-up, although the GLC’S sat-nav isn’t quite as clear.

While some connected services and live traffic info are nice touches, it’s a shame Android Auto and Apple Carplay functionality isn’t available on the system, as the smaller screen you get on lesser GLC models is actually available with that software, although it does cost extra.

The infotainment betters the Stelvio’s for usability and functionality; it just loses out to the XC60’S system.