Audi a1 vs mercedes a class

We compare the infotainment systems in the BMW 1 Series against that of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A1 Sportback.

Published: 18 February 2020, 14:52

The latest BMW 1 Series, the F40 model, brings with it a host of new developments for the 1 Series as we know it. Aside from the Front-Wheel-Drive layout and traditional hatchback design, a fresh new look to the interior is offered. New infotainment options are also made available in the new F40, including Live Cockpit Professional.

It plays in the premium hatchback arena now, going up against the likes of the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A1.

Related: Our review of the new Audi A1

Here's how the new BMW 1 Series compares to the competition:

BMW 1 Series

Our rating: 4/5

Equipping the BMW 1 Series with the Live Cockpit Professional will see your dashboard transformed into a high-tech wonder with two 12.5-inch screens; one in front of the driver and another off to the side for infotainment duties. This system uses the latest BMW OS7 which includes Intelligent Personal Assistant for those "Hey BMW" voice commands. 

Users can further interact with the system via touch, gesture, the iDrive commander in the centre console and the multifunction steering wheel. The iDrive controller features handwriting input and has been redesigned; it does, however, retain most of the familiar shortcut buttons above and below the rotary dial.

Bundled with navigation, the system accepts Bluetooth, and USB inputs and features an onboard HHD (Hard Drive) for storage of media in the car. The system is Apple CarPlay equipped.

Menu design and layout is the familiar BMW OS7 style with a tiled home screen and customizable widgets, allowing a variety of information to be displayed simultaneously with certain features shared on the screen ahead of the driver.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

Our rating: 4/5

As we've selected an optional infotainment system with the BMW, it's only fair to compare it against the optional infotainment made available to the A-Class hatch and sedan. In this case, it's the much-lauded MBUX system that features two 10.25-inch screens with one ahead of the driver and the other, linked on the dashboard for infotainment and climate controls.

MBUX also allows for several methods of interaction, from the command centre in the centre console with handwriting input and a large rotary dial with shortcut/navigation buttons, to touch input on the centre screen, the multifunction steering wheel with touchpads and Mercedes-Benz' natural voice command, activated with a "Hey Mercedes" command. This voice control centre also allows for control of certain vehicle functions such as climate control.

It allows for Bluetooth connectivity and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped but all USB ports are of the USB-C format and will require an additional adapter to connect regular USB devices. Navigation is bundled with MBUX but we've found this native system to be rather buggy and recommend using Google Maps via a paired smartphone instead.

The menu layout and design are intuitive enough and allow for relatively easy access to most functions but some, such as HUD adjustment, are tucked away and located in the command centre ahead of the driver instead.

Audi A1 Sportback

Our rating: 4/5

The Audi A1 is also afforded options when it comes to the infotainment system and springing for the MMI Navigation Plus will see your Audi A1 fitted with a 10.1-inch touchscreen unit that can be paired with the Audi Virtual Cockpit for a fully digital experience.

This system employs a touch interface with further input from voice (albeit not in natural speaking terms like the other two listed), the multifunction steering wheel and a compact controller in the centre console that consists of only a singular rotary knob but allows for volume control, track skipping and power control.

The system accepts input from Bluetooth, USB-A and USB-C (ps. this is how you do it, Mercedes) and is Apple CarPlay and Android Auto equipped for seamless smartphone tethering.

The menu design features a colourful tiled layout that can be customized to the user's preferences. It's a relatively intuitive system and only requires a short amount of time to become accustomed to the layout and logic used. This system may appear to be thin on features but it is a rather robust system and does away with many of the frivolous gimmicks that the others employ.

Verdict

We seldom offer up a verdict when it comes to these comparisons but with all the score tied we felt it necessary to include some opinions on the systems to help you decide.

BMW 1 Series
For: Display clarity and slick OS7

Against: Intermittent CarPlay connectivity issues on startup

Mercedes-Benz A-Class

For: Audi reproduction and clarity

Against: Menu system convoluted at times. Unreliable Navigation

Audi A1 Sportback

For: Simplicity and robustness

Against: Lack of certain features. 

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