What is the infotainment package?
In modern vehicles, the infotainment package is the bundled set of multimedia and connectivity features that designers and manufacturers offer with the car. It typically includes the touchscreen display, audio system, smartphone integration, navigation, apps, and connected services.
As of 2024–2025, these packages blend hardware and software to deliver entertainment, information, and remote capabilities. They shape how you listen to music, how you connect your phone, how you navigate, and how you access online services. The exact contents and pricing can vary by brand, model, and trim, and some features may require optional upgrades or subscriptions.
What it typically includes
The following list covers the core elements that are commonly bundled into an infotainment package across brands.
- Central touchscreen display (often 8–12 inches, with larger high-end options)
- Smartphone integration (Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, wired or wireless)
- Built-in navigation with live traffic and map updates
- Voice control and a digital assistant
- Wireless or wired connectivity (Bluetooth, USB, and sometimes a Wi‑Fi hotspot)
- Quality audio options (standard or premium brands, such as Bose, Harman/Kardon, Bang & Olufsen)
- Apps and streaming services (music, podcasts, and other media)
- Over-the-air updates and remote services
- Vehicle apps and remote features (remote start, climate control, parking aids via the app)
- Cloud services and synced data (contacts, favorites, trip history)
The combination of these features determines how smoothly the system operates, how often it updates, and what you can do without using a phone or a separate device. Expectations have grown that infotainment will keep evolving through software updates rather than requiring new hardware.
Brand-specific approaches
BMW: iDrive
BMW’s iDrive centers around a large central display supported by a rotary/controller and, in newer models, gesture control and a refined touchscreen experience. It emphasizes a balance of hardware controls and touch input, with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto where available and frequent OTA updates via BMW ConnectedDrive. The system aims for quick access to navigation, media, and vehicle settings with a strong focus on usability and customization.
Audi: MMI/MIB
Audi’s MMI (Multi Media Interface) packages combine dual high-resolution screens, haptic feedback, and voice control. Recent iterations emphasize streamlined navigation, powerful app support, and OTA updates. Audi’s approach often favors a polished user interface and robust integration of CarPlay/Android Auto, with brand-specific apps and features tied to the MMI ecosystem.
Mercedes-Benz: MBUX
Mercedes-Benz MBUX is built around natural voice control (“Hey Mercedes”) and a user-friendly home screen. It offers features like augmented reality navigation and, in higher trims, expansive displays and the option for a large, immersive cockpit. Wireless CarPlay/Android Auto is typically supported, along with OTA updates and cloud-connected capabilities that keep the system current.
Tesla: In-Car Infotainment
Tesla treats the infotainment system as the core of the driving experience, with most features software-driven and delivered primarily via over-the-air updates. The system includes built-in navigation, streaming apps, and vehicle controls accessed through a central touchscreen. Optional Premium Connectivity expands live traffic, satellite maps, and additional streaming options, while the entire interface evolves through software releases.
Ford: SYNC 4
Ford’s SYNC 4 emphasizes cloud connectivity, faster responses, and easier smartphone integration, often with wireless CarPlay/Android Auto as standard or widely available. The system supports OTA updates, enhanced voice control, and a customizable layout that helps drivers access essential features quickly through touch, voice, or steering-wheel controls.
Hyundai/Kia: UVO/Bluelink
Hyundai and Kia integrate their UVO/Bluelink platforms with the infotainment system, focusing on connected services, remote commands, and app ecosystems. These packages typically include navigation, live services, and smartphone integrations, with a growing emphasis on intuitive interfaces and regular software updates.
How to choose an infotainment package
When shopping for a car, consider how the infotainment package fits your daily use, devices, and budget. The following steps help you compare options across trims and brands.
- Check device compatibility, especially CarPlay and Android Auto, and whether wireless connections are available.
- Assess the display size, resolution, and ease of use of the interface, including physical controls versus touchscreen reliance.
- Evaluate navigation features: real-time traffic, live map updates, and any offline map options.
- Test voice control and the quality of the digital assistant for hands-free operation and natural language understanding.
- Consider audio quality and the availability of premium sound systems or popular streaming/app options.
- Be aware of subscription models and total ownership costs for live services, premium features, or hotspot access, and whether packages are included or require a separate upgrade.
In practice, the right infotainment package depends on your priorities—whether you value seamless smartphone integration, the clarity of navigation, the richness of audio, or the promise of ongoing software updates and new features.
Summary
The infotainment package is the vehicle’s multimedia and connectivity bundle, shaping how you listen, navigate, stay connected, and interact with the car. Core elements typically include a touchscreen, smartphone integration, navigation, voice control, apps, and connectivity services, with brand-specific implementations offering varying UI/UX, display sizes, and update paths. As cars continue to progress toward software-driven experiences, these packages increasingly hinge on over-the-air updates and optional subscriptions, so buyers should test usability and weigh all costs before deciding on a trim or model.
