Where a car radio was once stuck in the DIN compartment or was at least integrated into the dashboard at some point, screen landscapes have now moved into the car. Instead of executing functions directly with buttons, you sometimes have to go a long way in menus2. The ADAC has now tested seven modern operating systems in current plug-in hybrids of the middle class.
The Mercedes-Benz CLA 250e Shooting Brake came in first. It shines with large, high-resolution displays including an optional head-up display, a wide range of functions and several smartphone apps. In the basic configuration, it is even the second cheapest vehicle in the test environment.
Second place is occupied by another premium brand with the BMW 330e. The BMW scores points with its precise positioning on the motorway and a satellite display on the navigation map. The Volkswagen Arteon received an overall rating of “satisfactory”.
As the best import car, the KIA Sorento stands out in fourth place. The Jaguar E-Pace followed in fifth and the Skoda Octavia in sixth.
The Peugeot 508 brings up the rear in the comparison test. It just got the verdict “satisfactory” and only offers basic connectivity. Compared to the competition, too many functions are missing and a head-up display is also not available for the French.
The ADAC sees it as particularly regrettable that all test candidates do not even offer a CD drive for a surcharge. “And this despite the fact that 32 million CD albums (according to the Federal Association of the Music Industry) were sold in Germany in 2020”, according to ADAC.
With the many possibilities of the tested functions and services in the vehicle, however, the potential for distraction from the actual driving task must not be ignored. Adjustments should only be made when the car is stationary. In addition, according to the club, it is particularly important that display and operating options are extensively tested during a test drive.