New Kenwood headunit for the T6 range

[T6dder]

This may be of interest to some folk. I saw it in Vanstyles Facebook page

article source

Volkswagen introduces new infotainment unit | News | The Van Expert

Volkswagen introduces new infotainment unit for van range

Volkswagen has developed a new stereo and satnav unit in conjunction with audio specialist Kenwood, which is now available as a dealer-fit accessory across its LCV range.

The new multimedia unit incorporates Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as navigation data from Garmin which covers all of Europe. The mapping includes TMC traffic information, photo-realistic junction views and three years of map updates.

The new Kenwood unit features a seven-inch touchscreen display and DAB digital radio tuner (aerial unit not included). Bluetooth for both hands-free calls and streaming audio is included, as is provision for DVD, CD, USB, SD and iPod/iPhone playback.

The unit can be retrofitted to any of Volkswagen’s current models, and is compatible with all standard and optional factory functions such as steering wheel controls, parking sensor display and reversing camera.


Recommended retail price, including fitting, is £1,350 (inc. VAT), and the units are available at Volkswagen LCV dealers and authorised repairers now.

 

[former member]

A word of caution - our last Cali had a very similar unit fitted at a similar cost.
It was VERY slow to boot up, almost impossible (and expensive) to update the maps and firmware, the BT handsfree was pants, reception was diabolical and it was impossible to see with any sunshine.

Partly why we now have a standard (instantly switching on!) stereo and decent portable satnav.

 

[RattyMcClelland]

Yep. If it's anything like the previous kenwood dnx525 then I'd stay well away.

Let's hope it's much more improved.

On paper the alpine x801d-u is far superior still.

 

[Pauly]

Yeah that is the Kenwood DNX525DAB
DNX525DAB 7.0", Sat Nav with built-in DAB tuner for VW, Skoda, Seat
http://www.caraudiodirect.co.uk/ken...tem-with-built-in-dab-tuner-for-vw-skoda-seat

 

[RattyMcClelland]

That's the old one. The new one is the dnx516dabs.

 

[Scruffy]

£1300 quid buys you a hell of a speaker upgrade anywhere else. I wouldn't waste my money.

 

[Pauly]

Agreed, i dont get why its so expensive, you can get the VW discover media unit cheaper than that !

 

[Buggirl]

I have the composition media unit and it does everything I need it to with a portable sat nav. Looked at Kenwood but think it's capabilities are not worth the extra money.

 

[RattyMcClelland]

What if you already spent £1300 on speakers already. I wouldn't waste money on the oem radio.
It will have basic dacs, basic signal processing, basic adjustability.

Sound is only as good as the source.

 

[VanBlanc]

We have a Kenwood DNX521DAB in our T5. 4 years ago it was the best available and miles better the the OE offerings but now it shows it's age. Apart from recent new connectivity features that the latest crop of products offer there are a few significant failings.

Volksawagens dashboard design means that the screen reflects badly. The latest crop of products solve this with capacitive screens rather than LED, the Alpine install kit even tips the screen toward the vertical.

The Kenwood OS in Windoze and is slow to boot up and clunky.

The SatNav and Traficmaster are poor. They will send you off on wild goose chases that are worse than the hold up they are trying to avoid and they don't recalculate to see if hold ups are still there. We have taken to ignoring them.

Unlike others I have not had any problem updating the O/S or maps. However the map offerings are still a bit behind and pricy.

I am not a big fan of OE ICE and navigation. They are usually on the back of the curve to start with and then poorly supported after launch.

I am erring toward Pioneer for the new van but the Alpine looks interesting. Whatever I will go with Jason @Absolut5 best recommendation.