Things you might not know about car's Intellilink infotainment system

Updated Feb 10, 2020 | Same topic: Best Advice for Car Buyers

Getting to know what Intellilink Infotainment System is; its faceplate buttons, navigation menu, a map view, split view, traffic options, weather display, phone controls, Intellilink radio, and photo viewer.

What is the Intellilink infotainment system?

GM’s Intellilink system is a type of infotainment or telematics system. The company offered this system way back in the year 2012. The system is made available to all GM brands and is also referred to as MyLink.

The exception, however, is Cadillac because it uses the brand’s dedicated CUE infotainment system.

The name, MyLink, is intended for the vehicles under Holden and Chevrolet. Intellilink, on the other hand, is used for Opel, Vauxhall, Buick, and, of course, GMC.

>>> Click here to experience Intellilink from Chevy cars for sale at the best price

buick intellilink infotainment

GM’s Intellilink system is a type of infotainment or telematics system

This infotainment from GM is quite similar to most of the OEM infotainment/navigation systems out there.

The Intellilink’s touchscreen comes with big buttons that give access to different features offered by the system. GM’s infotainment system is also capable of voice control when it comes to dialing a phone number.

This also applies to situations when you need to change the radio station. But what exactly does this infotainment offer? What else can you expect from GM’s Intellilink?

This article from Philkotse.com will explain the features that you can expect if you’re ever looking forward to buying a GM car.

intellilink infotainment

This also applies to situations when you need to change the radio station

The Intellilink’s Faceplate Buttons

The Intellilink makes use of a touchscreen interface just like any other modern infotainment system. But a lot of the functions are actually accessible using the knobs and physical buttons right below the screen.

The faceplate buttons also give access to both the front-seat passenger and driver. The driver’s seat also comes with additional controls that can be found right on the vehicle’s steering wheel.

The intellilink faceplate buttons

The Intellilink makes use of a touchscreen interface just like any other modern infotainment system

While a lot of the functions of the Intellilink system can be controlled using the faceplate buttons, there is also a voice control option. The activator can be found on the driver’s steering wheel.

Once you press on the voice control activator, you can gain access to most of the system’s functions. The drawback, however, is that each command has to be pronounced and spoken clearly. If not, the system will not be able to recognize it.

>>> Read more: 3 things you should know about car's infotainment system

The Intellilink’s navigation menu

Ease of navigation is one of the main functions that the Intellilink boasts. It has a main menu that allows its user to change the map settings, tweak various options as well as screen settings.

The navigation system is often described as rudimentary. But this isn’t stopping the menus from being responsive and quick.

Navigation system in car

Ease of navigation is one of the main functions that the Intellilink boasts

The Intellilink map view

Intellilink’s map view has a few varying setting options. The heading indicator also comes with a few different options. The main top-down view provides the user/s with a comprehensive photo of the surrounding area.

There are also icons on the left side of the screen that refers to certain points of interest. The Intellilink system is also capable of presenting the locations of the various businesses and services close by.

>>> Also about maps: SLAM technology and everything you need to know about it

The Intellilink map view and it's split view

Asides from the Intellilink’s top-down view, the system also offers tons of other options. There is also a split view that can provide the user with additional info.

what is the intellilink infotainment system

Asides from the Intellilink’s top-down view, the system also offers tons of other options

This can usually be seen on the right side of your infotainment screen. This Intellilink system can also be switched to a quasi-3D view.

The Intellilink traffic options

Another thing you may like about Intellilink is that it doesn’t only come with one traffic setting. Unlike some infotainment systems out there, the Intellilink comes with two.

If you want to take advantage of any of the two traffic options, you will need to avail of a particular SiriusXM subscription. This is just one of the many Intellilink functions that exclusively work with an XM subscription.

SiriusXM subscription

If you want to take advantage of any of the two traffic options, you will need to avail of a particular SiriusXM subscription

The Intellilink system can be switched to show all traffic routes. It can also filter out the congested roads that happened to be set on the programmed route.

>>> More about navigation: 5 must-know tips to make better use of navigation car apps

The Intellilink weather display

GM’s Intellilink system is also able to display the weather data in your area. On the downside, this service is another extra that also calls for a subscription from Sirius XM.

The Intellilink phone controls

If your mobile phone comes with Bluetooth functionality, it can easily be paired with an Intellilink system. If you can successfully do that, you can now use your voice control or Intellilink touchscreen to control your phone.

If the situation calls for it, you can just press on the activation button that turns the voice control capability on. You can easily reach this with your hand because it’s located directly on the steering wheel.

Man holding mobile phone

If your mobile phone comes with Bluetooth functionality, it can easily be paired with an Intellilink system

The Intellilink radio

Your GM car’s Intellilink system comes with built-in tuners for FM, XM, and AM radio. It also has voice control capability for all of the mentioned options.

As we discussed earlier, you will still need a SiriusXM subscription if you want to enjoy the benefits of listening to XM radio.

Intellilink system playing digital music files.

Your Intellilink system is also capable of playing digital music files

Your Intellilink system is also capable of playing digital music files. Aside from that, it also comes with the capability of reading files and media. Whether it’s a USB drive or an SD card, the Intellilink system can access it for you.

The sockets where you can plug in your hardware is right at the center console. The system’s SD card slot is also meant to load map updates and other software.

>>> More important to know: What you need to do to have a car radio fit for its vehicle

The Intellilink photo viewer

The Intellilink system can also be used to look at photographs even if you’re waiting in the car. You can see all this displayed at the high-quality touchscreen infotainment system. The photo viewer functionality is available whenever the car is parked.

The system was meant to work this way, so it doesn’t distract the driver just in case. This is evidently a great way for anyone to view photos while on the road.

intellilink photo viewer

The Intellilink system can also be used to look at photographs

>>> Car maintenance: Tips to take care of your car infotainment touch screen

All you have to do is pop in your SD card into the Intellilink’s dedicated card reader slot and watch away. The card reader slot can be found right up the center console.

You can use the SD card from your camera, your mobile phone, or any other device as long as it’s compatible.

Hanna Sanchez

Hanna Sanchez

Author

Hanna is one of the most competitive swimmers in the country during her day. It was not long before she discovered her passion for the automotive industry as well. Nowadays, she balances her passion through writing as well as coaching.

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