A new high end model from Garmin, the Nüvi 860 is a PND that offers a maximum of functions: a panoramic 4.3 inch screen (10.9 cm), Bluetooth, MP3 and photo player, European maps, utilities (calculator, unit converter, etc.), TMC traffic info, speech synthesis and voice recognition controlled by remote.

This last characteristic is controlled via a remote on the steering wheel and by the simple press of a button.  A large button activates voice recognition while the small one deactivates it.  Its use (especially the speaking part) requires a little getting used to for the optimal recognition of addresses as you have to make sure to properly articulate and pronounce each syllable.  In the beginning, it sometimes took repeating the street name 15 times instead of just tapping it directly on the keyboard.  Actually, voice recognition functions very well with simple names (Paris, Nantes, rue des Capucines, rue Molière, etc.).  On the other hand, apostrophes or more complex syllables need to be pronounced correctly or else you may get the wrong address.  In the end, the system quickly showed its limits.

On the other hand, more traditional entry by hand works perfectly.  However, we did notice the same bug found on other Garmin GPS; the destination address corresponding to your search is repeated several times in the list when you do not enter in the exact street number.

Otherwise, while we were en route to our destination the visual indications which indicate change of direction are identical to those in former Nüvi models.  We should add that the software, here in version 2.60, does not benefit from the advantages of the 2.70 version found in the Nüvi 255.  And this is unfortunate because the latter was intelligently reviewed notably with clearer indications when changing direction.

The rest of navigation is identical to other Garmin GPS:  rather precise directions, the display slightly skips, and the alert function when exceeding speed limits does not function on all roads.  Otherwise, oral indications are very satisfactory but the quality isn’t exceptional.  The voice trembles a bit and there is a robot-like quality in pronunciation.

A word on TMC, here in its Premium version and for which the antenna is integrated to the cable of the cigarette lighter adaptor.  In fact, this last component is proprietary and has to be used.  We replaced it with a classic mini-USB format adaptor.  Recharging functioned but the screen is then on its lowest brightness setting making it hard to read.  You will therefore have to be careful not to lose the original cable which may be difficult or expensive to replace.

In the end, priced between 550 and 600 Euros this PND seems to be a bit too expensive given that it still has a few imperfections found in previous models.  Moreover, it doesn’t have all the functions (FM transmitter, for example) for such a high price.