In an internal announcement to U.S. dealers, Mercedes-Benz has issued which 2016 models will be Apple CarPlay compatible.
Only certain Mercedes vehicles produced from December 1st 2015 or from January 8th 2016 that will feature Apple’s in-car entertainment platform; potentially ruling out any chances of backward compatibility in older models.
Here is the full list, with the options required:
Mercedes-Benz 2016 U.S. CarPlay Vehicles
(1) Requires $350 package or “Multimedia Package with Smartphone Integration” upgrade.
(2) Requires “Premium 1” or “Premium 2” equipment package ($3,650-$4,080).
(3) Standard with COMAND Navigation option.
- 2016 B-Class (1)
- 2016 CLA (1)
- 2016 CLS400 (2)
- 2016 CLS550 (3)
- 2016 CLS63 S (3)
- 2016 E400 Coupe (2)
- 2016 E550 Coupe (2)
- 2016 E400 Cabriolet (2)
- 2016 E550 Cabriolet (2)
- 2016 GLA (1)
- 2016 GLE300d
- 2016 GLE350
- 2016 GLE400 (3)
- 2016 GLE450 (3)
- 2016 GLE63 (3)
- 2016 GLE63 S (3)
Apple CarPlay will only work with compatible iPhones that are plugged into a specific USB port on supported Mercedes-Benz vehicles, labeled “2”. Mercedes also advise dealers (and us) of their vehicle’s limitations with Apple CarPlay working alongside their own in-car software:
“Apple CarPlay® will be a completely different interface than the customary Mercedes-Benz infotainment. The customer will not be able to use the Mercedes-Benz headunit functions at the same time as CarPlay®. For example, use of the Spotify app cannot be done simultaneously with COMAND Navigation.”
Over the coming months, I am sure this will be repeated with other Mercedes dealers around the world. With varying regional prices for the CarPlay upgrades in selected vehicles, before becoming standard in a year or two after.
[Source: Mac Rumors]
