An internal Mercedes-Benz memo to its U.S. dealers has leaked which confirms Apple’s CarPlay infotainment system will be supported in a number of 2016 model year vehicles.
CarPlay can be controlled using the central controller or touchpad, if equipped, on supported Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Siri voice commands can be activated by pressing the voice control button on the steering wheel.
Compatible iPhone will need to be plugged into a specific USB port on supported Mercedes-Benz vehicles. CarPlay will be a completely different interface than that of the vehicle’s normal interface:
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.
Buyers of the 2016 CLA, GLA and B-Class vehicles with a December 1, 2015 production date or later will be able to get CarPlay as a standalone $350 package or “Multimedia Package with Smartphone Integration” upgrade.
Buyers of 2016 E400 Coupe, E550 Coupe, E400 Cabriolet, E550 Cabriolet and CLS400 Coupe vehicles with a December 1, 2015 production date or later will need to spring for the “Premium 1” or “Premium 2” equipment package ($3,650-$4,080)
CarPlay is a standard feature with COMAND Navigation in 2016 CLS550 Coupe and CLS63 S Coupe models with a December 1, 2015 production date or later, and 2016 GLE400, GLE450 Coupe, GLE63 and GLE63 S models with a January 8, 2016 production date or later.
