MBUX vs COMAND NTG 5.5
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Nov 2018
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Tesla Model S
MBUX vs COMAND NTG 5.5
I'm getting pretty close to buying a 2019 E-Class but am intrigued by the upcoming A-Class (admittedly, very different-sized cars).
I'm a tech/gadget nut, so the "all new" MBUX infotainment system looks impressive.
On to my question: how does the current COMAND system (NTG 5.5, I believe) compare to MBUX in terms of menus, graphics and functionality?
My sense is that MBUX does a lot more with voice commands (natural language, etc), which I'm not that interested in since I don't like talking to my car. And I'm assuming that the very cool "virtual reality" overlays for Navigation are specific to the MBUX. Other than that, are there significant differences? Is the current COMAND system antiquated and falling behind the competition?
Thanks for your thoughts!
I'm a tech/gadget nut, so the "all new" MBUX infotainment system looks impressive.
On to my question: how does the current COMAND system (NTG 5.5, I believe) compare to MBUX in terms of menus, graphics and functionality?
My sense is that MBUX does a lot more with voice commands (natural language, etc), which I'm not that interested in since I don't like talking to my car. And I'm assuming that the very cool "virtual reality" overlays for Navigation are specific to the MBUX. Other than that, are there significant differences? Is the current COMAND system antiquated and falling behind the competition?
Thanks for your thoughts!
MBWorld Fanatic!
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.
The COMAND system is antiquated, non-intuitive and lacking in features. The only saving grace is that the voice portion works quite well allowing one to bypass several menu levels to reach a given function. It may seem awkward to speak to your vehicle, but it is much better than trying to select and read menus while driving.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2014
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From: New York, NY
2021 Mercedes Benz e450 Wagon
A pretty good walk-through
. I really don't love touch screens in cars. I much prefer the tactile feel of buttons or the comand wheel. With a touch screen, it requires much more of a diversion from the road in order to navigate. Then again, this A class also has the comand-like touchpad in the middle console.
MBWorld Fanatic!
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+1
I wouldn't use a touch screen. A touch screen is one of the reasons I didn't buy a BMW 540i. They are hard to reach especially the right side of the display requiring one to shift from a normal driving position. The exception being arms fully bent and wheel in the chest driving position.
I wouldn't use a touch screen. A touch screen is one of the reasons I didn't buy a BMW 540i. They are hard to reach especially the right side of the display requiring one to shift from a normal driving position. The exception being arms fully bent and wheel in the chest driving position.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2018
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From: UK
E Class Estate S213
I have a slightly different opinion regarding the current COMAND system. I have just bought a new 2019 E Class having moved from a 2017 BMW X5 which was considered to have one of the best infotainment systems in iDrive. I was a bit worried until I got the new car and got used to its interface which I find very intuitive and very easy to use. I do ‘talk’ to the car and the Linguatronic is fantastic, but also so is the control wheel and touch pad.
I think the system is pretty much better in every way from the BMW and although some of the MBUX features sound interesting, I think the current system is very good.
Obviously it’s a personal preference thing! 🤔
I think the system is pretty much better in every way from the BMW and although some of the MBUX features sound interesting, I think the current system is very good.
Obviously it’s a personal preference thing! 🤔
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2004
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From: Tampa, FL
2019 E450 4Matic & 2018 E400 4Matic
Personally, I have absolutely no issue with the current Comand system. Perhaps having driven MB cars for many years, I find Comand intuitive and very easy to navigate. I wouldn't turn down MBUX, but until my next car, Comand does everything I need and then some. Voice Command with Comand works the best it's ever worked in my 2019. The new steering wheel controls are fantastic and let me adjust about everything I could want without ever taking my hand off the steering wheel.
When I do someday get a MBUX enabled car, I won't give two hoots about having a touch screen. I don't want a touch screen at all in my car. And I think having a touch screen goes against the concept of keeping your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road ahead.
When I do someday get a MBUX enabled car, I won't give two hoots about having a touch screen. I don't want a touch screen at all in my car. And I think having a touch screen goes against the concept of keeping your hands on the steering wheel and your eyes on the road ahead.
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Joined: Nov 2018
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From: UK
MY19 E450 4MATIC Coupé
I have a slightly different opinion regarding the current COMAND system. I have just bought a new 2019 E Class having moved from a 2017 BMW X5 which was considered to have one of the best infotainment systems in iDrive. I was a bit worried until I got the new car and got used to its interface which I find very intuitive and very easy to use. I do ‘talk’ to the car and the Linguatronic is fantastic, but also so is the control wheel and touch pad.
I think the system is pretty much better in every way from the BMW and although some of the MBUX features sound interesting, I think the current system is very good.
Obviously it’s a personal preference thing! 🤔
I think the system is pretty much better in every way from the BMW and although some of the MBUX features sound interesting, I think the current system is very good.
Obviously it’s a personal preference thing! 🤔
I too have read/seen many reviews where the BMW infotainment system is described as "the best in the business" but I disagree wholeheartedly. It's often let me down and been the cause of considerable frustration for me.
What appeals to me most from what I've seen of MBUX is the use of augmented reality for navigation. This is a game-changer! Provided that it does work as advertised in the real world, I know that this would make my life a lot easier when driving unfamiliar, complicated routes. If it had been currently available on the E-class, I would have happily paid for the option.
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From: UK
E Class Estate S213
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From: Apex, NC
2022 GLE 450, 2024 Volvo XC 60
NTG 5'5
Just got 2020 E350. How can I tell if it has NTG 5.5. I see folks talking about data cards, but have no idea what that means. I have the window sticker, but nothing that tells me what feature code is in the vehicle.
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