MBtech1098

Sorry, should have mentioned...the GL is equipped NTG 4.5 gen 2 currently but will switch to gen 3. Not sure on the date though. NTG 5 will launch in the 222 and be followed by the 205. I do not know if we will see NTG 5 in any vehicle currently equipped with 4.5 but in my opinion and going by how MB has done in the past I would say most likely not.

Even with facelifts MB has never made a major telematics swap for vehicles currently in production. NTG 5 is a whole new animal.

Another note: the facelifted 212 will get NTG 4.5 gen 3. This I think is more evidence that you won't see NTG 5 in a vehicle equipped with 4.5. They are still dumping money into development of NTG 4.5...or they were :-)

Joyride

Do you mind sharing which vehicle that was?

Joyride

Here is what the details in iTunes on the Digital DriveStyle App read:

"The innovative Digital DriveStyle App with its Drive Kit Plus accessory for the iPhone lets you enjoy the revolutionary screen design on your Mercedes' in-vehicle display. Safely navigate through the intuitive user interface with the car's controller while driving and enjoy the new context-aware flow of Social, Media and Places with the following features:

*Social*
-Facebook - listen to your newsfeed, post comments, respond and navigate to events.
-Twitter - reads your timeline out loud and lets you tweet and retweet.
-Glympse - let your friends know where you are at and when you will be arriving via Twitter or Facebook.

*Media*
-Social Playlist - listen to your friends' favorite songs and videos.
-My Music - rediscover your own music with cover art search
-AUPEO! Personal Radio - enjoy music with your own personalized station.
-Internet Radio - find your favorite radio stations from around the world.

*Places*
-Best-in-class navigation powered by Navigon - a Garmin brand
-Lane Assist Pro
-Real Road Signs
-Speed Limit Assistant
-Voice-prompted, turn-by-turn directions including spoken street names
-Real Time Traffic Information
-2D and 3D map display (birds-eye view)
-3D buildings and landmarks
-Local Search and Street View powered by Google
-Millions of preloaded points of interest including gas stations, restaurants and other businesses

*Hand-held Features*
-Car Finder
-Car Info with Vehicle Identification Number, Odometer and Fuel Level
-Settings

The latest NAVTEQ maps with coverage for:

A whole bunch of European Countries, including USA, CANADA

rmemory

So does this mean the technology won't be viable with the current 2013 GL's because of hardware compatibility? That would be pretty disappointing.

I could care less about the social media parts, but the navigation features are enough to make me want it now.

blittle

Agree..... I will be surprised if will be compatible with the 2013 system......seems like it geared for the screen system to be available in the new CLA.

MBtech1098

166 and 172

MBtech1098

Do not confuse the drive kit plus with the garmin navigation integrated into COMAND. The drive kit plus is completely compatible with the 166.

rmemory

Any idea when it might be available in the US for the 166?

blittle

Went to this website and read up on the "Drive Style" system....

http://drive-kit-plus.com/en/faq/


Based upon what I am reading, I still don't see why most people would want to go through the expense of this. At least with the voice control in the present comand system you can input an address while moving! Most of the features are not usable while moving..... and yet, your passenger could simply use their iPhone or their iPad ( assuming cellular connectivity ) and do any and all of what this offers stopped or while moving. If you have music files on your iPhone, ok ... i see the benfit of hooking up to the in car system, but beyond that Somebody needs to convince me there is a gain here..... I do give MB credit for being creative and exploring options!

MBtech1098

Cannot remember the launch date.