Tende7

I'm trying to put together a European Delivery on a MY2018 and understand that I can get either the multimedia package or Apple Car Play and Android Auto. By forgoing the multimedia package I'd lose the larger screen, the touchpad, and the mouse. On the other hand, I understand that there's not a lot of love for the Mercedes interface. And, of course losing the multimedia package would deduct $2200 from the cost. We have both Apple and Android phones. Any advice? Thanks.

/////Tbro

I can't give advice, but I can give my opinion. I chose to go with the Multimedia package on my MY18 order. I prefer to have the larger screen and the only phone integration I need is for music streaming. I hardly use the nav and when I do I've never had an issue with factory navs. Some people prefer the CarPlay, I prefer the larger screen and a more integrated system versus the mobile device integration.

MJH612

I had a similar dilemma when I ordered mine. I ended up getting the MB navigation package. While the idea of saving the extra money was attractive, ultimately the reliability of a built in navigation system pushed the MB package over the top. Where I live there are some places that don't always get reliable signal with phone navigation and I wanted to ensure I had that.

Tende7

We use navigation, Google Maps, a lot when traveling. I hadn't thought about reception issues not being a factor with the multimedia package. Good point. Thanks.

Philamg

Nothing wrong with the Mercedes interface in my opinion, it works and is intuative.

koojo

Can't you also load the Garmin Maps onto the Multimedia package? How about loading Garmin into the Car Play/Auto package?

Luca Filigheddu

So, you confirm it is possible to order a new GLC with Carplay now?

/////Tbro

The DOG states you can order this on MY18 with either Smartphone integration (CarPlay, Android Auto, etc) or Multimedia package. So yes.. you can, with a potential sacrifice.

Luca Filigheddu

Ah, that "OR" makes a huge difference to me...

stath

The way I see it, the main difference is the Nav/traffic:
-Carplay= Apple maps and traffic; always updated and free, but subject to cell network coverage.
-Mutlimedia/COMAND= Mercedes Nav and XMtraffic data; dedicated system, w. less info, & fees after 3 yrs.

In terms of quality I would order them:
1. google maps/traffic, best by far
2. apple maps/traffic, second best
3. Garmin pilot map & XM traffic; traffic has less info
4. Benz COMAND maps/traffic.

So what's the best? It depends on what you use. Here in SoCal maps and traffic is very important. Hence we value real time traffic info, and truly depend on apps like waze and google.
I think the ideal solution is to have a dedicated system like Garmin pilot, and to also have a 7" tablet attached on the side of the console. That's inexpensive, and the most reliable solution. Only problem is, the console looks "crowded".

fabbrisd1

Without checking - I "believe" CarPlay is available for production after Sept 20 - like it might be best to confirm with your dealer about avail CarPlay

ajmtbm

what could possibly be the reason why you cant have the upgraded nav AND carplay? it doesnt make any sense to upgrade and pay more and lose features. i personally agree that carplay or android auto is more functional and free but the MB nav does the job no doubt

gnawmean

If I fully intend to use my phone for waze/maps etc, and really just care about music integration, do I need to get carplay or will the default (I assume it plays over bluetooth?) be fine?

zhenyaf

I ran into this issue once with my Jeep - my cell phone had no service, so I had to rely on the factory Navi.

I love and always use Waze. This was the primary reason why I opted out of the multimedia package (plus saving $2000 was the other deciding factor)

I have my iPhone 7+ mounted to the left of the MB screen, it's a very convenient spot to run navigation from. The audio is routed through bluetooth.

gnawmean

Nice. I take it that when you route the audio through bluetooth that you don't get any text on the screen saying what you are listening to?

zhenyaf

I have the car screen showing the audio (when I run the music app - the scroll wheel changes songs), the phone screen is showing navi.

Luca Filigheddu

What about one of those solutions to mirror the phone screen on the car's display? That would fix the problem.

koojo

Waze is coming to Android Auto soon. https://9to5google.com/2017/04/04/wa...-beta-testing/

fabbrisd1

Aftermarket has iPhone-to-HDMI soluitions - check Naviks

stath

Does anyone have any experience with the carplay in current Mercedes models, like the C class?
How good is it? Responsive? Smooth maps without jitter?
I realize that carplay still has to go through the car's hardware and software.

Mr. J

You're dead wrong.

Just did a major road trip through Cali and Command traffic was far superior to Google. My wife ran google on her phone while we had command rerouting in real time.

We ran through the most congested areas or LA, Pasadena, San Bernardino, San Diego, Simi, Torrence, and all points in between. We also navigated through the Bay Area. Command rerouted around accidents and slowdowns much more effectively than google. Command literally saved us hours of time that would have otherwise been spent parked on a freeway.

dieseldoc

Would agree Command works better than google or apple maps.

koojo

That may not be the case when Waze becomes available. It's currently in beta-testing.

ACN

We just ordered our 2018 GLC. It's crazy to think that not only can you only get Black interior with AMG styling, but cannot get apple car play standard with the multimedia package. It's software! How can it not be loaded onto the computer?

We chose the multimedia and will just use bluetooth for Waze

/////Tbro

If only I had a dollar for every time someone says "it's just software".. by golly Mercedes why didn't you walk into the Apple Store and buy the install disc and pop it in?! There is a laundry list of possibilities to why they aren't integrating it into the Command system, at least at this time. There must be some issue that's even causing their delay for incorporating this into vehicles in general. Bugs? Cost? Demand? Licensing Agreements? Resources focused elsewhere? Oh but it's Mercedes so they should be able to just flip the on switch on demand to get these additional options working flawlessly and on time.