Multimedia Package vs Apple Car Play/Android Auto on new 2018
#1
Multimedia Package vs Apple Car Play/Android Auto on new 2018
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.
#2
Member
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.
#3
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.
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nadz (06-11-2018)
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nadz (06-11-2018)
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#8
Member
#10
Member
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".
-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".
#12
Super Member
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
#13
Junior Member
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?
#14
Member
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.
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.
#15
Junior Member
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?
#16
Member
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.
#20
Member
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.
How good is it? Responsive? Smooth maps without jitter?
I realize that carplay still has to go through the car's hardware and software.
#21
MBWorld Fanatic!
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".
-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".
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.
Last edited by Mr. J; 06-08-2017 at 01:19 AM.
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FIDDY-SEVEN (02-21-2020)
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FIDDY-SEVEN (02-21-2020)
#23
#24
Junior Member
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
We chose the multimedia and will just use bluetooth for Waze
#25
Member
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.