I've got a new 2020 model and have a question about the USB-C ports. There's 1 port in the front storage area below the Nav. screen, and there are 2 in the center console, and there are also 2 in the back seat area. Can any of them be used to connect the iPhone to CarPlay??? I question this because I've been using the the single port in the front storage area to run CarPlay, and thought I would use the ports in the center console so my iPhone wouldn't be so crowded with the wires and everything, but when I plugged it in the console port it wouldn't connect and startup CarPlay. It made the connecting ding sound, but nothing happened. No indicator on the Dash Screen that CarPlay is active or anything. I read the manual, and it seems like it says you can use any of them to connect the phone to CarPlay, but only the first phone plugged in to any of the USB ports will connect to CarPlay, and any other devices in the other ports will only be charged. Your help would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

Only the single port in the front can be used for Car Play. That port has the logo on it for screen mirroring (a phone and a screen), whereas the two USB-C ports under the armrest merely have the standard USB logos. The owner's manual (in typical MB fashion) leaves some things to figure out on your own, but the picture of that Car Play capable screen mirroring port is also shown on page 383 of the manual (I am using the PDF) where it tells you where to plug into for Car Play.

You can plug a phone into the ports under the armrest, but doesn't activate Car Play -- just charging and maybe some other connectivity.

I have confirmed the same behavior as you experienced on my 2020.

Okay, I'm going to ask the silly question --> do you also have 2 USB-C ports for the rear seats? While I've only spent 2 minutes poking around the back seat area, I have a flip out door on the backside of my center console that has a 12V cigarette lighter port and a 110V AC plug back there. Did I miss some USB-C ports that are also back there too? Of course the manual is no help, it just says depending on equipment there may be additional USB ports...

 

Do you have the wireless charging option? I didn't option it and I don't even have a USB-C port in the front storage area and just have the two ports in the center arm rest with one being labeled for screen mirroring.

 

Its a damn shame that MB hasn't setup wireless + full screen CarPlay for the new lineup, same with the GLE

 

My mistake about the rear seat plugs. I have an 115V AC plug and a cigarette lighter--No USB of any kind in the back. I have the USB-C for mirroring and then 2 regular USB-C jacks in the center armrest. I do have the optional phone charging pad installed. Now I need a phone or a cover that works for my iPhone 7!

 

Definitely! Wireless charging is fine, but you lose Car Play if not plugged in. Also the USB-C port in the front interferes with the right cup holder.

 

1st World problem!

 

Bumping this - so just to be clear, if you DON'T get the wireless charging option, one of the two ports in the center console then is a screen mirroring/carplay fully capable port instead?

I don't care about wireless charging, nor carplay, but want to make sure I can plug in an old iPod classic and have full functionality through the head unit. Looking to order a '22, or modify an existing '21 that's on order before it locks.