Curious to know if anyone understands why the Mercedes me connect app asks for a Bluetooth connection. Prior to allowing this connection, my phone was paired and connected with the vehicle. As such, I was able to make calls and stream audio, via Bluetooth of course.

I just setup a new phone and got the first request to allow the Mercedes me app to connect via Bluetooth. Since doing so, I now have I taskbar notification saying it's connected via Bluetooth.



​Seeing I'm able to make calls without having this connection, what other options are provided if I do allow the app to connect?

 

Yes, the app and car exchange data via Bluetooth. Specifically you can send navigation destinations from the phone to the car over Bluetooth while the phone is connected. If the phone isn't connected then the destination is sent over the Internet and received by the car next time you start it.

 

Thanks @superswiss Seems like a redundant process. Assume the only benefit is that Bluetooth should be faster on transmitting any communications vice the data connection.

 

It's definitely for redundancy. The data connection may not be available if you are outside the carrier's coverage area, or one may not subscribe to the required Mercedes me service to send destinations over the data connection. The BT connection doesn't require a subscription.

There may be other data getting exchanged over BT as well.

 

It's also stupid. It still gives the "vehicle unlocked" notification even when connected via Bluetooth.
But it is useful that it can send an address immediately instead of waiting a random amount of time before the car feels like receiving it.