I have the 2014 ml 350 4matic

The nav doesn't have google earth and I'm generally underwhelmed. Are there any newer flashes or updates that improve things

If not has any gone aftermarket with good results?

The mmi and nav on my audi is light years better but we love the Benz otherwise

 

Do any of the auto companies offer a NAV system with Google Earth?

Not being a fan of Google, I am glad that MB does not.

I find my ML350 BT NAV system works quite well.

 

Mine also works fine. I'm very happy with it.

 

Lexus

 

That would be awesome, to at least have Google Maps, automatically updated. I'm amazed how often the maps in my 2012 are already outdated, and the voice operated command system for nav is almost completely worthless when it comes to inputing a destination.

Most often, I just use the navigation with free traffic from Google maps on my phone, which is the gold standard as far as I'm concerned. It almost always gets my destination from a voice command, first time. There's really nothing better for navigation than a nice Android phone running Google maps (apologies to iPhone users, but we have iPhones in our family too, and they just aren't at as high a level of functioning, even when using Google maps).

 

Actually, I believe that in-dash manufacturer supplied NAV unit sales days are numbered. With the upcoming interconnectivity with smart phones, your navigating will appear on the in dash screen by bluetooth connection between your smartphone and the dumb audio system only screen.

 

The only problem I've had is that occasionally it will say that I'm entering an area where turn-by-turn instructions are not available, even though these areas are not in some remote areas but in the middle of towns. I especially like driving down Las Vegas Blvd. where it shows all the hotels in 3-D. Very cool.

 

I love my Benz, but the Audi MMI with google earth is way better. Resolution, functionality, ease of use, etc

 

Yep. I'm looking forward to that when my Q7 is delivered in January, and I can get rid of this dog.

 

Why wouldn't you wait for the all new q7 to come out a few months later.
I had a 2008 q7 and it's a nice car but it is old.

 

I had Google maps on my 2012 a6 and it had a wow factor but didn't really offer much functionality. We've had about 8 audis since 2003, so very familiar with their products. pretty, except having to have to pay for a data plan just to have the pretty pictures show up on the screen. Street view also nice to have but almost never used.
The 3d buildings on the Audi and MBZ are interesting too.

 

Audi

 

Quite simple. I would never buy a car in the first year of a major model change or upgrade - not even an Audi.