Audio quality
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Joined: Apr 2020
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From: Colorado
S580, F150, X3M40
Audio quality
Has anyone else noticed that the audio quality is superior when using Amazon Music directly via MBUX, versus Amazon Music via Apple CarPlay
I like the deeper base, better clarity and even more surrounding sound feel that the MBUX connection offers, but i primarily use Apple CarPlay for navigation other functions, so i prefer the simplicity of staying within one screen. Especially since going back-and-forth between MBUX and the CarPlay interface is only available via the top left button that is sometimes covered by pop-ups.
Is anyone else experiencing this? Any way to get better audio quality when using Apple CarPlay?
I like the deeper base, better clarity and even more surrounding sound feel that the MBUX connection offers, but i primarily use Apple CarPlay for navigation other functions, so i prefer the simplicity of staying within one screen. Especially since going back-and-forth between MBUX and the CarPlay interface is only available via the top left button that is sometimes covered by pop-ups.
Is anyone else experiencing this? Any way to get better audio quality when using Apple CarPlay?
Last edited by SteadyState; Apr 21, 2026 at 08:31 PM.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2015
Posts: 9,116
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
Has anyone else noticed that the audio quality is superior when using Amazon Music directly via MBUX, versus Amazon Music via Apple CarPlay
I like the deeper base, better clarity and even more surrounding sound feel that the MBUX connection offers, but i primarily use Apple CarPlay for navigation other functions, so i prefer the simplicity of staying within one screen. Especially since going back-and-forth between MBUX and the CarPlay interface is only available via the top left button that is sometimes covered by pop-ups.
Is anyone else experiencing this? Any way to get better audio quality when using Apple CarPlay?
I like the deeper base, better clarity and even more surrounding sound feel that the MBUX connection offers, but i primarily use Apple CarPlay for navigation other functions, so i prefer the simplicity of staying within one screen. Especially since going back-and-forth between MBUX and the CarPlay interface is only available via the top left button that is sometimes covered by pop-ups.
Is anyone else experiencing this? Any way to get better audio quality when using Apple CarPlay?
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 717
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
I'm pretty sure I'm the outlier here, but I rarely use CarPlay in my car. In fact, I disable it in iPhone settings so it doesn't interfere with phone calls and other functions of MBUX in my car. On the rare occasions when I do use it, I enable in settings, use it for a trip, then disable again. I keep the Mercedes maps updated religiously and use built-in navigation to drive everywhere in Atlanta, even to the corner store. I like the seamless integration with the HUD and augmented reality that just isn't there with CarPlay. And as SteadyState has already stated, the audio quality from onboard music streaming services is far superior to audio quality from CarPlay.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
Last edited by Mem30306; Apr 22, 2026 at 08:18 AM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2020
Posts: 13
Likes: 3
From: Colorado
S580, F150, X3M40
I'm pretty sure I'm the outlier here, but I rarely use CarPlay in my car. In fact, I disable it in iPhone settings so it doesn't interfere with phone calls and other functions of MBUX in my car. On the rare occasions when I do use it, I enable in settings, use it for a trip, then disable again. I keep the Mercedes maps updated religiously and use built-in navigation to drive everywhere in Atlanta, even to the corner store. I like the seamless integration with the HUD and augmented reality that just isn't there with CarPlay. And as SteadyState has already stated, the audio quality from onboard music streaming services is far superior to audio quality from CarPlay.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
I forced myself to use MBUX for a few weeks. The main things I missed were: text message read-back is better in car play and having join & mute functions from communication apps like Teams/Zoom works well
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Joined: Feb 2020
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
Check out this thread on how to manually update maps - Map Update Available - V26 - MBWorld.org Forums
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I'm pretty sure I'm the outlier here, but I rarely use CarPlay in my car. In fact, I disable it in iPhone settings so it doesn't interfere with phone calls and other functions of MBUX in my car. On the rare occasions when I do use it, I enable in settings, use it for a trip, then disable again. I keep the Mercedes maps updated religiously and use built-in navigation to drive everywhere in Atlanta, even to the corner store. I like the seamless integration with the HUD and augmented reality that just isn't there with CarPlay. And as SteadyState has already stated, the audio quality from onboard music streaming services is far superior to audio quality from CarPlay.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
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From: Los Angeles
I need to test this theory... I mostly stream audio from Amazon Music or Sirius via Android Auto, and it honestly sounds terrible - one of the worst factory audio experiences I've ever had. My MY23 must've been a byproduct of the chip shortage, or something 😒. My '25 Tesla sounds amazing for reference - even my '26 GLE sounds noticeably better.
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Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 717
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
I need to test this theory... I mostly stream audio from Amazon Music or Sirius via Android Auto, and it honestly sounds terrible - one of the worst factory audio experiences I've ever had. My MY23 must've been a byproduct of the chip shortage, or something 😒. My '25 Tesla sounds amazing for reference - even my '26 GLE sounds noticeably better.
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Joined: Nov 2017
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From: York, Pa.
2021 S580 4MATIC with Rear Executive Seating Pkg. 4D Entertartainment Rear Screens Pkg.
You're not alone in this one, I rarely use CarPlay as well. I don't like the cartoon like graphics nor the phone (in)capabilities with MBUX. If I'm going on a trip I only use it for the Waze app. I also use a USB-C thumb drive for my own playlists and of course, the dash cam recordings.
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From: Chicago
2025 E450
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I need to test this theory... I mostly stream audio from Amazon Music or Sirius via Android Auto, and it honestly sounds terrible - one of the worst factory audio experiences I've ever had. My MY23 must've been a byproduct of the chip shortage, or something 😒. My '25 Tesla sounds amazing for reference - even my '26 GLE sounds noticeably better.
Super Member
Joined: Feb 2020
Posts: 717
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
FYI - you must have a paid subscription to one of the music services to use natively through MBUX; you can't use a free account (wish ads for example). Keep in mind if you don't have a paid subscription, you're stuck with a lower stream rate and audio quality through CarPlay.
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From: Lowcountry, GA
'25 S580
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
I'm pretty sure I'm the outlier here, but I rarely use CarPlay in my car. In fact, I disable it in iPhone settings so it doesn't interfere with phone calls and other functions of MBUX in my car. On the rare occasions when I do use it, I enable in settings, use it for a trip, then disable again. I keep the Mercedes maps updated religiously and use built-in navigation to drive everywhere in Atlanta, even to the corner store. I like the seamless integration with the HUD and augmented reality that just isn't there with CarPlay. And as SteadyState has already stated, the audio quality from onboard music streaming services is far superior to audio quality from CarPlay.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
As I stated before, I know I'm the outlier here, but I like what I like.
You're not alone in this one, I rarely use CarPlay as well. I don't like the cartoon like graphics nor the phone (in)capabilities with MBUX. If I'm going on a trip I only use it for the Waze app. I also use a USB-C thumb drive for my own playlists and of course, the dash cam recordings.
I still use Android Auto but it's in the background most of the time. I use Waze to hear audio alerts of police and road hazards, but use MBUX for the actual nav. When in dense population areas, I may change the center screen to Waze to have a better visual of those things while using the MBUX nav on the driver display and HUD. It's a good combo that works well.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2025
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From: Lowcountry, GA
'25 S580
Maybe it's a growing minority as I too prefer the MBUX nav and USB music over CarPlay/Android Auto. Much better integration and the UX is nicer. USB music is far superior than any other music source too.
I still use Android Auto but it's in the background most of the time. I use Waze to hear audio alerts of police and road hazards, but use MBUX for the actual nav. When in dense population areas, I may change the center screen to Waze to have a better visual of those things while using the MBUX nav on the driver display and HUD. It's a good combo that works well.
I still use Android Auto but it's in the background most of the time. I use Waze to hear audio alerts of police and road hazards, but use MBUX for the actual nav. When in dense population areas, I may change the center screen to Waze to have a better visual of those things while using the MBUX nav on the driver display and HUD. It's a good combo that works well.
On a side note:
If my memory serves me right, the MBUX nav and Carplay nav were mutually exclusive.
I remember the MBUX nav defaulting back to idle state once I started a Waze guidance.
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From: Tennessee
W214 E450
Correct, you can only have one system providing active route guidance. Waze will still give you warnings of things ahead without active guidance so it's not an issue to have the MBUX nav doing the route guidance and have Waze just running without route guidance to get the benefits. I have noticed that in long trips, Waze will go to sleep when in the background and not provide alerts any longer so I will switch to AA every now and again to keep it running. Then switch back to MBUX.
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Joined: Sep 2023
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From: Los Angeles
In my 22 model I had before my current S, I had to tailor the music to my liking using the Sound Profile option in MBUX. If you haven't gone through the process of setting up your sound profile, you should as it will likely make all the difference. As for me, once I set up the Sound Profile, it came pretty close to the sound quality I get from my 23 model I have now with the 4D Burmester.
Last edited by Chop77; Apr 24, 2026 at 12:35 PM.
Super Member
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From: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
2023 S580
I am extremely happy to report that you were absolutely spot-on! I created my own sound profile via the prompts, and the difference is night and day... Wow! I honestly can't believe it's the same system - My mind is completely blown 🤯. Now I need to relisten to all my music. Thank you!
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Joined: Jun 2015
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From: Maryland
2024 S580
I am extremely happy to report that you were absolutely spot-on! I created my own sound profile via the prompts, and the difference is night and day... Wow! I honestly can't believe it's the same system - My mind is completely blown 🤯. Now I need to relisten to all my music. Thank you!
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Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 47
Likes: 39
From: Los Angeles
And it only took me 3 years 🙄... At least I get to enjoy it for the last year of the lease. Hopefully the GLE has the same option - it's getting wrapped, so I'm anxious to update my profile there too!
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If it is the the facelift GLE (first facelift) it might be running MBUX 2.0. Which runs the same system as the W223.
Last edited by W205C43PFL; Apr 24, 2026 at 09:00 PM.
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W124
It can also be argued that there is a new modern concept of a "power limitation" regarding speakers, particularly with entry sound options.
The more you turn up the volume the more you can hear the tweeters becoming quieter and losing depth of sound to save on power...
One of the best real life examples I have is listening to a Spotify Lossless track on a W213 E Class with entry sound system, and then playing the same song on a W246 B Class with entry sound system. Completely different experience
It's the decision to cut costs and introduce the idea of "efficiency" and budget, but that isn't true Mercedes anymore. It's also a prime example of difference in engineering between a 2012 B Class and a 2018 E Class. Both under completely different target demographics, although I'd prefer to drive the B Class just for the sound system alone (and I do)
There's the further argument that there is a European required metric (not sure if this in place yet or actually real), but it's to determine the ratio between what parts in a car is from its original origin (Germany in the case of MB) and China. Compare the B class to the E class and you will be shocked
The more you turn up the volume the more you can hear the tweeters becoming quieter and losing depth of sound to save on power...
One of the best real life examples I have is listening to a Spotify Lossless track on a W213 E Class with entry sound system, and then playing the same song on a W246 B Class with entry sound system. Completely different experience
It's the decision to cut costs and introduce the idea of "efficiency" and budget, but that isn't true Mercedes anymore. It's also a prime example of difference in engineering between a 2012 B Class and a 2018 E Class. Both under completely different target demographics, although I'd prefer to drive the B Class just for the sound system alone (and I do)
There's the further argument that there is a European required metric (not sure if this in place yet or actually real), but it's to determine the ratio between what parts in a car is from its original origin (Germany in the case of MB) and China. Compare the B class to the E class and you will be shocked
Last edited by DavidIlie; Apr 26, 2026 at 01:25 PM.
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