Mercedes-Benz Shares Full Lineup of 2016 U.S. CarPlay Vehicles

[Robert.Walter]

Yet BMW does not offer Carplay, and although they were an early Apple partner, have remained pretty silent as of late toward Carplay support.

Seems to me most of the luxury/premium brands will go kicking and screaming toward Carplay, since they really want you to pay for their overpriced and underperforming Navigation/Infotainment systems. I have Nav in my cars from both Lexus and BMW (both only a few years old) and they just plain suck. Not saying that using an iPhone is worlds better, but it is a little better (would be great if I could see the iPhone map on the car screen), and best of all....its FREE.

BMW Audi Daimler bought nokia's navteq division for a bundle. Just this investment alone makes me skeptical as to how nicely these companies and their sister brands will be to long term CarPlay integration and cooperation.

The Apple system basically destroys the profit potential for auto companies vis a vis selling home brew systems. (Unless you decide to rape your customers by charging for the same CarPlay that other OEMs give away for free.)

Apple should have bought navteq just to raise the barriers to OEMs intent on resisting supporting CarPlay.

 

[robT9]

I own a 2015 BMW and love the interface. Most people consider the IDRIVE as the best interface out there. I have Navigation, Blue tooth Audio, Hands free calling, and voice control access to my call list and it all works seamlessly. Quite honestly I cannot imagine that Carplay will bring anything to the table for me. I do not text or email while driving and have no interest in doing so. My phone remains in my pocket while I am driving.

I have the BMW system also, and it may be the "best" of the worst. I think all manufacturer Navigation systems leave a lot to be desired. From what i have seen, if Carplay works as shown, it makes a LOT more sense to use the iPhone's system and interface in your car as you would anywhere else, rather that switch gears completely and use a completely different automakers tech. That would make it truly "seamless". I seem nothing seamless about having to be forced to adapt to each automakers system.

 

[MN7119]

Sorry but what year was the BMW you wanted to buy? I have a 2015 X5 and the iDrive system blows any other system away. BMW has the best system from any car manufacturer. It makes MB and Audi look like toys.

This was a very timely notice.

I've been very close to buying a BMW - the BMW interface is incredibly horrible, and although said to be "committed" to CarPlay, they seem to be dragging their feet.

No Beemer for me now, that's for sure.

what

 

[Avieshek]

Any news of Toyota, their Innovas.. Fortuner.
Even Maruti Suzuki has CarPlay, the Baleno

 

[2457282]

I think you should expect to see three options going forward.
Manufacturers option.
Android Option
Car Play option.

A consortium of Mercedes, BMW and VW just bought Nokia Navigation capability. "Here" and they will each integrate it into their systems.

Yes I think you have a good point. The auto industry has been a vertically integrated industry for a long time and moving away from that will put many execs in an uncomfortable position. However, if my guess is correct (I have stated previously that the apple and android options are just the first step to bringing automated driving), the auto companies will see a significant transformation in their industry soon enough.

Whether Apple or Google actually bring a car to the market is questionable (at least to me), but I could see them continue to provide more of the software to the auto companies if they allow it. I think long term android and even windows could do well here since they already work in the model of providing the software and not the hardware. Apple, under Tim, could also do this. But if any company actually brings a car to market, Apple seems like the more logical player to do so.

Anyway, a lot of speculating here so I will stop and get more coffee.

 

[Mad Mac Maniac]

Perhaps not the right place for the question... but does anyone know if maps are stored locally on carplay? Or does it use iPhone and/or Car's cellular (if you have one)? I would think locally downloaded maps (allowing periodic automatic updates) would be largely necessary.

 

[jayducharme]

So nice of them to exclude the low end models like the C class. ::eyeroll::

Same with their line of Smart cars. I have their Smart EV with their "hi-end" Bluetooth audio system that's a bit of a kludge. I was told specifically that Mercedes would never allow an upgrade to a CarPlay system in that model. I guess I could just get an after-market unit. It would probably be far cheaper than what Mercedes would charge anyway.

 

[Thunderhawks]

I think you should expect to see three options going forward.
Manufacturers option.
Android Option
Car Play option.

A consortium of Mercedes, BMW and VW just bought Nokia Navigation capability. "Here" and they will each integrate it into their systems.

I think we should also see a lot of accident options.

Split head option
Broken nose option
Steering Wheel logo tattooed on the forehead option

None of what I have seen is safe.

And, don't tell us about SIRI . It has never worked for me and I keep trying.

 

[BenGieCruz]

Same but we already are missing a 2016 feature which is wireless CarPlay. I think there will be a slow degradation of what we can do with CarPlay in our Volkswagens over the next 5-10 years until we finally buy a new car. I guess the timing works out in my normal new-car cycle but it's a bummer to be missing features already in a new car.

I am also glad I waited. Almost put my name in on the Golf R First 500 order in January and decided to wait and hold out for MIB II and the possibility of a sunroof (which didn't happen). Ended up with a 2016 Golf R and aside from losing Parking-Sensors, everything else is an upgrade.

Exactly why I went with an A3, no sunroof!

 

[69Mustang]

If it's not fully integrated into the car's electronic system then it seems a bit of a kludge. I'd rather have the not-so-great BMW app system I have that lets you stream Spotify and use the NAV simultaneously. I thought the point of CarPlay was to improve the interface and intuitiveness of infotainment systems, but there is no true integration here. It's one system over another, just another layer of intricacy. Kinda glad BMW is taking it slow on CarPlay integration seeing this.

I seriously doubt we'll see full integration into the car's electronic systems; at least no time soon. Personally, I'm happy they're taking baby steps. Besides, the liability to both the car companies and Apple/Google would be far too great for full integration. A software upgrade from Apple or Google causing issues with your phone is one thing, but that software upgrade causing an issue with the operation of a vehicle is a can of worms neither side would want. Separate but accessible is the best possible scenario all concerned. Especially the road going public.

 

[DotCom2]

And Lexus is STILL MIA...BA$T****!

 

[JPSaltzman]

No that's what they look like even without car play. I've always wondered what drove them to the tablet on the dash look it's not appealing in any way.

Tim Cook thinks it looks wonderful and adds to the experience -- just the iHump Battery Back on the iPhone.

 

[ghostface147]

Come on Mazda, get with the program. Your latest infotainment update has references to CarPlay in the code.

 

[69Mustang]

BMW Audi Daimler bought nokia's navteq division for a bundle. Just this investment alone makes me skeptical as to how nicely these companies and their sister brands will be to long term CarPlay integration and cooperation.

The Apple system basically destroys the profit potential for auto companies vis a vis selling home brew systems. (Unless you decide to rape your customers by charging for the same CarPlay that other OEMs give away for free.)

CarPlay doesn't destroy profit potential. The only thing that can destroy profit potential for auto companies is restraint by their potential customers. CP/AA can be a free option. They will simply reconfigure a few of their option packages to account for CP/AA. And yes, some of them will only offer CP/AA as a free option on higher trim levels or as part of a technology package. They're not worried about CP/AA. They see it as a way to make even more money.

 

[Robert.Walter]

Yes I think you have a good point. The auto industry has been a vertically integrated industry for a long time and moving away from that will put many execs in an uncomfortable position. However, if my guess is correct (I have stated previously that the apple and android options are just the first step to bringing automated driving), the auto companies will see a significant transformation in their industry soon enough.

Whether Apple or Google actually bring a car to the market is questionable (at least to me), but I could see them continue to provide more of the software to the auto companies if they allow it. I think long term android and even windows could do well here since they already work in the model of providing the software and not the hardware. Apple, under Tim, could also do this. But if any company actually brings a car to market, Apple seems like the more logical player to do so.

Anyway, a lot of speculating here so I will stop and get more coffee.

The auto industry is far from vertically integrated for about 15 years (see Delphi and Visteon). About 3/4 of a cars value is bought from outside supplier, with the integration being done by OEM engineers. OEM's only produce core components like body, engine, transmission, and do final assy, the rest comes from outside.

 

[centauratlas]

I did a little looking and it appears that the 2017 GLS will be available for ordering shortly (some say it should be now) and shipping March (April?), so maybe it will be in the 2017 model and they just haven't announced it yet until it is available to build?

I've had a couple of Volvos, 3 MBs and 1 Lexus (and a Ford Focus) over the past 18 years and while CarPlay isn't why I'd buy a car, it is a nice feature. My Lexus RX has 89000 miles on it and am going to trade it before it hits 100k. The annoyance factor of having to fork out $180 for updated maps for any of them (every year if you want up-to-date!) is enough that having CarPlay and Android Auto as an option is important. I'd check out the Ford Explorer if they offered CarPlay....drives nicely.

* I have just been using Apple Maps the last couple of years without issue.
** Lexus not having it has ruled them out given how absolutely terrible their Nav (2011 model) is. I like EVERYTHING else about the car, but the console just sucks and it is one of the things you use frequently.

Yes, that is what surprised me. Would have though a new model would have it right away. I have to replace my SUV next year (due to end of lease) and the GLS is one of the options, this would have been something that would have put it to the top of the list of potential new cars for me.

I don't by a car because it has CarPlay, but if I have two or three cars in my final selection, CarPlay is probably what would tip me to a car that supports it.

 

[b1wils1]

Why are we still plugging stuff in?

 

[Robert.Walter]

CarPlay doesn't destroy profit potential. The only thing that can destroy profit potential for auto companies is restraint by their potential customers. CP/AA can be a free option. They will simply reconfigure a few of their option packages to account for CP/AA. And yes, some of them will only offer CP/AA as a free option on higher trim levels or as part of a technology package. They're not worried about CP/AA. They see it as a way to make even more money.

Restraint by customers is where it begins. Then all it takes is an aggressive otherwise competitive competitor that gives it away.

Then dominoes begin to fall, first no longer being able to sell overpriced obsolete Navi systems, then customers considering a competitors car.

OEMs already deal with an existential risk of younger generations seeing cars as transport appliances or unnecessary to own. They run the risk of not understanding that younger folks are much more wedded to their ecosystems then fading ideas of new car ownership.

Newer generations are not immune to looking elsewhere if the feel an OEM is ripping them off vs a competitor.

 

[macaximx]

BMW is so far ahead of every other manufacturer in terms of infotainment technology / software. That LCD in the MB looks like garbage, as does the interior.

Replacing the MB system with carplay is probably the right move. Hope carplay includes maps!

iDrive is the only thing I hate about my car.

 

[adamjackson]

Exactly why I went with an A3, no sunroof!

If speed isn't your thing, the A3 is a great car. and I mean no offense

The Golf R and S3 are the same the A3, I know it has Golf R Chassis and shares the AWD System (Haldex) but I don't think it's putting much horsepower down. and yes, a sunroof would have been nice.

VW of America said the North American market didn't get a sunroof on their Golf R because "track lovers complained it adds to much top weight and reduces track time"

What a load of crap.

 

[Avieshek]

USB-C?

 

[Mago]

BUT, not the GLS (new version of the GL yet...boo hoo)....

Yes, that is what surprised me. Would have though a new model would have it right away. I have to replace my SUV next year (due to end of lease) and the GLS is one of the options, this would have been something that would have put it to the top of the list of potential new cars for me.

I don't by a car because it has CarPlay, but if I have two or three cars in my final selection, CarPlay is probably what would tip me to a car that supports it.

For Dealers The GLS officially doest exist until its Official introduction (january'16 as '17 model), since the GLS will not be available until Q2/16 has sense not being included in this communication, but if you consider the GLE, GLE coupe and GLS shares Interior among many technical aspects its freaky illogical this being missing from the carplay deployment.

I bet the GLS will include Carplay as the other GL as they reach their customers on Q2 also the G-Wagen wich will receive carplay (same infotaiment unit).

The Annoucement also names ther GLA, all MY'16 the GLS is MY17

 

[erzhik]

BMW is so far ahead of every other manufacturer in terms of infotainment technology / software. That LCD in the MB looks like garbage, as does the interior.

Replacing the MB system with carplay is probably the right move. Hope carplay includes maps!

Clearly you haven't seen the new Audi Q7. Blows every other carmaker out of the water. Android support, Carplay support, wireless charging.

 

[shansoft]

I own a 2015 BMW and love the interface. Most people consider the IDRIVE as the best interface out there. I have Navigation, Blue tooth Audio, Hands free calling, and voice control access to my call list and it all works seamlessly. Quite honestly I cannot imagine that Carplay will bring anything to the table for me. I do not text or email while driving and have no interest in doing so. My phone remains in my pocket while I am driving.

For the Germany 3 brand, BMW has some nice graphic, but in term of easily use and functionality, Audi has it. Benz is the worst out of all.

 

[iLog.Genius]

If users don't like the latest iteration of iDrive, I'm fascinated to see which infotainment system they do like. I can admit that the first version of iDrive was usable, but overall it was pretty terrible. With the latest iDrive, I wouldn't be upset if it never got CarPlay, that's how good I think it is. I can't say the same for Audi MMI and especially not Mercedes COMAND.