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Mercedes-Benz Integrates iPhone into Its Cars with Special Cradle
Posted by Gizmodo US Edition at 9:45 PM on June 20, 2008
German car manufacturer Mercedes is buying the iPhone-is-God credo, and has come up with a designated piece of gear to allow Benz drivers to integrate their iPhones into the car system. The US$249 gadget works with the C-, E-, CLK-,
CLS-, S-, CL-, SL-, M- and R-Class cars, as well as the forthcoming GLK-Class. It connects your phone to the car's audio system via either the optionally available Media Interface or the retrofittable iPod® Interface Kit. Full press release below.
New cradle allowing full integration into the vehicle architecture: Mercedes-Benz makes in-car iPhone® connection even easier
Stuttgart - Whether it be a quick call to a business colleague for an important discussion, listening to favourite music tracks or checking home and office e-mails whilst on the move - the Apple iPhone® is a leading-edge business tool with multimedia capability, available in Germany and other markets. Now Mercedes-Benz allows the iPhone® connection to be fully integrated into the vehicle architecture for the first time - once again pointing the way ahead for the automotive industry. The new Apple iPhone® cradle allows simple switching between the telephone and audio functions. What's more, thanks to the location of the cradle in the centre console, the iPhone® is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. For ease of use, the iPhone® is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.
Over 100,000 people in Germanyhave already purchased an iPhone® - made by US electronics giant Apple - since its launch in November 2007. By introducing the new cradle for the Apple iPhone®, Mercedes-Benz has made it even easier to enjoy the special benefits of this trend-setting multimedia application, even when on the move in the car. This fully integrated solution - the first of its kind - enables either the phone functions or the audio functions on the iPhone® to be activated. As ever, the device is easy to use thanks to the controls on the multi-function steering wheel, all of which enhances road safety, as the driver's hands remain on the steering wheel, leaving them free to concentrate on the traffic and the other controls in the cockpit.
Perfect reception is assured as the iPhone® connects to the vehicle aerial automatically when inserted into the cradle. A further advantage is the automatic recharging of the iPhone® battery whilst the phone is sitting in the cradle.
This function means that the iPhone® stays fully charged, which is ideal if the user has to leave the vehicle.
New design to influence the style of further cradles
As well as impressing on a technical level, the Apple iPhone® cradle's exclusive design allows it to be integrated seamlessly into the interior of Mercedes-Benz vehicles. The all-new design is based on a black-and-silver colour scheme that adds hallmark Mercedes-Benz touches. The leading-edge design will be used in future cradles for mobile phones available from Mercedes-Benz Accessories GmbH.
The iPhone® cradle can be inserted into the centre console - where it is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger - with a single click and without the need for any tools whatsoever. The portable device is therefore easy to plug in and unplug.Optional convenience telephony (Order Code 386) must also be specified. The cradle connects to the audio system either via the optionally available Media Interface or the retrofittable iPod®Interface Kit available from the range of genuine accessories. Both variants use an integral adaptor lead that has to be installed by a specialist workshop, ensuring an ideal connection between the cradle and the Media Interface or iPod® Interface.
The fully integrated iPhone® is available now for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E‑Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and R-Class. The product will also be offered for the new GLK-Class when this model is launched in October. In Germany, the Apple iPhone® cradle retails at € 249 (including VAT) and is obtainable from all Mercedes-Benz dealers.
The adaptor leads for the Media Interface or iPod® Interface are available for € 39 (including VAT) in Germany.
Tags: apple | audio | autos | cars | gadgets | in-car | iphone | mercedes-benz | vehicles
Comments (AU Comments · US Comments)
There are currently no AU comments for this post.
Booskie
Posted 11:29 PM 20/6/08
Don't know about the MB but the ipod car kit I have in my Volvo does not transmit the GSM interference at all.
Booskie
mythicalcaesar
Posted 11:19 PM 20/6/08
But will it stop that annoying buzzing that you get from the antenna on the phone without having to go into airport mode? Probably not.. so useless.
mythicalcaesar
RYANPROUTY
Posted 12:20 AM 21/6/08
Anyone know of decks or ways of complete iphone integration in to cars? something that easily switches to/from phone/music? I have a 07 Honda Fit.
RYANPROUTY
dontforget
Posted 12:50 AM 21/6/08
awsome, would be a touchscreen head unit and a connected dock you could plug your iphone in control everything on the touchscreen, which should display your iphone stuff. And also do that mute option booskie said.
dontforget
JacquesAss
Posted 12:48 AM 21/6/08
"This function means that the iPhone® stays fully charged, which is ideal if the user has to leave the vehicle."
This occasionally happens - even if you have a Benz.
JacquesAss
Booskie
Posted 12:41 AM 21/6/08
I just got my daughter a Kenwood deck that controls her ipod plus has bluetooth that she can control the phone through the same deck. If the phone rings it mutes the speakers and you hear the caller though the car's speakers. Only cost $300.
Booskie
dontforget
Posted 12:35 AM 21/6/08
@RYANPROUTY: that was a joke, but i will keep my eyes open for ya
dontforget
dontforget
Posted 12:33 AM 21/6/08
[www.ilounge.com]
dontforget
justinpe
Posted 1:16 AM 21/6/08
@mythicalcaesar:
I guarantee that the wires and speakers are shielded in order to prevent GSM buzz. My girlfriend has a Mercedes that is a few years old, and it does not buzz at all, even with the iPhone hooked up to the auxiliary. So I assume they have been doing this for some time now. In my Saturn, or my buddy's GMC I get buzz all the time (on any GSM phone, not just the iPhone, hooked up or not).
Have you ever driven/owned a Mercedes? If so, you would know that their designs are world class, and they would not be so stupid as to omit something that obvious. Especially when you consider that in Germany, GSM is the most widely used cell phone technology. Your post is useless.
justinpe
lpranal
Posted 1:49 AM 21/6/08
@justinpe: Oh, how would we of the unwashed masses know of the power and glory of ye almighty benz? If we were ever so blessed as to have even driven a mercedes, their perfection would have embraced us with the epiphany that these cars are free of such pedestrian, mortal flaws as GSM buzz. right. deutschbag.
lpranal
RYANPROUTY
Posted 2:07 AM 21/6/08
After an hour plus of research, looks like Alpine has the coolest setup - downloads contacts / call list via bluetooth, and shows them on the screen + dock connector for music. hmmmm... like it, but the pricetag, and the 7" display, i might as well get a "Steal my Stereo" bumpersticker.
RYANPROUTY
The LED Watch Store
Posted 3:03 AM 21/6/08
What a rediculous position to have it, Mercedes always seem to get phone integration wrong.
The LED Watch Store
itouchgadgetsinappropriately
Posted 2:59 AM 21/6/08
the biggest problem with these in car solutions is that none of the interfaces are as easy to use as the ipod interface. and my car won't even let me use the ipod interface once it's attached to the car.
itouchgadgetsinappropriately
justinpe
Posted 3:38 AM 21/6/08
@lpranal:
"Oh, how would we of the unwashed masses know of the power and glory of ye almighty benz?"
Not being a conceited retard would help your cause.
justinpe
Tummy
Posted 3:27 AM 21/6/08
I have an SLK350 and while this new phone cradle won't work with it, my iPhone works just great with the iPod dock + Bluetooth. I can control the ipod from the steering wheel with the songs and playlists being displayed on the small screen between the speedo and tach. My contacts and phone call list downloads via bluetooth and I can use the phone from both Nav screen and from the small screen. The car is from 2005.
Tummy
godwhacker
Posted 9:59 AM 21/6/08
this won't retrofit into a 57 diesel benz wagon will it?
nope, no cupholders
good, cause that is the benz i want
godwhacker
jjkean2
Posted 3:16 AM 21/6/08
I second the Kenwood deck. I just picked one up for my car. It's got a 3 line display and a dedicated knob to change albums/songs.
When you turn the knob, it cycles through your albums 3 at a time. Much better than staring at the phone while you should be watching the road.
Also, like someone else already stated, it mutes the stereo if the phone rings, which is a huge plus since the wire is in my center console. No GSM interference for me either!
jjkean2