Mercedes Benz

OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

Stuttgart, Germany, Mar 07, 2011

Telematics: Internet for the first time, more ease of operation

- Audio 20 CD: standard equipment with new Bluetooth functions
- COMAND Online: multimedia system with internet access
- Becker® MAP PILOT: entry-level navigation system with integral controls

The most important new features of the new telematics equipment from Mercedes-Benz include more convenient operation, larger displays, new functions and internet access for the first time. They are celebrating their premiere in the new-generation C-Class before being gradually introduced in other models.


An overview of the various items of equipment and their functions:

The standard specification of the saloon and estate includes the Audio 20 CD system with a twin tuner and CD player plus an Aux-in and USB connector. The connectors are now within easy reach in a compartment in the centre armrest. The colour display has been enlarged and now has a diagonal of 14.7 centimetres. Thanks to a new “Cover Art” function, the title images of the music albums currently being played are shown if their data are stored in the audio file.

A new top line in the Audio 20 CD’s menu navigation makes orientation easier and can be operated via the controller. The settings for the air conditioning are also displayed on the telematics screen when being operated, as is the fuel consumption in the last 15 minutes. This type of consumption histogram is possible for the C 350 BlueEFFICIENCY, C 350 4MATIC BlueEFFICIENCY, C 180 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, C 200 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY, C 220 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY and C 250 CDI BlueEFFICIENCY models. The Bluetooth functions have also been extended: the mobile’s phone book can now automatically be transferred en bloc when connecting, and wireless music reproduction is possible from Bluetooth-capable terminals. Plus text messages can also be displayed. As an optional extra the Audio 20 CD can be combined with a 6-disc CD changer, Media Interface, surround sound system (please see below for details), Convenience Telephony in the armrest, digital radio (DAB) and the new Becker® MAP PILOT entry-level navigation solution (details of this are also given below).

The COMAND Online multimedia system offers internet access for the first time. Customers can either surf freely on the internet when at a standstill or to a Mercedes-Benz online service while driving; the latter’s pages can be called up particularly quickly and it is simple to operate. The integral services planned include Google™ Local Search and further online services from other suppliers such as the weather. It is also possible to send individual destinations and routes to the vehicle via Google Maps. More Mercedes-Benz online services will be introduced gradually and then all customers will be able to use them.

The high-resolution colour display measures 17.8 cm. Photos can be shown on the large screen and turned over manually, as in a slide show. Where the audio equipment is concerned, too, new types of representation bring a fresh look and more convenient operation. The new Cover Flow function, for instance, sorts the title images of the music albums stored in a carousel-like form, so that the C-Class driver can easily leaf through their music collection – even if it is rather on the large side: the memory for compressed audio files (mp3, wma and aac formats) now comprises as much as 10 GB. As an option COMAND Online is available with a 6-disc DVD changer.

Greatest convenience is afforded by the Music Search function, which enables drivers and passengers to search the hard disc, SD memory cards, USB sticks, CDs and DVDs for specific music tracks and artists. The search can be according to various criteria, for instance album, music category or composer. If a name needs to be entered, the software will also tolerate spelling mistakes. The driver is therefore able to devote their full attention to the traffic. As a further advantage, the occupants are able to search all the connected media and devices simultaneously.

The fast hard-disc navigation system of COMAND Online also has added functions. New features include a 3D display with plastic city views. Also new: routes covered can be recorded and repeated later, specific personal destinations can be imported via an SD card and four alternative routes can be displayed on the navigation map, one of them a particularly economical variation. Mercedes-Benz customers in Europe receive the current maps for their COMAND Online multimedia system free of charge for three years. The authorised Mercedes-Benz dealers upload the updates for navigation data in 39 European countries into the navigation system when the customer visits their premises.

In Europe COMAND Online also comprises the Speed Limit Assist, which receives its information for traffic sign recognition via a camera and navigation database. COMAND Online also includes the LINGUATRONIC voice-operated control system for audio, telephone and navigation. The new “One Shot” input for the navigation is particularly convenient, whereby the place and road can be said directly after one another.

As a first in the C-Class, the Becker® MAP PILOT makes a low-cost navigation function, which can also be retrofitted, available for the entry-level Audio 20 CD radio. Its advantages over aftermarket solutions include integral operation via the central controls and the Audio 20 display, a concealed location in the glove compartment and updating via an internet portal.
Mercedes-Benz developed the “Logic7” surround sound system together with the audio specialist harman/kardon®. Based on technology never before seen in a car, this high-end system delivers three-dimensional sound as a natural 360 degree musical experience for all passengers. The audio signals are distributed via a 450 watt amplifier connected to twelve high-performance loudspeakers. In conjunction with COMAND Online a multi-channel listening experience with Dolby Digital 5.1. and DTS is possible.