At the Paris Motor Show Daimler is demonstrating its iPhone integration in the Mercedes A Class car model with the “Drive Kit“ connector and the related “Digital DriveStyle“ app.
The app includes NAVIGON (Garmin) navigation software for Europe, U.S. and Canada as well as music app Aupeo, Glympse and a few others (car finder, car information, etc.).
The NAVIGON software has traffic information implemented, as well as all other bells and whistles such as lane assistance, 3D buildings, Google local search, Streetview of destinations, etc.
The iPhone connector is sold for €680 and the app is downloadable for free from iTunes. With this type of pricing the cost is linked to the car, not to a particular iPhone, so several drivers with iPhones can enjoy the same experience.
The systems works with the iPhone 4 and 4S and with two configurations of Mercedes in-dash infotainment systems: Audio 20 (the 5.8-inch screen that comes as standard with the car) and COMAND (the €3,300 navigation system with a 7-inch screen). The iPhone 5 is also said to be working fine with the system, although we have not been able to verify that.
Drive Kit plus is available today for the A Class but it will be extended to B, C and E Class models before the end of the year. The system was developed by Daimler’s Palo Alto research center.
The app includes NAVIGON (Garmin) navigation software for Europe, U.S. and Canada as well as music app Aupeo, Glympse and a few others (car finder, car information, etc.).
The NAVIGON software has traffic information implemented, as well as all other bells and whistles such as lane assistance, 3D buildings, Google local search, Streetview of destinations, etc.
The iPhone connector is sold for €680 and the app is downloadable for free from iTunes. With this type of pricing the cost is linked to the car, not to a particular iPhone, so several drivers with iPhones can enjoy the same experience.
The systems works with the iPhone 4 and 4S and with two configurations of Mercedes in-dash infotainment systems: Audio 20 (the 5.8-inch screen that comes as standard with the car) and COMAND (the €3,300 navigation system with a 7-inch screen). The iPhone 5 is also said to be working fine with the system, although we have not been able to verify that.
Drive Kit plus is available today for the A Class but it will be extended to B, C and E Class models before the end of the year. The system was developed by Daimler’s Palo Alto research center.
Daimler’s Smartphone Strategy
During the demonstration we found the system to be very responsive. In choosing to offer a single app that gathers all the services (Navigon, Aupeo, etc...) rather than enabling compatibility for different third party apps, Daimler has simplified the architecture of its product.
What is also interesting to see is that Daimler is not limiting this system to its entry level range but is leaving the Mercedes owners the opportunity to have it in high end cars such as the E Class and possibly replace the costly €3000+ COMAND navigation system.
During the demonstration we found the system to be very responsive. In choosing to offer a single app that gathers all the services (Navigon, Aupeo, etc...) rather than enabling compatibility for different third party apps, Daimler has simplified the architecture of its product.
What is also interesting to see is that Daimler is not limiting this system to its entry level range but is leaving the Mercedes owners the opportunity to have it in high end cars such as the E Class and possibly replace the costly €3000+ COMAND navigation system.
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