2018 GLC Coupe AMG Prem Plus: question about screen differences & Apple CarPlay

5151 Views 3 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Edfist1859, Sep 3, 2020

karansaraf

Discussion Starter · May 26, 2020

Hi all,

New UK poster here.

I had a specced up GLA which was written off recently and now deciding whether to buy the same GLA or maybe a GLC. I've seen a 2018 GLC Coupe AMG Line Premium Plus that I quite like the look of but I have two questions which I was hoping might be answered:

1. The first question relates to Apple Carplay being installed in these cars. I know there is a retrofit solution where you take apart the dashboard/centre console and install a new carplay module connected/plug and play with the existing system which allows you to access CarPlay on your otherwise non-Carplay car. ( Example of the retrofit solution Wireless Apple CarPlay Android Auto Mercedes W205 C Class/GLC 2015-2018 CarPlay Reversing Camera Navigation Retrofit - Unique Auto Developments and also Mercedes Benz NTG5.0/NTG5.1/NTG5.2 (2014 Onwards) Retrofit CarPlay and Android Auto Upgrade Kit – Integrated automotive UK )

However I was wondering whether there are any other options out there? Will MB install this as an upgrade?

2. I've seen in the vast majority of GLC Coupes (pre 2020) that they have a 7" screen with a bezel that sticks out (ie. the screen is not flush with the bezel). This is the same as on my dad's GLC too. Picture here:

However the GLC I've seen advertised (the 2018 AMG Line Premium Plus) has a screen that's 7" or maybe even 8" that is completely flush with the bezel (much like the GLA's screens from this time period, which were much better than that of the GLC). Here is the picture:

The question I had was why is this difference the case? Was this something specific to the Premium Plus? I have seen Premium models with the other/older/less nice screen.

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snrbrtsn

· #2 · May 27, 2020

I’m not a tech Phob and possibly use the incorrect wording, however, the Glc is available with two types of infotainment systems
All models get the 7” screen, with sport spec upwards getting Sat nav, the Premier plus has the 8.4” command system hence the screen difference, worth holding out for!
Mercedes are not alone in their screen size wisdom, I’m more akin to the BMW systems and frustrated I never held out for the Command system, which incidentally also offers the Burmester sound system.

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karansaraf

Discussion Starter · #3 · May 27, 2020

Thanks for the clarification, that makes sense. I don't really care about the Command system itself if I'm honest, I think it's pretty outdated (certainly in comparison to the new MBUX system) and I would never really have used it anyway as nav data becomes out of date almost immediately once you buy a car. My main reason for asking the question is that the screen is an important part of the infotainment system and the one on my dad's GLC (7") is pretty lacklustre I have to say, whereas the one on my old GLA (I imagine exactly the same as the 8.4" you mentioned) was actually really nice and sleek.

The reason for my first question is that I've gotten used to using Apple CarPlay on my GLA. It's absolutely amazing and I wouldn't want to go back to using the standard MB software/nav, especially when you can use Google Maps/Waze which are infinitely better user experiences than OEM software. The ability to use my own native phone apps for music, podcasts, whatsapp and text/iMessage notifications etc is also far superior and so I am curious to find out whether MB will upgrade existing systems to CarPlay/Android auto for a fee or whether we have to pursue aftermarket systems which work but don't quite integrate with the host system quite as well as if it were done by the manufacturer?

Does anyone know if the 2018 GLC uses COMAND NTG5.1?

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Edfist1859

· #4 · Sep 3, 2020

karansaraf said:
Thanks for the clarification, that makes sense. I don't really care about the Command system itself if I'm honest, I think it's pretty outdated (certainly in comparison to the new MBUX system) and I would never really have used it anyway as nav data becomes out of date almost immediately once you buy a car. My main reason for asking the question is that the screen is an important part of the infotainment system and the one on my dad's GLC (7") is pretty lacklustre I have to say, whereas the one on my old GLA (I imagine exactly the same as the 8.4" you mentioned) was actually really nice and sleek.

The reason for my first question is that I've gotten used to using Apple CarPlay on my GLA. It's absolutely amazing and I wouldn't want to go back to using the standard MB software/nav, especially when you can use Google Maps/Waze which are infinitely better user experiences than OEM software. The ability to use my own native phone apps for music, podcasts, whatsapp and text/iMessage notifications etc is also far superior and so I am curious to find out whether MB will upgrade existing systems to CarPlay/Android auto for a fee or whether we have to pursue aftermarket systems which work but don't quite integrate with the host system quite as well as if it were done by the manufacturer?

Does anyone know if the 2018 GLC uses COMAND NTG5.1?

Hi, karansaraf

Yeah, I have known from a friend that 2018 GLC uses COMAND NTG5.1. Don't expect MB suppliers to make many major upgrades to the MBUX system in recent years.
It is almost impossible to use carplay on GLC in full screen. This is what I learned from another post. GLC 2020 CarPlay issue

It looks like a cottage, very low. Oh,my god! I enjoy the carplay system more, especially the wireless carplay system. He makes it very convenient for me to use hands-free driving, and I can just use "hey Siri" to wake up carplay system.So I will not refuse to tell everyone its advantages.

Sincerely,
Ed.

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