Just prior to the Geneva Motor Show 2014 kicking off, the annual Mercedes-Benz Media Night was held. Introduced at the night was the new Apple CarPlay system incorporated into new Mercedes-Benz models. Additionally, the stunning Mercedes-Benz S-Class Coupe premiered here.
As for CarPlay, it provides a simple iOS touch-screen interface filled with many of the iOS apps many of us have become accustomed to. However, it is worth pointing out that the car itself doesn’t actually run any iOS software nor does the specific player. Instead, the system is driven by your portable iOS device whether that be an iPhone 5, 5S or 5C. What this means is that to run Apple CarPlay, the aforementioned device has to be connected via the Lightning cable.
Nevertheless, the system is still very impressive. Because CarPlay works through your iPhone, Siri can read out any text messages through the car’s stereo system while also allowing you to create a verbal reply to that message. Obviously, you can answer phone calls also with CarPlay.
Understandably, one of the main focuses of CarPlay is music. You can listen to your collection of music on your iPhone while also being able to use the Spotify and iHeartRadio apps.
Mercedes-Benz along with Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai, Jaguar and Volvo will bring CarPlay to their models this year. In the future, additional carmakers will begin offering the entertainment system.
As it stands the only S-Class Coupe model released is the S 500. It comes equipped with the same 4.6-liter V8 biturbo engine as the sedan, delivering a total of 455 hp and a peak of 700 Nm of torque. It also features similar levels of equipment with the Mercedes-Benz Magic Body Control, Pre-Safe brake and Distronic Plus with Steer Assist and Stop & Go Pilot all featuring.
