Many Mercedes-Benz models remain excellent cars long after their original infotainment systems start to feel dated. Apple CarPlay can bring useful modern features such as live navigation, music streaming, calls and messaging onto the vehicle display without changing the overall character of the interior.
Braybrooks offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades across a wide range of Mercedes-Benz models. The correct solution depends on the vehicle, production year and infotainment system fitted.
Some cars need a dedicated retrofit interface, while others may already have the required hardware and simply need CarPlay activated. Vehicles that already have wired CarPlay can also be upgraded to wireless operation.
A-Class, B-Class and CLA
Mercedes-Benz A-Class, B-Class and CLA models have a good range of Apple CarPlay upgrade options, particularly from the W176, W246 and C117 generations onwards.
For earlier examples from around 2012–2015, vehicles fitted with compatible NTG4.5 systems can use the Mercedes-Benz Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto NTG4.5 retrofit.
Later A-Class W176, B-Class W246 and CLA C117 models from 2016 onwards can have several options depending on specification. These include NTG5.x retrofit systems, Apple CarPlay activation by OBD or diagnostic computer, and wireless adapters for vehicles that already have factory wired CarPlay.
The newer A-Class W177, B-Class W247 and CLA C118 can also support CarPlay but this is done through the Mercedes Me App, while cars with wired CarPlay can use a wireless adapter.
C-Class, E-Class, CLS and S-Class
There is also strong support across the Mercedes-Benz saloon, estate and coupé ranges.
Older C-Class W204 and E-Class W212 models can be compatible with NTG4 or NTG4.5 retrofit systems, depending on age. The same applies to the E-Class Coupé and Cabriolet C207.
Later E-Class W212 and C207 models may also support CarPlay activation, NTG5.x integration or wireless adapters. The newer E-Class W213 and C238 Coupé/Cabriolet can support diagnostic activation and other model-specific CarPlay solutions. Cars with a smaller radio screen use a retrofit module option.
The CLS follows a similar pattern. C218 models from 2010–2011 can use an NTG4 retrofit, 2012–2015 models can use NTG4.5, and later 2016–2019 vehicles can support NTG5.x, activation or wireless adapter options. CLS C257 models from 2020 onwards can also support diagnostic activation or wireless CarPlay adapters.
Mercedes-Benz S-Class models are also covered. W221 vehicles can be upgraded using NTG3 or NTG3.5 solutions, while later W222 and C217 S-Class Coupé models can support NTG5.x or wireless adapters depending on specification. Newer W223 models with wired CarPlay can also be converted to wireless operation.
SL, SLK, SLC, SLS and AMG GT
A number of Mercedes-Benz sports cars and roadsters can also be upgraded.
The SLK R172 from 2012–2015 can support the NTG4.5 Apple CarPlay and Android Auto retrofit. Later SLC models support diagnostic activation, where wired CarPlay is already present, a wireless adapter.
The SL R231 follows a similar split. Earlier 2012–2015 cars can support NTG4.5, while 2016–2023 models may use NTG5.x or wireless adapter solutions.
Braybrooks also offers Apple CarPlay options for the SLS AMG and AMG GT. The SLS AMG from 2010–2014 can use an NTG4 retrofit, while AMG GT models from 2015 onwards can support the NTG5.x system.
GLA, GLC, GLE, GLS, GLB and G-Class
Mercedes-Benz SUVs also have a wide range of Apple CarPlay options.
GLA X156 models from 2016–2020 can support NTG5.x, OBD activation or wireless adapter solutions. The newer GLA H247 and GLB X247 can use wireless adapters where wired CarPlay is already fitted.
GLC X253 models from 2016–2019 can support NTG5.x or wireless adapter options, while later X253 and X254 vehicles can use wireless adapters where factory wired CarPlay is present.
GLE and GLS models offer similar choices. GLE W166 and GLS X166 vehicles can support NTG5.x, diagnostic activation, OBD activation or wireless adapters depending on specification. Later GLE V167, GLE Coupé C167 and GLS X167 models can use wireless adapters when wired CarPlay is already installed.
The G-Class is also supported. W463 models from 2014–2015 can use NTG4.5, 2016–2019 versions can support NTG5.x or wireless adapters, and later vehicles can use wireless adapters where wired CarPlay is fitted.
V-Class, Vito and X-Class
Braybrooks also offers Apple CarPlay options for selected Mercedes-Benz vans and utility vehicles.
V-Class W447 models from 2015 onwards can support NTG5.x Apple CarPlay and Android Auto upgrades, as well as wireless adapters on vehicles that already have wired CarPlay.
Vito W447 models from 2015 onwards can also use wireless CarPlay adapters where the original wired system is present.
Mercedes-Benz X-Class W470 models from 2018 onwards are supported by the wireless Apple CarPlay adapter for vehicles already equipped with wired CarPlay.
CL and S-Class Coupé
Selected CL-Class models can also be upgraded.
Mercedes-Benz CL C216 models from 2007–2014 can support Apple CarPlay and Android Auto through an NTG3 or NTG3.5 retrofit.
The later S-Class Coupé C217 can support NTG5.x systems or wireless adapters, depending on the vehicle’s original specification.
CLE Coupé and Cabriolet
The newer Mercedes-Benz CLE C236 Coupé and Cabriolet can also benefit from wireless CarPlay.
For these models, Braybrooks currently offers a wireless Apple CarPlay adapter for cars that already have factory wired CarPlay. This type of adapter does not add CarPlay to a vehicle that does not already support it. Instead, it removes the need to plug the phone in each time.
Retrofit, Activation or Wireless Adapter?
The term “Apple CarPlay retrofit” can cover several different types of upgrade.
Older Mercedes-Benz models often need a dedicated interface matched to the infotainment system, such as NTG3, NTG4, NTG4.5 or NTG5.x.
Some later vehicles already contain the necessary CarPlay functionality but require activation through diagnostic equipment or an OBD tool.
Cars that already have wired Apple CarPlay can often be converted to wireless operation using a dedicated adapter.
This is why checking the exact head unit and vehicle specification matters before ordering.
How Do I Know Which System My Mercedes Has?
The vehicle model and year are a useful starting point, but they do not always tell the full story. Mercedes-Benz changed infotainment systems during production runs, and two cars from the same year can sometimes have different equipment.
Compatibility can depend on factors such as:
- the Mercedes-Benz model and chassis
- production year
- Audio 20, COMAND or MBUX system fitted
- NTG generation
- existing wired CarPlay capability
- factory options and software configuration
If you are unsure which system is fitted, Braybrooks can help identify the correct option before you order.
Finding the Right Apple CarPlay Upgrade
Braybrooks offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto solutions across a wide range of Mercedes-Benz models, from older NTG3-equipped S-Class and CL models through to newer vehicles with NTG5.x and MBUX systems.
The right upgrade depends on what is already fitted to the car. Some vehicles need a full retrofit interface, some only need software activation, and others can simply add a wireless adapter to an existing wired CarPlay system.
If a direct Apple CarPlay retrofit is not available for your particular Mercedes-Benz, contact Braybrooks anyway. There may be another infotainment, screen or connectivity upgrade that suits the vehicle better.
If you are unsure where to start, send us your registration or VIN and we can check compatibility and recommend the most suitable option.
