Mercedes GL
November 6, 2018
Tech Upgrade Time: Mercedes CarPlay Upgrade
The Mercedes GL350 is a fantastic SUV, with sharp styling, luxury appointments and plenty of room for the whole family. While its styling is still modern and sharp, unfortunately the Mercedes COMAND screen is not. The interface feels clunky and dated, and it’s not a touchscreen – meaning you have to poke and prod your way through menus with an assortment of buttons. It also misses out on modern smartphone connectivity. A modern Mercedes CarPlay upgrade was in order!
Harman Kardon Sound
The GL is equipped with Harman Kardon premium sound which runs from the factory COMAND screen. This sound system runs via fibre-optics, which is great for high sound quality, but fibre-optic sound systems can present challenges for less experienced installers. At AV-DC, we had the right parts and expertise to replace the factory screen and retain the full functionality of the Harman Kardon sound system.
Pioneer 7" Touchscreen
Full of features! That’s the best way to describe Pioneer’s AVIC-F80DAB flagship touchscreen. With obligate radio functions, the F80DAB also offers DAB+ digital radio, dual USB, bluetooth phone and music streaming, CD and DVD playback, standalone navigation, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for phone app functionality right on the 7″ touchscreen.
Integration Is Key
So, the Pioneer is a great unit, but making this Mercedes CarPlay upgrade work well in the car is the key to a useful upgrade. The replacement facia fits it in the place of the factory unit, it works with the Harman Kardon sound system just like the factory unit, and the steering wheel buttons control the Pioneer unit just like they did the factory radio. The factory reversing camera is also maintained, displaying automatically when reverse is selected.
Connect With Music
Are you ready to update your Mercedes with a touchscreen upgrade? We’ve got the products and experience to update your car with great results.
