Mercedes builds in iPhone integration

Posted Fri Jun 20 2008 8:58 PM by Nelson Ireson

Apple's iPhone is the telephonic equivalent of a luxury car - sleek, stylish, feature-packed and expensive. Now Mercedes-Benz owners can integrate their luxury phones into their luxury cars with a factory-optional iPhone cradle housed in the car's center console.

All of the iPhone's primary functions are available, controlled through Mercedes' multi-function steering wheel inputs. The car's console display is used to interact with the device and display information such as track title and artist when using the music functionality of the iPhone. Mercedes claims this level of integration with the iPhone is the first of its kind in the automotive sector.

Full phone functionality is also available while the iPhone is in its cradle, with the vehicle's hands-free system and built-in aerial ensuring easy use and clear call reception. The cradle keeps the phone charged while it's installed, and can be removed or replaced with a simple click. The location is easy to get at from the front seat, though it will be something only done with the vehicle at rest, since the center console armrest area where the iPhone is housed is somewhat behind the driver, making access awkward while driving.

The full line of Mercedes cars will be offered with the option, including the new GLK when it is released in October. Pricing starts at €249 including VAT in Europe, with an additional €39 media interface or iPod interface adapter available in Germany. Now word on U.S. pricing or availability yet, but it's sure to come, and will likely be priced around $300.

Mercedes-Benz iPhone cradle

Gallery: Mercedes iPhone Cradle

Reader Comments

Fri Jun 20 2008 10:12 PM
Gus says

Very cool concept. Good price, too...
Sat Jun 21 2008 3:51 AM
Raptor says

If iPhone is the telephonic equivalent of a luxury car, then what's nokia N95? A space shuttle? :D

Anyway, not a bad idea, I guess.
Sat Jun 21 2008 10:36 AM
HECTOR says

The iphone is the ultimate phone for tools and it's a very big mistake for car makers to cater to them in any way whatsoever. Then again I'm not surprised at all to see this coming from MB, although the more obvious choice would have been BMW (imagine a dude with a 1 series and an iphone... LMAO!).
Sat Jun 21 2008 1:49 PM
Gus says

The 1 series really should be offered in a "man" and a "woman" option.
Those headlights just need mascara and some fake lashes... :)

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