While many carmakers have worked seemless iPod integration into their vehicles – a surprising make-it-or-break-it factor for many buyers – Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will offer iPhone integration in its automobiles.
The feature will include a docking cradle in the center armrest between the driver and front passenger seats, with the device's phone and audio functions navigable via controls on the steering wheel. The kit will be offered starting in August, can be retrofitted to previous model-year vehicles and will be offered on new vehicles as an option. Although US pricing has yet to be announced, the feature costs the equivalent of $389 in Europe.
[Source: KickingTires]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Chris @ Jun 25th 2008 8:39AM
thats pretty slick
Justin @ Jun 25th 2008 8:47AM
Sweet, with the $200 I'm saving on the new iPhone I can now afford the Mercedes.
Oh wait, no I can't.
Shawn @ Jun 25th 2008 8:58AM
silly, silly , silly...I'm guessing 1 in 1000 Merc owners have an iphone...
What about my more useful and equally imporant PocketPC phone and the 101 OTHER versions of this buy OTHER makers...
silly, silly, silly...
Dude @ Jun 25th 2008 9:31AM
If they did that, the Press wouldn't report on it.
Scott Eaton @ Jun 25th 2008 12:40PM
Your PocketPC isn't an iPod like the iPhone is. The accessories market for the iPod (and thus iPhone) family is outrageously popular, especially the standardized interface.
Kitko @ Jun 25th 2008 8:58AM
Finally something reasonable coming out from Mercedes.
elindiano @ Jun 25th 2008 9:22AM
im pretty sure i saw that offered on the new 3 series on bmwusa.com
Mel. R @ Jun 25th 2008 9:29AM
And yet another car maker thinks we're all iSheep.
Rather unfortunate, if you ask me.
Pacman @ Jun 25th 2008 10:31AM
Just dont get it as an option if you dont have an iPhone. It is available to the many people that do have an iPhone that want it. Obviously, the iPhone is popular enough that it make integration options a good idea.
Scott Eaton @ Jun 25th 2008 12:43PM
It's only unfortunate if you *buy* the option and lack an industry-leading device. When a product (e.g. the iPod/iPhone interface standard) owns well over 80% of the entire market for portable music, it's not bloody unfortunate that a company see that marketshare and react with products the owners *want*. Of course, if you're just being a stupid fanboi, then by all means, whine away.
Now see here.. @ Jun 27th 2008 1:52AM
you are a sheep..
http://youtube.com/watch?v=y08pJiNS8mk&feature=related
Blaine Decker @ Jun 25th 2008 9:53AM
Pretty big waste of space if you don't have an iphone.
at least make the spot usable for other stuff too. Like for hidding your pet rocks, or a cool looking acorn you find, maybe they can even make it usable for my high tech device that I have been using long before the iphone, something that never requires recharging, and never has glitches, pen and paper.
BlackCanary @ Jun 25th 2008 10:28AM
You can never have enough spots for you're cool looking acorns. I am thinking this is an option so if you do not have an iPhone, you just dont go for this option.
IvanDrago @ Jun 25th 2008 10:23AM
Good move for Daimler--within next year half of mercedes buyers will carry an iPhone.
Rick @ Jun 25th 2008 10:46AM
iPhones are all the rage in Europe. This union, and others to follow, now makes sense.
BlackCanary @ Jun 25th 2008 10:33AM
crap! - "your acorns, not you are acorns"
Keat @ Jun 25th 2008 10:29AM
Sweet...
Chris @ Jun 30th 2008 12:05AM
I'm really quite amazed at how this little rectangle of technology has been gifted with its own throne in so many vehicles. A "make-it-or-break-it factor" pretty much sums it up.
Mr. Jobs surely must be proud.
Petr @ Jul 12th 2008 7:23PM
I just connect my iPhone 3G to iPod connector in my merc and by surprise you still can listen and search music through your console wheel. Merc phone of course not working but i believe its everything to do with Merc software; simple update should make iPhone be able to be used with iPod connector, in terms of calling through your console as well.
mojomk @ Jul 21st 2008 12:19PM
With my original iphone the Mercedes doc connector gave control through my console in addition to powering the iphone. But now with the new 3g version, I have lost the ability to power the iphone. Is anyone else having this problem?