Mercedes-Benz CLS Android Head Unit Review: Enhanced Infotainment
Service Price
$115–150
Estimated price · Actual price may vary by shop
Mercedes-Benz CLS Android Head Unit upgrade: Approx. $115-$150. Adds CarPlay, Android Auto, and ambient lighting for a modern cabin.
Transform Your Mercedes-Benz CLS with a 12.3-Inch Android Head Unit
For owners of the 2012 Mercedes-Benz CLS 350, a significant infotainment upgrade is now available: the installation of a large 12.3-inch Android All-in-One system. This upgrade moves beyond the limitations of the original factory screen, offering a vastly improved user experience and modern connectivity. The system features a vibrant QLED blue screen powered by a robust Snapdragon 665 CPU, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, ensuring smooth and responsive performance for all your applications.
Seamless Smartphone Integration and Enhanced Features
The new Android head unit brings your CLS into the modern era with full support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. This allows you to seamlessly integrate your smartphone, accessing navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, or Waze, music streaming services such as Spotify or Apple Music, and making calls or sending messages directly through the car's interface. Unlike older systems, this unit supports LTE connectivity, meaning you can insert a SIM card and access the internet independently, without relying on your phone's hotspot. This opens up the full potential of the Google Play Store, allowing you to download and install a wide range of apps directly onto the head unit. The Picture-in-Picture (PIP) function is particularly useful, enabling simultaneous use of navigation and music apps, keeping both driver and passengers entertained on longer journeys. The interface is designed for intuitive control, with easy access to media playback and volume adjustments on the expansive screen. Crucially, the unit is fitted using custom-fit trim specifically designed for the CLS, ensuring a factory-like appearance with no gaps or misalignments, preserving the vehicle's premium interior aesthetic.
Adding Ambiance with Moving Ambient Lighting
Complementing the advanced infotainment system, this CLS also received a significant interior lighting upgrade with the addition of moving LED ambient lighting. This system enhances the cabin's atmosphere by adding vibrant, dynamic lighting to the dashboard and all four doors. Additionally, subtle LED lighting was installed in the footwells of the driver and passenger sides, creating a more immersive and luxurious environment. This combination of a cutting-edge Android head unit and sophisticated ambient lighting transforms the driving experience, blending technological advancement with refined interior styling. The installation process, performed at the 'O-neul-ui-car' Ansan branch in Korea, typically takes between 4 to 6 hours, depending on the specific vehicle options.
Installation Process:
- Removal of the original factory head unit and trim pieces.
- Integration of the new 12.3-inch Android display and associated wiring harnesses.
- Installation of the ambient lighting strips along the dashboard and door panels.
- Connection and configuration of all system components, including GPS, Wi-Fi, and optional LTE.
- Testing of all functions, including touch response, app compatibility, and lighting effects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How much does Android head unit or CarPlay installation cost for a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The Android head unit and ambient lighting package for this Mercedes-Benz CLS cost approximately $115-$150 in Korea. In the US, similar comprehensive infotainment upgrades can range from $500 to $1500 or more, depending on the specific unit and features.
Q. How long does Android head unit installation take on a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
The installation of an Android head unit and ambient lighting typically takes about 4 to 6 hours for a Mercedes-Benz CLS. These systems are generally durable with proper care, and regular cleaning of the screen with a microfiber cloth is the primary maintenance required.
Q. Is a CarPlay or Android Auto retrofit worth it for a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
A CarPlay or Android Auto retrofit is highly recommended for CLS owners seeking modern smartphone integration and a significantly enhanced user interface. It offers a substantial upgrade in functionality and convenience over the original factory system, making it a worthwhile investment for many.
Q. How is an Android head unit installed in a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
Installation involves carefully removing the original head unit and trim, then integrating the new 12.3-inch Android display with custom wiring harnesses. Ambient lighting is added along the dashboard and doors, followed by system configuration and testing to ensure all features function correctly.
Q. What is the difference between an Android head unit and a factory infotainment system for a Mercedes-Benz CLS?
An Android head unit offers vastly expanded functionality, including access to the Google Play Store, built-in navigation apps, and seamless smartphone mirroring via CarPlay and Android Auto, unlike the more limited capabilities of a factory system.
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