Automotive

New C-Class boasts updated telematics and internet access

New C-Class boasts updated telematics and internet access
Mercedes' new C-Class now boasts in-dash internet access using a smartphone's Terminal Mode
Mercedes' new C-Class now boasts in-dash internet access using a smartphone's Terminal Mode
View 7 Images
Mercedes-Benz 2011 C-Class estate, C 350 CDI 4MATIC
1/7
Mercedes-Benz 2011 C-Class estate, C 350 CDI 4MATIC
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, C 250 CDI interior
2/7
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, C 250 CDI interior
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, C 250 CDI
3/7
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, C 250 CDI
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, C 250 CDI
4/7
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class sedan, C 250 CDI
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate, C 350 CDI 4MATIC interior
5/7
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate, C 350 CDI 4MATIC interior
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate, C 350 CDI 4MATIC interior
6/7
2011 Mercedes-Benz C-Class estate, C 350 CDI 4MATIC interior
Mercedes' new C-Class now boasts in-dash internet access using a smartphone's Terminal Mode
7/7
Mercedes' new C-Class now boasts in-dash internet access using a smartphone's Terminal Mode
View gallery - 7 images

As part of the latest update to its C-Class, Mercedes-Benz has brought internet access to its COMAND infotainment system for the first time. Unlike some other in-car systems that use a built-in SIM card slot, the Mercedes system will use Terminal Mode – the proposed industry specification for the integration of mobile applications into car dashboard systems developed by Nokia and Consumer Electronics for Automotive (CE4A) – to duplicate the display of a smartphone on the in-dash display and allow control through the COMAND user interface.

The update means users will be able to surf the web – while stationary, mind you – and access integrated services through Mercedes-Benz online, such as weather information and a special destination search via Google. Drivers will also be able to download a route that has been previously configured on a PC using Google Maps. It should be noted, however, that being Nokia’s baby, it is currently the only company to announce Terminal Mode will be installed on its handsets – up to 150 million worldwide from next year.

Other new features for the C-Class include the debut of a new telematics system that will gradually be introduced in other model series, larger displays, telephone directory transfer, the ability to display SMS messages, Bluetooth streaming of music and a USB port in the center armrest.

Meanwhile, the updated navigation system of COMAND Online also sees that addition of a 3D display with plastic city views, the ability to record and repeat routes previously covered, the importation of specific personal destinations via an SD card, and the ability to display four alternative routes on the map at the same time.

Mercedes-Benz will debut the new C-Class at NAIAS 2011 in Detroit in January, with sales set to start in late March 2011.

View gallery - 7 images
3 comments
3 comments
bramachari
God forbid we focus on driving.
Bill Bennett
c class has always meant crap class to me and I have worked on MickieBenZ since 1986, other German vehicles since 1972, bramachari,, spot on post, so many new cars focus on toys, not driving, I find it most disgusting
Mr Stiffy
Hmmmmm just looking at all this techno bullshit... sure I do like it and it is great stuff...
But I flashed back to when I was a kid and my old man got a BRAND NEW Japanese imported car I think it was a little 4 cylinder Datsun or Mazda......
It DID over 100pmh (cause I was about 6 or 7 and I asked my old man if it could and he did) and it had a metal dshboard - AND it had an AM radio....
Whoooooooooooooooooooooooo technology......
All of this is not good or bad.... but I dunno sometimes it seems there is so much technology packed into so many things that it\'s like a drug overdose....
And I want to go into withdrawls - and ride my bicycle.