Mercedes Benz Live Traffic Information vs Googe Maps
I previously wrote about why would someone pay for the Mercedes Navigation system (or any other OEMs navigation system) if there is Google Maps for free. To read the full article, click here.
Since it’s clear that some people are willing to pay (many of them are already paying) for the Mercedes-Benz navigation system & maps even when there is Google Maps for free. The next question is how does the Mercedes-Benz Live Traffic Information service compares to Google Maps (we all know that Apple Maps sucks so it’s not even part of the question).
Apple CarPlay vs MBUX
The reason that I did turn to Apple Car every once in a while was whenever I felt that Google Maps might be able to provide a better alternative (Apple Maps is not even an option).
Yes, you can use Google Maps in your Mercedes
It is quite easy if your Mercedes has Apple CarPlay or Android Auto. If not, you will only be able to listen to the instructions via Bluetooth. CarPlay is part of the Smartphone Integration package by Mercedes-Benz and depending on your vehicle, it might be wireless or wired (you need to plug in your phone via the cable to be able to use CarPlay).CarPlay is part of the Smartphone Integration package by Mercedes-Benz
Even if you didn’t purchase the Smartphone Integration package at the moment of the purchase of your vehicle (or if you bought a used vehicle which doesn’t seem to come with CarPlay), there is still a chance that you can purchase the Smartphone Integration package online in the Mercedes me Store.
The package costs around ~£300. Click here to visit the Mercedes me Store and see if you can purchase it for your Mercedes-Benz.
If you want to check if your Mercedes has CarPlay, check it out here.
If you know you have it but need some help getting CarPlay setup in your Mercedes, click here for some instructions.
For most of the time, I didn’t feel that Google Maps was particularly better, but I do remember an occasion while driving from Munich to Stuttgart, where Google Maps did provide an alternative that was substantially faster but involved crossing a lot of small towns.
I think the perception of Google Maps being significantly better, still creates the urge for users to double-check and compare the routes between their navigation systems and google maps (in some countries Waze is still considered to be “way better” than Google Maps and used by a substantial amount of people).
I used to compare routes from my navigation system and Google Maps every once in a while, especially on longer trips outside the city, but I’ve stopped doing this on my more regular trips. I do get different routes every morning while driving to the office, but I didn’t feel a particular advantage if comparing the suggested routes from my navigation system to Google Maps. The navigation system on my car works simply easier with my car. From not having to connect my phone, using my voice command, or using any of the other features of my car…
Mercedes-Benz Live Traffic Information vs Google Maps
Live traffic information is quite self-explanatory and this is the biggest “competitor” to Google Maps (also Waze, since Waze is owned by Google).
The Live Traffic Information service by Mercedes-Benz is free for the first 3 years after the purchase of a brand new vehicle and it has to be renewed after that.
To see if the service is compatible with your vehicle or to purchase it, click here to visit the Mercedes me Store.
The service is powered by Nokia Here. One of the most powerful mapping companies in the world (not the old phones).
The service is available in all model series with the MBUX multimedia system or the COMAND Online multimedia system.
If you use Garmin™ MAP PILOT/SD card navigation Live Traffic Information (powered by TOMTOM), the service can only be bought at a Mercedes-Benz dealer. You will need to purchase an updated SD card, including new map material, for a term of three years.
