The 2013 Mercedes ML is a fantastic luxury SUV that still drives beautifully today, but its infotainment technology is over a decade old. In this video, we breathe new life into this vehicle by installing a fully integrated Apple CarPlay system. This upgrade allows the driver to access modern smartphone features directly on the original factory screen. We accomplished this without replacing the dashboard or losing the classic Mercedes aesthetic. It is the perfect blend of modern convenience and traditional luxury.
Bring Your Dashboard Up to Speed
The biggest limitation of older infotainment systems is the lack of real-time data. With this upgrade, you gain immediate access to powerful navigation apps like Google Maps and Waze. This means you can get live traffic updates and rerouting options that the old factory navigation simply cannot provide. Additionally, you can stream high-quality music through Spotify or Apple Music, making your daily commute or road trips much more enjoyable. The system puts everything you need right in front of you so you can keep your focus on the road.
Our solution is designed to be versatile. While we focused on Apple CarPlay in this video, the hardware also supports Android Auto for non-iPhone users. You can explore our wide range of GPS and multimedia upgrades to see how we can modernize your specific vehicle. This system connects seamlessly, allowing you to use voice commands via Siri or Google Assistant to send messages, make calls, or change tracks without lifting a finger.
Retaining Factory Controls and Features
One of the most common questions we get is about usability. Owners often worry that they will lose the feel of their Mercedes command knob. We are happy to report that this installation retains full use of the original rotary dial and steering wheel buttons. You navigate the CarPlay interface just like you would the original Mercedes menu. The system is intuitive and responsive, meaning there is no steep learning curve to start using your new features.
Critically, we ensure that all safety features remain intact. When you put the vehicle in reverse, the system automatically switches back to the factory backup camera view. Once you are in drive, it flips back to the CarPlay interface. At Car Systems Installation, we hide all the modules behind the dash for a completely stock appearance. There are no visible wires or suction cups cluttering your view. It looks and feels exactly as if Mercedes had installed it at the factory.
