2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class Welcomes Apple CarPlay

With a brand-new 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class about to enter the hyper-competitive premium sport-sedan segment, MB's latest will bring a notable competitive advantage: It will be the first German entry in that segment to offer the innovative Apple CarPlay technology.

CarPlay, of course, is Apple's breakthrough connectivity system for the auto industry and will provide a significant new level of digital integration for iPhone users. In fact, with CarPlay, owners will be able to leverage the Siri virtual valet for seamless voice control for calling, music streaming, text messaging, apps, maps and more, all while leveraging the vehicle's own touchscreen—and physical controls—for additional ease of use. (Naturally, text-messaging is handled by Siri, "who" uses advanced text-to-voice capabilities to eliminate the need for typing.)

Many details are still to come about the feature in the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, but the automaker does note that, whenever Team Google is ready to launch a CarPlay competitor, Mercedes will be ready to add it to the lineup. In fact, Mercedes seems to be making a strong push to position itself as the automotive smartphone-integration leader. According to Prof. Dr. Thomas Weber member of the Board of Management of Daimler AG, and responsible for Group Research & Mercedes-Benz Cars Development: "Two years ago we set a new trend with the integration of the smartphone into our vehicles, and Apple and Google have picked it up. We offer our customers an ideal in-car infotainment system. We are constantly developing the connected car with the latest technologies available, so that every Mercedes-Benz driver can use their smartphone in the car in full comfort and safety."

Per Apple, CarPlay also will be available from Ferrari, Honda, Hyundai and Volvo this year, and a wide range of brands are committed to offering the technology in the future, including: BMW, Chevy, Ford, Jaguar, Kia, Land Rover, Mitsubishi, Nissan, Subaru and Toyota (and Opel, Suzuki and PSA Peugeot Citroën, globally).

As for the 2015 Mercedes-Benz C-Class, it's expected in dealerships in the fall at a price that's still to be determined.