B-Class beats the blues

BMW has done it, and now Mercedes-Benz is joining in the fun with an Apple iPod interface for its new B-Class medium-MPV.

BMW has done it, and now Mercedes-Benz is joining in the fun with an Apple iPod interface for its new B-Class medium-MPV.

Developed by Mercedes-Benz accessories division, the device will be introduced in European markets by May, and enables full integration with the Apple iPod mobile MP3 player. As with the BMW example, the driver is able to navigate through the menus using buttons on the multifunction steering wheel.

The central display on the dashboard indicates the song title or details about the files saved on the iPod. The device is linked to a plug-and-play system which requires drivers to merely connect the iPod to a port found in the glovebox. The configuration is automatic and the device is compatible with all iPod devices, including the iPod mini and iPod photo.

Although initially destined for the B-Class, the device will become available in the rest of the Mercedes-Benz line-up in Europe from July this year, and in the new R-Class later in the year.