Mercedes CarPlay: Guide by NTG 4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, and 6 system
CarPlay Auto
Adding CarPlay to a Mercedes is not just about choosing a "Mercedes-compatible" box. A 2010 C-Class, a 2013 A-Class, and a 2019 E-Class do not have the same multimedia system. At Mercedes, this system is called NTG, and its version (4.0, 4.5, 5.0, 5.5, or 6) determines which Mercedes CarPlay box connects behind your original screen. This guide helps you identify your NTG and then choose the right box, with a compatibility check before shipping.
Mercedes CarPlay: why the NTG version changes everything
NTG refers to the Mercedes multimedia platform that controls the screen, the COMAND dial, radio, phone, and, depending on the trim, the navigation. Each generation has its own connectors: a box labeled NTG 4.5 is not designed for an NTG 5.0 vehicle, even if the two cars look similar from the outside.
This is why our Mercedes boxes are categorized by system, not just by model. The box plugs in behind the original screen, remains invisible, preserves the original screen and functions, and adds wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can find all the Mercedes CarPlay boxes in a single collection, sorted by model and NTG.
How to recognize your NTG system
Three markers are sufficient in most cases: the year and model, the site's selector tool, and confirmation via WhatsApp. The time periods indicated below are indicative: the product page and the selector are the definitive references.
By year and model
Generations generally follow this pattern: NTG 4.0 from 2008 to 2012, NTG 4.5 from 2011 to 2015, NTG 5.0 and 5.1 from 2014 to 2018, NTG 5.5, then NTG 6 from 2018 onwards. Some pages also mention the NTG 4.7 variant, which is covered by the NTG 4.5 box. The periods overlap because each model switched at its own pace. The year of first registration, on your vehicle registration document, remains the primary reference.
The appearance of the screen and interface changes from one generation to the next, but these differences are difficult to judge on your own. This is precisely what we verify before shipment.
Using the site's selector
The brand / year / model selector displays the boxes corresponding to your Mercedes. Each page indicates the covered NTG system and the relevant years in brackets, for example, "NTG 4.5 [2011-2015]".
By a photo of the screen
In case of doubt, send a photo of your screen while turned on via WhatsApp to +33 7 80 96 56 50, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., along with the model and year of registration. We confirm the generation and the appropriate box before any shipment.
Table: which Mercedes CarPlay box for your NTG
The table below summarizes the most frequent matches and links to a catalog box for each generation. Other models have their own page in the Mercedes collection.
| System | Indicative years | Models listed in catalog | Example box |
|---|---|---|---|
| NTG 3.0 / 3.5 | 2006-2012 | S-Class W221 | S-Class W221 Box [2006-2012] – €459 |
| NTG 4.0 | 2008-2012 | A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, CLA, CLS, GLA, GLK, ML, SLK, SLS | C-Class NTG 4.0 Box [2008-2012] – €319 |
| NTG 4.5 / 4.7 | 2011-2015 | A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, CLA, CLS, GLA, GLK, ML, GL, SLK, Sprinter |
C-Class NTG 4.5 Box [2011-2015] – €319 A-Class NTG 4.5 Box [2011-2015] – €319 |
| NTG 5.0 / 5.1 | 2014-2018 | A-Class, B-Class, C-Class, E-Class, S-Class W222, V-Class W447, CLA, CLS, GLA, GLK, ML, GL, SLK |
C-Class NTG 5.0 Box [2014-2018] – €319 A-Class NTG 5.0 Box [2014-2018] – €319 |
| NTG 5.5 / 6 | 2018 and later (E-Class listed 2016-2020) | E-Class; other models: contact us | E-Class NTG 5.5 Box [2016-2020] – €499 |
The Mercedes boxes mentioned in this guide range from €239 to €499. Delivery is free for orders over €199 in France, Belgium, and Switzerland, and payment in 3 installments with Klarna is available.
Mercedes C-Class: three generations, three boxes
The C-Class is a perfect example of the issue. Between 2008 and 2018, it went through NTG 4.0 [2008-2012], NTG 4.5 [2011-2015], and then NTG 5.0 [2014-2018]. The best reflex: start with the year, use the selector, then have it confirmed via WhatsApp. The C-Class CarPlay box exists for each of the three generations, at the same price of €319.
Mercedes A-Class: NTG 4.5 or NTG 5.0
For the A-Class, two boxes follow one another: NTG 4.5 [2011-2015] and NTG 5.0 [2014-2018]. The years 2014 and 2015 are therefore ambiguous. A photo of the screen with menus displayed prevents errors.
What the box preserves on your Mercedes
The box does not replace anything: it connects behind the original screen, like all our CarPlay boxes. You keep:
- the original screen and its integration in the dashboard;
- the COMAND dial and steering wheel controls;
- the original radio and Bluetooth;
- the Mercedes navigation, if the vehicle is equipped with it;
- the original reversing camera, when present.
CarPlay and Android Auto are added wirelessly: the phone stays in your pocket. Switching between the Mercedes interface and CarPlay is described in the provided manual. For calls, a wired microphone at €18.90 is available as an option to improve audio quality. If your vehicle does not have a reversing camera, a universal reversing camera at €39 is available as an accessory: ask us if it is suitable for your box.
Installation behind the screen: 30 to 45 minutes
The installation is done using original connectors, in plug and play mode, without cutting any wires. The main steps, detailed in the provided manual:
- Switch off the ignition and remove the original screen using the removal kit.
- Unplug the original connector and plug it into the box's harness.
- Plug the box's harness into the screen, then tuck the box behind the dashboard.
- Reassemble the screen, turn on the ignition, and pair the phone following the manual.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes. Our WhatsApp support is available during installation, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and the installation guide details the precautions to take. The removal kit is available for €12.90. If you prefer to delegate, the installation option by a partner professional costs €69.
Sprinter, Vito, and V-Class: the case of commercial vehicles
Mercedes commercial vehicles are also listed by NTG system. The Sprinter CarPlay box, in NTG 4.5, is offered at €239. For the V-Class, Vito, and Viano W447 [2014-2018] in NTG 5.0, the V-Class / Vito / Viano box is €289.
Beware of fleets: the system depends on the model and year, and two vehicles from similar years may be on different generations. A vehicle-by-vehicle check avoids unpleasant surprises.
Verification before shipment
CarPlay Auto is a French shop, with customer service in Martigues. We check the compatibility of each order before shipment. Two ways:
- The brand / year / model selector on the site, which displays the products corresponding to your vehicle.
- A photo of your screen turned on, sent via WhatsApp to +33 7 80 96 56 50, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., with the model and year of registration.
If, despite everything, the product does not correspond to your vehicle, it will be taken back and fully refunded. You also have 14 days to change your mind and a 2-year warranty. Shipping departs from France within 24 to 48 hours, with tracked delivery in 4 to 5 working days in total. Other answers are grouped in our FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which CarPlay box for a Mercedes NTG 4.5?
A box labeled NTG 4.5 for your model, generally for the years 2011 to 2015. Some pages also cover the NTG 4.7 variant: the product page is definitive. Check the year on your registration document, then have the compatibility confirmed before ordering.
How do I know if my Mercedes is NTG 4.5 or NTG 5.0?
The year helps, but the markers overlap in 2014 and 2015: NTG 4.5 until 2015, NTG 5.0 from 2014 onwards. Use the brand / year / model selector, then send a photo of the screen while turned on via WhatsApp. We will confirm the generation before shipping.
Does the CarPlay box work with the COMAND dial?
Yes. The box retains the original screen and controls, including the COMAND dial and steering wheel controls. The provided manual indicates how to switch from the Mercedes interface to CarPlay and Android Auto.
Do I keep the original reversing camera and navigation?
Yes. The box keeps the screen and original functions, including the reversing camera when present and the Mercedes navigation if the vehicle is equipped with it. You can return to the original interface at any time.
Does my recent Mercedes already have CarPlay?
Some recent Mercedes models already offer CarPlay as standard. Check your vehicle's menus. If CarPlay is not there, use the selector or send us a photo of the screen: we will tell you if a box exists for your system.
What happens if I get the wrong NTG?
We check compatibility before shipment. If the product does not match your vehicle anyway, it will be taken back and fully refunded.
Find your Mercedes' CarPlay box
Use the brand / year / model selector to display the boxes corresponding to your Mercedes, or send a photo of your screen via WhatsApp to +33 7 80 96 56 50, 7 days a week from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. We confirm your NTG and the suitable box before any shipment.
