- Full in-car integration of the iPod®
- Premiere in the new B-Class
- Mixed Tape offers free downloads of MP3 files
Simple and safe to operate via multifunction steering wheel
The intelligent iPod® Interface Kit is extremely easy to use: the driver navigates through the iPod®'s menus and selects items such as "Playlist", "Artist", or "Album" using the buttons on the multifunction steering wheel. The volume is controlled in the same way. The central display on the dashboard indicates the song title or whichever menu item has been selected and provides details about the files saved on the MP3 player. This ergonomic solution helps ensure that the driver's attention is not diverted from the road and in doing so enhances active road safety: the driver keeps his or her hands on the steering wheel and does not need to look away from the traffic situation ahead.
Another advantage of the iPod® Interface Kit is that the vehicle and the MP3 player are linked up "plug and play"-style. This means that all the user has to do is connect the iPod® to the specially provided interface in the glove compartment. Configuration is automatic.
The innovative Mercedes-Benz system is compatible with the iPod® from Generation 3, the iPod® mini, the iPod® photo and the iPod® U2. The mobile MP3 players can store and play up to 10,000 songs.
Mercedes-Benz sales partners in Germany are offering the iPod® Interface Kit at a price of € 183 plus installation costs.
Mercedes-Benz Mixed Tape service for music fans
Mercedes-Benz offers free "Mixed Tape" music downloads on the internet as an additional service for MP3 owners. Every eight weeks, 15 specially selected songs are made available as a compilation at www.mercedes-benz.com/mixedtape. The songs can be accessed using data streaming or downloaded in the usual download way, and they can be burned onto a CD-ROM free of charge or transferred to an MP3 player – either individually or as a complete album.
Mercedes-Benz is using "Mixed Tape" to promote musical talent on its international internet platform. Up-and-coming musicians who submit their songs online are rated by our music panel. Every artist or band whose song makes the final cut is profiled online in an illustrated feature. The download service also offers a wealth of additional functions such as a cover or title generator, an e mail newsletter with details of each compilation and an eCard facility.
