The Mercedes-Benz E-Class has consistently represented a blend of luxury, performance, and cutting-edge technology. The Mercedes E Class 2015 model year further solidified this reputation, particularly with its enhanced telematics system. This generation introduced significant advancements in in-car connectivity, multimedia capabilities, and navigation, setting a new benchmark for automotive technology at the time. For owners and enthusiasts alike, understanding the telematics and infotainment features of the Mercedes E Class 2015 is key to appreciating its modern design and functionality.
Alt text: Front exterior view of a silver Mercedes E Class 2015 showcasing its elegant design and modern telematics system.
Mercedes-Benz remained at the forefront of the rapidly evolving world of communication and media technology with this iteration of the telematics system. The Mercedes E Class 2015 was designed to seamlessly integrate with the digital lifestyles of its drivers, offering a range of features designed for convenience, entertainment, and information access. When paired with a compatible smartphone via Bluetooth®, the COMAND Online multimedia system unlocked a suite of internet functionalities. Notably, passengers could surf the internet without limitations when the vehicle was stationary. While in motion, drivers could utilize Mercedes-Benz Apps such as “Mercedes-Benz Radio” and “Service Mercedes-Benz”, providing access to online services on the go.
Enhanced Connectivity and Speed with LTE
As a standard offering, the Mercedes E Class 2015 included a basic telephony feature, establishing a connection between mobile phones and the car through a standardized Bluetooth® interface, complete with a hands-free function. However, pushing the boundaries of mobile connectivity, the Mercedes E Class 2015 optionally supported the new, faster LTE mobile phone network. This 4th-generation (4G) location-independent wireless broadband internet access dramatically increased data transfer speeds, offering download speeds up to 300 Mbps and upload speeds up to 75 Mbps. This represented a significant leap from conventional 3G networks, enabling near-instantaneous access to features like Multimedia Messaging Services, video chat, high-definition radio, and mobile TV functions. This high-speed connectivity ensured that the Mercedes E Class 2015 was not just a luxury vehicle, but also a mobile hub for communication and entertainment.
Multimedia System Options: Audio 20 CD and COMAND Online
The Mercedes E Class 2015 offered a choice of three multimedia systems, catering to different levels of technological integration and user needs. The standard system was the Audio 20 CD, which also offered the option for pre-installation of the Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation system – a new addition for the E-Class. For those seeking a more comprehensive experience, the COMAND Online system, including a DVD single drive, was available as an upgrade. Across all systems, a high-resolution 17.8 cm (7-inch) color Media Display with a resolution of 800 x 480 pixels was standard, featuring impressive animations and 3D effects for a visually engaging user interface.
Alt text: Interior view of a Mercedes E Class 2015 dashboard, highlighting the 7-inch high-resolution color Media Display and user-friendly interface of the COMAND Online system.
Audio 20 CD with Optional Garmin MAP PILOT Navigation
The standard Audio 20 CD multimedia system in the Mercedes E Class 2015 was well-equipped, featuring a radio with twin tuners, traffic information decoder, a CD drive supporting MP3 and other music formats, and a Bluetooth® interface for address transfer and hands-free calling. It also included a Media Interface integrated into the head unit for iPhone® or iPod® support, along with two USB ports and an SD card slot for media input.
A notable optional upgrade for the Audio 20 CD system was the new Garmin® MAP PILOT navigation. This system stored map data on an SD card and provided the familiar Garmin user experience. Operation was versatile, allowing control through the central controller as well as via voice control using the Integrated Speech Dialog System (SDS), which included Text-to-Speech (TTS) functionality. The navigation system offered clear and realistic three-dimensional displays of terrain and buildings. Users could also input and display Points of Interest (POI), and even download route destinations via the internet, enhancing the navigation capabilities of the Mercedes E Class 2015.
COMAND Online: The Premium Multimedia Experience
For the most advanced telematics and infotainment experience in the Mercedes E Class 2015, COMAND Online was the premier choice. This system integrated navigation, phone, audio, video, and internet functions into a unified and intuitive control system. The COMAND system featured fast, dynamic hard-disc navigation with realistic topographic map displays, including 3D POIs and city models. A substantial 200 GB hard disc ensured rapid navigation performance and loading times, and Mercedes-Benz included three years of free navigation updates to keep maps current. The system also supported the storage, import, and display of personal POIs on the map, further customizing the navigation experience for Mercedes E Class 2015 drivers.
Alt text: Close-up of the COMAND Online system in a Mercedes E Class 2015, demonstrating the detailed map display and user-friendly controls.
Live Traffic Information for Optimized Navigation
The COMAND Online system in the Mercedes E Class 2015 also included the Live Traffic Information service, provided free of charge for three years from the vehicle’s initial registration. This service was designed to optimize dynamic route guidance by delivering highly accurate, real-time traffic data, ensuring precisely calculated arrival times. Live Traffic Information gathered data from multiple sources, including “floating car data” technology, and transmitted it via the internet using an integrated communication module with a SIM card. With data roaming included, Live Traffic was available across numerous European countries. This comprehensive and up-to-date traffic information allowed drivers of the Mercedes E Class 2015 to make informed decisions about detours and alternative routes, minimizing delays caused by traffic congestion.
Beyond navigation, COMAND Online provided extensive entertainment options, including a DVD player, radio, and interfaces for connecting external devices. A standout feature was the LINGUATRONIC voice control system, which allowed voice commands for audio, phone, navigation, music search, and even control of Mercedes-Benz Apps. LINGUATRONIC supported “one-shot entry” of city, street, and house number for navigation inputs, and included a text-to-speech function for reading traffic reports and personal text messages aloud.
In conclusion, the Mercedes E Class 2015 marked a significant step forward in automotive telematics. Its advanced connectivity options, including LTE support, coupled with sophisticated multimedia and navigation systems like COMAND Online and Garmin MAP PILOT, delivered a state-of-the-art in-car experience. These technologies not only enhanced convenience and entertainment but also improved the overall driving experience, making the Mercedes E Class 2015 a leader in its class for in-car technology.
