Mercedes Apple CarPlay Retrofit: Which Head Units Support It & What It Costs to Activate
Adding Apple CarPlay to an older Mercedes is one of the most popular retrofits we do. But not every head unit supports it. Here is exactly which NTG versions work, what the options are, and what each costs.
NTG versions: which ones support CarPlay
Mercedes infotainment systems are designated by NTG (New Telematics Generation) numbers. NTG 4.5 and 4.7 (fitted to cars from approximately 2013–2015): do NOT support CarPlay natively. The hardware lacks the necessary Apple authentication chip. Aftermarket add-on boxes are the only option for these systems. NTG 5.0 and 5.1 (approximately 2015–2017): some versions support CarPlay via coding activation. The hardware is capable, but Mercedes did not enable CarPlay on all cars — it was often a factory option. NTG 5.5 and 5.5 (2017–2019): most versions support CarPlay activation via coding. NTG 6.0/MBUX (2018 onwards): CarPlay is standard on most models, but wireless CarPlay may need activation on some variants. To check your specific car, a Mercedes specialist with Xentry can read the head unit hardware version and confirm whether CarPlay can be activated via coding.
2. Coding activation vs aftermarket boxes
If your NTG version supports CarPlay but it was not enabled from the factory, coding activation is the cleanest solution. A specialist connects Xentry, accesses the head unit coding, and enables the CarPlay option. The process takes 30–60 minutes and leaves the system completely standard — no additional hardware, no visible changes to the dashboard. Cost: £150–£300 at a specialist. If your NTG version does NOT support CarPlay natively, an aftermarket add-on box is the only option. These boxes connect between the existing screen and the head unit and provide CarPlay (and often Android Auto) through a secondary interface. Cost: £350–£650 including fitting. The boxes work well but the interface is accessed by holding a button (usually the NAV or TEL button) to switch between the factory system and the CarPlay box. Wireless CarPlay is available on some boxes.
3. Android Auto and wireless options
Android Auto is generally available on the same NTG versions that support CarPlay. Wireless CarPlay (no cable needed) is standard on MBUX from approximately 2019 onwards. On older NTG 5.5 systems, wireless CarPlay can sometimes be enabled via a software update. Third-party wireless CarPlay adapters (£50–£100) plug into the USB port and convert a wired CarPlay connection to wireless — these work with most NTG 5.x systems once CarPlay is activated. The adapters introduce a 1–2 second delay in touchscreen response, which is acceptable for most users.
4. Reversing camera and other retrofits
While coding the head unit, other features can often be activated at the same time: reversing camera activation (if a camera has been fitted or is being fitted — the camera itself is separate hardware), video-in-motion (allows video playback while driving — legal status varies by jurisdiction), and enhanced sound settings. If you are having CarPlay activated, ask about these at the same time — the coding cost is often bundled.