Does Mercedes A-Class have Apple CarPlay

Does a Mercedes A-Class Have Apple CarPlay? (+ Setup Guide)

Having tested several models of the Mercedes A-Class ourselves, we’ve seen that it can be a hit-or-miss when it comes to Apple CarPlay.

All Mercedes A-Class models from 2018 onwards have Apple CarPlay as standard. 2016 to 2018 models have Apple CarPlay if they are equipped with the ‘Connectivity Package.’ However, if you own a model from 2015 or earlier, it will not be equipped with Apple CarPlay.

Read on to learn how to set up (wireless) Apple CarPlay on your car!

Which Mercedes A-Class model years have Apple CarPlay?

Several Mercedes-Benz models come with Apple CarPlay, and the Mercedes A-Class is one of them.

However, not all model years or variants of the A-Class come with this feature.

Here is an overview of which Mercedes A-Class models have Apple CarPlay:

  • 2018 to 2025 Mercedes A-Class. Equipped with Apple CarPlay as standard.
  • 2016 to 2018 Mercedes A-Class. Apple CarPlay is only available on models with the optional ‘Connectivity Package.’
  • 2015 or earlier Mercedes A-Class. Not equipped with Apple CarPlay.

So, it doesn’t matter whether you have a Mercedes A180, A200, or maybe even the A250; it’s about the optional packages your A-Class is equipped with.

Related article: Mercedes A-Class: Which Years To Avoid & Buy?

How do you activate Apple CarPlay on the Mercedes A-Class?

One pro of the A-Class is that it comes with many high-tech amenities, including ambient lighting and Apple CarPlay.

However, if you’re new to such a feature, finding out how it works can be challenging.

So, from our hands-on experience with the A-Class, let us guide you through activating Apple CarPlay!

Here’s a simple four-step guide on how to activate Apple CarPlay on your Mercedes A-Class:

1. Make sure your iPhone is running iOS 13 or later

Otherwise, Apple CarPlay might not work on your Mercedes A-Class.

You can check and update your IOS version by going to Settings > General > Software Update on your iPhone.

Apple IOS Software Update

2. Start the car

Mercedes push to start button

The infotainment system of your Mercedes A-Class will boot up, allowing you to start Apple CarPlay.

3. Connect your iPhone to your Mercedes A-Class using a Lightning cable

In the center console of your Mercedes A-Class, there is a USB port that you can use to connect your iPhone to the car.

You can identify the USB port by the smartphone icon placed next to it:

Mercedes A-Class USB port for your smartphone

4. Unlock your iPhone and CarPlay will start automatically

Once the connection is made, Apple CarPlay will launch on the infotainment screen.

From there, you can use all of your iPhone’s features, such as maps, music, and messaging, through the screen of your Mercedes A-Class!

Does Mercedes A-Class have Apple CarPlay

Wireless Apple CarPlay in the Mercedes A-Class: What you need to know

So, can you use Apple CarPlay in the Mercedes A-Class without the hassle of cables?

Here’s what we discovered:

Mercedes A-Class models built from late 2018 onward support wireless Apple CarPlay. The A-Class must be equipped with Mercedes’ latest MBUX infotainment unit to support wireless Apple CarPlay.

Perhaps the most obvious benefit of wireless Apple CarPlay is the convenience of not having to connect your iPhone to your car using a cable.

This means you can keep your phone in your pocket or bag while driving, and you won’t have to worry about fumbling with cables while trying to focus on the road!

If you want to use wireless Apple CarPlay, but your A-Class does not support it, you can also get a wireless CarPlay adapter!

How do you get Apple CarPlay on your Mercedes A-Class?

As you can see, not all Mercedes A-Class models are equipped with Apple CarPlay.

There is a way to get Apple CarPlay on your Mercedes A-Class. However, the downside is that the process is quite costly and complex:

  1. You’ll need to purchase an aftermarket head unit that is compatible with CarPlay.
  2. Then, you’ll need to install the head unit in your car.
  3. Once the head unit is installed, you can use CarPlay just like you would in any other vehicle.

The exact installation process will vary depending on the model of your A-Class, so it’s best to consult with a reputable dealership or professional!

An option that’s probably easier is to use a smartphone mount.

Find more options here: 5 Best Phone Holders For A Mercedes-Benz (2025)

3 Benefits of having Apple CarPlay on your Mercedes A-Class

Do you have any doubts about whether or not you should use Apple CarPlay, or aren’t you sure what it does exactly?

If so, check out the benefits of using Apple CarPlay below:

1. Navigate using Google Maps or Apple Maps

One of the most significant benefits of CarPlay is that it allows drivers to use their iPhone’s mapping app, like Google Maps or Apple Maps, to get turn-by-turn directions.

This is a huge benefit over traditional navigation systems, which can be pretty challenging to use.

2. Listen to music using Spotify or Apple Music

Music has always been an essential part of the driving experience.

Whether it’s singing along to the radio on a long road trip or jamming out to your favorite tunes while stuck in traffic, music can help to make the time spent behind the wheel more enjoyable.

With Apple CarPlay, listening to music in the car is easier and more convenient than ever before.

CarPlay allows you to control your music using your iPhone and integrates seamlessly with your car’s infotainment system.

With the Spotify or Apple Music app, you can access your music library, playlists, and streaming services, and you can even use Siri to control playback hands-free.

Whether you’re looking to rock out or relax on your next drive, Apple CarPlay makes it easy to enjoy your music safely.

3. Use Siri through your car’s infotainment system

Another great benefit of CarPlay is that you can use Siri to control various functions of your iPhone hands-free.

This means you can make phone calls, send texts, and get directions without taking your hands off the steering wheel!

Conclusion

While some luxury carmakers have been lagging behind in adopting cutting-edge technology, Mercedes-Benz has always been at the forefront.

The A-Class is no exception, with its exciting features, including Apple CarPlay.

As anyone who has used CarPlay knows, it is a huge step up from traditional infotainment systems, offering a more intuitive and user-friendly interface.

With CarPlay, drivers can access all of their favorite iOS apps directly on their car’s display, making it easier than ever to stay connected on the go.

Thanks for reading!

Fun fact: Did you know that some Mercedes A-Class models have a Renault engine? Check out this article to learn more!

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3 Comments

  1. Have a 2017 Mercedes A180 but does not seem to have CarPlay. Even though I connect my iphone to it, it does not start neither I can find anything that would point out that it has a carplay. Is there a way to verify this?

    1. Hi David,

      Could you check your car’s list of optional extras using a Mercedes-Benz VIN decoder (like https://www.lastvin.com/)? If you do, does your A-Class have a feature that’s similar to a ‘Connectivity package’?

      Hope that helps!
      – Patryk

  2. Hi,
    Just bought a second hand A Class 220 year 2019 (from Mercedes dealership), the car’s setting shows that CarPlay is Deactivated, my questions are: can the dealership activate the feature with no cost? As mentioned here, all A class 2018 onward should have CarPlay as standard, mine doesn’t even recognize my iPhone via USB connection.. and second, can it be added or I’ll have to purchase the Smartphone Integration package for it to work?

    Thanks

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