Mercedes-Benz’s last attempt to prove how in-touch they were with the younger generation, by announcing ‘The new Apple iPhone cradle’. Available on European-market Mercedes-Benzes, a new armrest has an integrated iPhone holder that not only allows the phone to play through the stereo system as a iPod, but lets it tap into the car’s built-in phone controls. The Apple iPhone cradel will be located in the in the center console, bringing the iPhone is within easy reach of both the driver and the front passenger. The mobile device is controlled via the multifunction steering wheel, while the vehicle display is used to indicate the phone status or music functions and information such as the track title and artist.
To connect your shiny new iPhone to your shiny new Benz, just plug it into the dock in the center console. The iPhone connects to the in-car media center automatically and begins charging the battery. Then, from the steering wheel controls, you can access your music and play it through the stereo, or access the phone functions and make calls, all without taking your hands off the wheel.
The Media Interface option is available now for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class, E-Class, CLK-Class, CLS-Class, S-Class, CL-Class, SL-Class, M-Class and R-Class. The product will also be offered for the new GLK-Class when this model is launched in October. If you’ve already got the iPod kit or Media Interface kit, the adapters needed will run you €39 ($60), and the cradle itself is available now in Germany for €249 ($385).
