Mercedes C-Class & GLC Wireless CarPlay Upgrade Guide (2011-2019)
|Augustinas Balsys
The Mercedes C-Class (2011-2018) and GLC (2015-2019) never came with Apple CarPlay from the factory - but both can run full wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on the original screen with the right module. The only thing that matters is which system your Mercedes has: NTG 4.5 / 4.7 or NTG 5.0. This guide tells you which one you have by year, how to confirm it in thirty seconds, and which version of the Luxin module fits.
It covers the W204 C-Class facelift (saloon, estate and C204 coupe), the full W205 C-Class family - saloon, S205 estate, C205 coupe, A205 cabriolet and the C43 / C63 AMG - and the X253 GLC and C253 GLC Coupe, including the AMG versions. Audio 20 and COMAND head units both work.
Which system does my Mercedes have?
The year is a strong guide, but the visual check below is what confirms it.
| Model | Year | Factory system | Module version |
|---|---|---|---|
| C-Class W204 | 2011 - 2012 | NTG 4.0 or NTG 4.5 | NTG 4.5 / 4.7 (see note) |
| C-Class W204 | 2013 - 2014 | NTG 4.5 / 4.7 | NTG 4.5 / 4.7 |
| C-Class W205 | 2014 - 2018 (pre-facelift) | NTG 5.0 | NTG 5.0 |
| C-Class facelift | 2018+ | NTG 5.5 | Not compatible |
| GLC X253 / C253 | 2015 - 2019 (pre-facelift) | NTG 5.0 | NTG 5.0 |
| GLC facelift | 2019+ | MBUX touchscreen | Not compatible |
Important check on 2011-2012 C-Class: early W204s can have the older NTG 4.0 system, which is not compatible. Look at the button next to your controller: "CLEAR" spelled out means NTG 4.5 / 4.7 - compatible. A short "C" or "CLR" button means NTG 4.0 - not compatible. In 2014, both the W204 and the new W205 were sold, so that year check your menu against the pictures below.
How to tell in thirty seconds
Turn the car on and look at the main menu on your screen:
NTG 4.5 / 4.7Lighter silver / white menu. "CLEAR" button sits on the right side of the controller.
NTG 5.0Darker menu with a blueish shade. Clear and arrow buttons sit together at the top middle of the console, not on the right.
If you are still unsure, send us a photo of your screen on WhatsApp and we will confirm it before you order.
Compatibility at a glance
VehicleC-Class W204 / W205, GLC X253 / C253
Model years2011 - 2019
Factory systemsNTG 4.5 / 4.7, NTG 5.0 / 5.1 / 5.2
Head unitsAudio 20 and COMAND
Apple CarPlayWireless
Android AutoWireless
Factory screen retainedYes
Controller and touchpadFully supported
Steering wheel controlsSupported
Reversing camera and sensorsRetained
Coding requiredNo
InstallationPlug and play, about 60 minutes
What you get on a C-Class or GLC
The module installs behind your original display and adds wireless CarPlay and Android Auto to it. Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, messages and Siri all run on the factory screen and are controlled with the dial you already use. Your original Mercedes menus stay exactly where they were - you switch between the Mercedes system and CarPlay at any time, and nothing about the car's interior changes.
Because nothing is replaced, everything factory keeps working: the reversing camera, parking sensors, steering wheel buttons and Bluetooth calling. It is fully reversible, so the car stays stock for resale.
Does it fit my exact Mercedes?
On the C-Class side: the W204 facelift saloon and estate, the C204 coupe, the full W205 range - saloon, S205 estate, C205 coupe, A205 cabriolet - and the C43 and C63 AMG. On the GLC side: the X253 SUV and C253 GLC Coupe, including GLC 43 and GLC 63 AMG, up to the 2019 facelift.
One GLC owner wrote after installing the NTG 5.0 module:
I am very pleased with the product itself and can now enjoy using Waze or Google Maps on a bigger screen on the dash rather than on my smartphone attached to a vent.
Installation
The module connects using the factory connectors behind the display. Two main connections, no coding, no wire cutting, and everything you need comes in the box. Most owners complete the install in about an hour with basic hand tools. A full guide is included, and if you get stuck we help over WhatsApp - including talking directly to your mechanic if you would rather have it fitted professionally.
Mercedes C-Class and GLC CarPlay - frequently asked questions
Does the Mercedes C-Class have Apple CarPlay?
Not from the factory on 2011-2018 cars. Every W204 facelift and pre-facelift W205 can be upgraded to wireless CarPlay and Android Auto on the original screen with a plug-and-play module.
Which module do I need for a 2016 C-Class?
A 2016 C-Class is a W205 with the NTG 5.0 system - choose the NTG 5.0 version. Confirm by the darker, blueish menu and the clear and arrow buttons sitting together at the top middle of the console.
Which module do I need for a 2013 C-Class?
A 2013 C-Class is a W204 with NTG 4.5 / 4.7 - choose the NTG 4.5 / 4.7 version. Its menu has a lighter silver look and the "CLEAR" button is spelled out in full.
Does it work on the Mercedes GLC?
Yes - every GLC and GLC Coupe from 2015 to the 2019 facelift uses NTG 5.0 and takes the NTG 5.0 version. The facelift with the MBUX touchscreen is not compatible.
I have Audio 20, not COMAND - does it still work?
Yes. Audio 20 and COMAND both work - the only thing that decides your module version is the NTG generation, not the head unit type.
What about the C-Class facelift (2019+)?
The facelift moved to the NTG 5.5 system, which our current module doesn't support. Message us on WhatsApp and we'll double-check your exact setup - and let you know if that changes.
Do my camera and controller keep working?
Yes. The reversing camera, parking sensors, dial, touchpad and steering wheel buttons all continue to work exactly as before. No coding, and fully reversible.
Still not sure which system your Mercedes has? Use the compatibility checker on the Mercedes product page, or message us a photo of your screen on WhatsApp and we will confirm it in minutes.