A new era of connectivity and digitalisation is marked by the infotainment system in the E-Class Coupé with COMAND Online.

In the E-Class Coupé, connectivity already begins with the effortless integration of a smartphone into the onboard infotainment system, thanks to capacitive antenna connection and wireless charging. This means that mobile phones can be charged wirelessly and at the same time connected to the vehicle's exterior aerial. This dispenses with the need to find a plug and connect a cable. Simply place the device on the charging pad at the front of the centre console to connect the smartphone by Near Field Communication (NFC) with the multimedia system. The inductive charging pad measures 153 x 90 millimetres and is suitable for mobile devices that support the Qi standard. There is an added advantage: using Near Field Communication, the customer's smartphone becomes the digital vehicle key with which the car can be locked and unlocked as well as started.

The wireless charging system works with all mobile devices which support or can be upgraded to support the Qi standard. The charging pad is integrated into the quick stowage tray at the front of the centre console. A connection is established between head unit and mobile phone via Near Field Communication (NFC) by touching the "NFC" logo. Phone calls can then be made via the Bluetooth^® hands‑free system.

Smartphone integration via Apple CarPlay^® and Android Auto Auto^TM

If the vehicle is equipped with COMAND Online, it is possible to use Apple's smartphone-based infotainment system CarPlay^® as well as Google's Android Auto™. If a corresponding smartphone is connected by USB, the customer can, if desired, switch to the CarPlay^® or Android Auto^TM interface.

Internet and diverse data sources even in the basic version

The infotainment system Audio 20 USB is available as an alternative to COMAND Online. Like COMAND Online, this comes with a Bluetooth^® hands-free system and also has internet capability with a Bluetooth^®-capable mobile phone with mobile phone card and data option. This allows internet surfing without restriction when the vehicle is stationary. With COMAND Online, the Mercedes-Benz apps can also be used while driving.

Audio playback is possible from various sources with all variants. For example via Bluetooth^® or USB stick. COMAND Online also offers an integrated video playback and hotspot functionality. It allows passengers in all seats to connect different WiFi-capable devices, such as laptop or tablet computers, to the internet.

Modern-style navigation

In combination with the optional Garmin^® MAP PILOT system, this makes Audio 20 USB a fully-fledged navigation system. The map display will be adapted to follow the familiar Mercedes logic with the launch of the E-Class Coupé. COMAND Online offers fast 3D hard-drive navigation with topographical map display, photo-realistic 3D buildings and 3D map rotations. The system presents its content interactively and its features include an animated compass.

Clear road instead of traffic jams: Live Traffic Information

Whereas the familiar Live Traffic Information was previously reserved for COMAND Online, the new E-Class Coupé offers this function with Audio 20 USB with the Garmin^® MAP PILOT System. Live Traffic Information allows the reception of up-to-date and precise traffic information in real time, with significant benefits for dynamic route guidance and precise calculation of estimated arrival time.

Other new features in conjunction with COMAND Online include a Free Flow display – green lines clearly show the driver where traffic is currently flowing freely – as well as the display and consideration of traffic information away from the main roads. In addition COMAND Online informs the driver both audibly and visually when the vehicle is approaching the end of a traffic tailback as a hazard. The received traffic information is based on so-called "Floating Car Data" the key technology for precise acquisition of traffic data.

Other new features include a Free Flow display – green lines plainly show the driver where the roads are currently clear – as well as the display and inclusion of traffic information away from the main roads.

3D sound with concert hall experience

As in the Saloon, the Frontbass system in the Coupé delivers a special listening experience as standard. It uses the space in the cross member and side member of the body structure as a resonance chamber for the bass speakers.

The standard audio system has an output of 4 x 25 watts and seven speakers. The Burmester^® surround sound system with 13 speakers and a 590 watt amplifier with Digital Sound Processing is available as optional equipment.

Alongside the premium sound system, the innovative Burmester^® high-end 3D surround sound system is also available. This treats the occupants to a listening experience reminiscent of the acoustics in a concert hall, for this second-generation sound system additionally uses four roof speakers – two in the front and two in the rear area of the roof. The effect: reflections, which come off the ceiling in a concert hall, are incorporated into the sound design of the E-Class Coupé in the same authentic manner. By contrast, other 3D sound systems dispense with roof speakers and use appropriate algorithms to simulate a 3D sound.

Apart from 3D Surround, four other preset sound modes can be selected to suit every taste and audio source:

• Pure: audiophile sound reproduction with no additional effects, for unadulterated musical enjoyment
• Live: appealing, dynamic sound background akin to live music
• Easy listening: milder sound background for relaxed listening over longer periods
• Surround: virtual surround sound
• 3D Surround: three-dimensional listening experience provided by the roof speakers

The technology of the Burmester^® high-end 3D surround sound system uses 23 high-end speakers, two amplifiers with a total output of 1450 watts and individually controls all the speakers via separate channels and active diplexers.

Mercedes me connect Concierge Service: personalised attention

Under the name "Mercedes me connect", Mercedes-Benz offers an extensive package of free standard services and Remote Online services via an onboard communication module. The range of services is being expanded continuously.

The free standard services include automatic emergency call (eCall), Accident Recovery, Breakdown Management and Maintenance Management.

The optional Remote Online Services allow drivers to connect to their vehicle from anywhere and at any time, to access vehicle information and to remotely activate a variety of functions. The range of functions includes remote door locking/unlocking and programming of the auxiliary heating. This works both with the Mercedes me app (available for iOS and Android) and via the Mercedes me Portal (www.mercedes.me) .

A further comfort highlight is the new Concierge Service, which is exclusively available in all E-Class models in combination with Mercedes me connect. Subscribing customers are able to use numerous individual services: from making a restaurant reservation to obtaining tips about tourist routes, information on cultural and sporting events and bookings through to sending navigation destinations directly to the vehicle.

Access is straightforward: registered Mercedes me connect users can call up the Concierge Service in 20 countries across Europe, either via the iCall button in the vehicle or using the Mercedes me app. The personal assistant takes care of everything else.