Like other premium brands in the automotive world, Mercedes are proficient in two areas (amongst others). One is developing and manufacturing some incredible cars, there is no argument there. The second area is creating confusing titles for their optional extras.
The Mercedes Benz Multimedia Package is a prime example of this. When you hear multimedia, this could mean any number of features, and to most drivers, this will just be another confusing package designed to make us part with slightly more money at the dealership.
To avoid that, we wanted to run through what exactly is included in the Multimedia package, and is it worth the cost?
Let’s start by looking at what is included when choosing the Mercedes Multimedia package. Mercedes often includes different options within the same package, depending on your vehicle, so your chosen model may not have all of the features below.
What’s included in the Mercedes Benz Multimedia Package?
The Multimedia package from Mercedes contains the following options, depending on the model you are buying:
- MB Navigation
- Augmented video for navigation
- No-charge navigation map updates for 1 year
- Speed Limit Assist
- 1 year of Live Traffic Information
MB Navigation
The MB navigation is one of the flagship options on the Multimedia package, and also one of the most useful features in any Mercedes package. With MB navigation, you get their latest sat-nav, along with a host of functions.
For us, the draw of this feature is the quality of the display, and the ability to display the map in the instrument cluster, and also on the central screen. If you’ve used the latest systems from Audi or BMW you’ll be familiar with how this works, but if not, the digital display that shows your speed and engine RPM can display a full map with directions. If you’ve never used a system like this, you’ll be surprised by how useful this feature is.
Alongside the driver’s display map, your Mercedes comes with an AI system to help with almost every feature in the car. Functions can be as simple as changing the interior lighting, to remembering your regular contacts and favorite music. The system can also assist with any navigational requests, removing the usual frustration of trying to operate a sat nav while driving. It’s a feature I’ve had mixed success with, and I still prefer using the physical dials or the touchscreen to control most functions.
Augmented video for navigation
The MB Navigation system is a great feature, but the Mercedes augmented video steals the headlines for us. Mercedes describes this system as linking the real and virtual world, and although that’s a marketing line, they aren’t far from the truth.
The augmented reality system works by using a front camera to display the real world ahead onto your central screen. You can then overlay this image with directions from your sat nav, and the system will show information such as turning arrows and road names.
It’s a feature that massively impressed us when the system was first released in 2018, and it’s been improved upon significantly. If you’re a driver that relies on their sat nav, this is a must-have. To see the augmented reality in action, I’ve left a link below:
No-charge navigation map updates for 1 year
If you’ve owned a premium vehicle in the past few years, you’ll be aware of the content updates that manufacturers impose on us. These usually come in the form of a long ‘trial’ period for sat nav information, with features like road and ‘place of interest’ updates available for free initially, then requiring a subscription.
This is the same with Mercedes’ free navigation updates for the first year. It’s fairly self-explanatory, but it’s worth looking out for if you are buying a pre-owned Mercedes, as some owners purchase multi-year updates. Regardless, if you go for the multimedia package on a new Mercedes, you’ll have free access for the first 12 months
Costs for these updates seem to vary a lot. From speaking to a few Mercedes owners in the US and UK, the cost appears to change based on individual dealerships, are there is no nationwide price list. From our experience, the lowest prices have been around $99 / £100, but I’ve seen owners quoted over $250 for a yearly update.
Speed Limit Assist
The Speed Limit Assist feature has two functions in the Multimedia package. The basic function of the speed limit assist is to identify the speed limit for your current road, on the dashboard. This feature is available on all models, and it’s a basic, but useful option to have.
On certain models, the speed limit assist can be used to automatically adjust the car’s speed, when you’re in cruise control. This is an ‘active speed limit assist’ and although it can help to avoid any unnecessary speeding, it can be a frustrating function.
Both levels of the Speed Limit Assist rely on the front vehicle camera to read signs and monitor speeds, which can be hit and miss in the real world. Some regions and countries have signs that the car struggles to identify, and even in major markets like the US it doesn’t work 100% of the time.
1 year of Live Traffic Information
The final feature of the multimedia package is a free year of live traffic information. Like the sat nav updates we covered earlier, this allows your car access to a year of ‘live’ traffic updates, highlighting any issues with your route, and quicker alternatives if needed.
Personally, I’m not a huge fan of manufacturer traffic updates. A year of free information is helpful, but we prefer using third-party apps for any traffic information on long journeys. The Mercedes traffic information is fairly quick to identify delays (in our experience) but the information is limited compared to the competition.
What Mercedes Models Have This Package?
The Multimedia package is available on the below models:
- GLA
- GLB
- GLC
- GLC Coupe
- A Class
- CLA Coupe
- C Class Coupe
- C Class Convertible
How Much Does It Cost?
The cost of the Multimedia package depends on the model, but as a guide for the US market:
- GLA – $1,300
- GLB – $1,300
- GLC – $1,300
- GLC Coupe – $1,300
- A Class – $1,300
- CLA Coupe – $1,300
- C Class Coupe – $1,250
- C Class Convertible – $1,250
Is the Multimedia Package Worth It?
Overall, for the price point, this is a great package. The traffic information is a bonus, but you’re selecting this package for the navigation and the Augmented reality directions. At over $1,000 it’s a significant investment, but this is a package I would look for on a used Mercedes, so it should boost resale values too.
A word of caution though. If you’re only using your car for short, regular journeys, you won’t get a lot of use from this package. It’s still a solid addition to any Mercedes vehicle, but if you’re unlikely to need your sat nav, there are better packs to buy.
How Does This Compare To Other Mercedes Packages?
We think the Multimedia package is one of the best packs you can select right now on a Mercedes. Sure, it has limited uses and it won’t be valuable to every driver, but you could argue this for any Mercedes package.
At just over $1,000, if it was my money I’d be looking at the Multimedia package over selections like the Warmth and Comfort pack and the Air Balance pack. It’s not the most useful package though, and if I was on a budget the Premium and Driver Assistance packs would still be my first choices.
If you want to find out more about packages from Mercedes Benz, and other manufacturers, check out the links below:
Mercedes Driver Assistance Package Explained
Mercedes Dynamic Select Modes Explained
Which Mercedes Have The Best (and Worst) Resale Values?
The Best Mercedes Benz First Cars
The Best Mercedes Daily Drivers
Which Mercedes Models Have A Heated Steering Wheel?
