Audio/COMAND function

Function requirements for Audio/COMAND, general

 Circuit 30t ON

 Transport mode not active

Audio/COMAND, general

The head unit (A26/17) is the central control unit for the entertainment and communication systems integrated into the vehicle.

The head unit acts as a gateway. The head unit routes the signals from the user interface CAN (CAN HMI) to the components of the telematics CAN (CAN A), thereby setting up the communications interface.

All the displays and menu representations for the Audio/COMAND display (A40/8) are generated by the head unit when a smartphone is not integrated.

 Some applications can also be displayed on the instrument cluster (A1), e.g. audio, telephone, navigation.

The head unit contains the following subfunctions, which are described in separate documents:

 Audio mode function

 Speaker output function

 Mobile phone system function

The head unit supports the following subfunctions, which are described in separate documents:

 Telematics services function

 Emergency call system, function

The head unit supports the following function that is described below:

 Integration of smartphones

Integration of smartphones

The head unit enables the integration of smartphones. In order to ensure that the content is prepared in a vehicle-compatible way, only smartphone applications (apps) that have been developed for the following integration standards are supported:

 Android Auto (Google)

 CarPlay (Apple)

In order to be able to use the smartphone applications, the smartphone must be connected to USB port 2 (A90/5x2) of the multimedia connection unit (A90/5) or to the USB port 0 and the integration standard must be selected via the menu "Connect". If automatic connection has been selected under "Settings", activation via the menu is not applicable.

 The Android Auto integration standard requires a connection via Bluetooth® between the smartphone and the head unit, as well as a connection via USB (Universal Serial Bus). The connection is set up automatically.

If a smartphone is connected and the integration standard Android Auto or CarPlay is activated, the head unit is switched to a special operating mode ("Integration mode") in which not all head unit functions can be used. The following functions of the head unit are not available if Android Auto or CarPlay is activated:

 Media player

 Navigation (equipment dependent)

 Voice control system

 Telephony (with CarPlay)

The radio functions (AM and FM), vehicle settings and safety relevant functions, e.g. the emergency call function or the breakdown assistance, can continue to be used in any case.

With Android Auto, the following usage restrictions apply for the telephony: Calls can only be made through the connected smartphone.

If an integration standard is activated, the head unit supports the smartphone apps in the following manner:

 Volume adaptation for all audio signals

 Forwarding of control signals for the following components:

 Audio/COMAND control panel (A40/9)

 Head unit multifunction steering wheel button group (S163/2)

 Accept/terminate phone call button (S163/2s3)

 Forwarding the signals from the driver hands-free system microphone (B25/20) or the front passenger hands-free system microphone (B25/21) (e.g. for voice control or telephony)

 Audio outputs (e.g. for voice control or telephony) via the speaker system or forwarding signals to the sound system amplifier control unit or to the advanced sound system amplifier control unit

 Muting radio reception in the head unit (mute function), e. g. for smartphone telephony

 Forwarding of position data (e.g. GPS signals, signals from the gyro sensor, wheel speed signals)

 Forwarding of video signals generated by the smartphone to the Audio/COMAND display

 Forwarding of status information for displaying in the instrument cluster

 The smartphone applications themselves are not shown in the instrument cluster.

If the smartphone is used to make a call, the head unit receives and sends the telephone signals from and to the smartphone for Android Auto via the Bluetooth® antenna (A2/91), for CarPlay via the USB connection either to the multimedia connection unit or to the USB port 0.

Equipment variants

The following table depicts the special equipment and standard equipment (SE) in combination with the head unit and national versions.