Mercedes COMAND Head Unit – Versions and Features
The Mercedes COMAND head unit is an in-car infotainment and vehicle control system developed by Mercedes. Offered in every Mercedes since the 2000s, it serves as a hub for audio, communication, navigation and vehicle telematics.
Simply put, it is the Mercedes COMAND unit responsible for enabling all centre console functionalities. That includes everything from changing CDs to running Facebook on your Mercedes.
However, despite decades of upgrades, the key components of the COMAND system have stayed fixed to a screen, controller and navigation. Making them similar to each other and harder to differentiate between.
This article lists every Mercedes COMAND head unit, its features and supported vehicles to help you identify yours.
Mercedes COMAND types, features and supported car models
Below is a list of all the different COMAND types that were used in Mercedes cars along the years. We list and later discuss them in the order in which they were introduced.
First Generation Mercedes COMAND system
The first Gen Mercedes COMAND system was first introduced in 1998 for their flagship S and CL-class models. It worked on the D2B(Domestic Digital Bus) optical network, based on which three versions were made. Each is identified by its DIN connector height.
All three versions were collectively called COMAND 2 referring to all first-gen COMAND units which include COMAND 2.5, 2.0, and 2.0 MOPF. All of which were made by Bosch.
COMAND 2.5:
The COMAND 2.5 (with 2.5 referring to the height of its DIN connector) was the very first COMAND head unit introduced by Mercedes.
Offered in the W220, it housed an in-built CD based navigation system, 4-channel amplifier, a cassette drive and an FM/AM tuner. Tele Atlas maps discs were offered in the European models.
It was internally called ‘C’ type COMAND which was later upgraded in 1999 and was now called D type COMAND. A further update to the software was also made. It now supported DX type navigation disc with the addition of Bose surround system, telephone, and CD changer.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W220 S-Class 1999-2003
- Mercedes W215 CL-Class 1999-2003
- Offered as an option to all Mercedes with option code 352*.
Note: The option numbers mentioned above refer to the encoding that Mercedes uses to designate options activated for your car. To get a list of the options which were enabled on your car from factory, when the car was purchased, enter your VIN (chassis number) on a VIN decoder website.
COMAND 2.0:
The COMAND 2.0 offered the same functionalities as the 2.5 but was now a one-double DIN height device. It used the DX type navigation and also played audio CDs. Furthermore, the cassette player was removed and AUX input was added.
While Mercedes initially introduced the 2.0 in W210 E class in a rectangular form, other models had more of a round shape giving it a distinct look.
Supported Model:
- Mercedes W210 E-Class 2000-2002
- Mercedes W208 C-Class 2000-2003
- Mercedes W163 ML-Class 2000-2004
- Mercedes W203 C -Class 2001-2003
- Mercedes W209 CLK-Class 2002-2003
- Mercedes W463 G-Class 2000-2006
- Mercedes R230 SL-Class 2002-2004
COMAND 2.0 MOPF:
The COMAND 2.0 MOPF was a widescreen version of the COMAND 2.0 especially made for the W220 S-class and W215 CL class models.
Supported Model:
- Mercedes W220 S-Class 2003
- Mercedes W215 CL-Class 2003
Second Gen Mercedes COMAND APS
Mercedes introduced the second-gen COMAND system in 2002 after completely redesigning it. The new system now worked on MOST and was called COMAND APS NTG, with APS standing for Auto Pilot System and NTG referring to New Telematic Generation.
COMAND APS NTG 1:
COMAND APS NTG 1 was the first iteration of the second-gen COMAND system. Initially introduced in the 2002 E-class, NTG 1 system ran Mercedes’s first DVD based navigations that could cover an entire region of Europe in a single disc. It could also play mp3 from CD/DVDs.
The NTG 1 MOST system consisted of 3 separate devices: the COMAND head unit, the Audio gateway(AGW consisting of radio, amplifier and MOST controller), and the navigation processor. Systems like the HK sound system, CD changer and TV tuners were also connected to the MOST system.
Apart from the working, the features between previous COMAND 2.0 and new NTG 1 stayed similar.
Note: The option code for COMAND APS changed to 527 which was also an option code for the older COMAND 2.0 MOPF.
Supported models:
- Mercedes W211 E-Class 2002-2009
- Mercedes W220 S-Class 2004-2005
- Mercedes W215 CL-Class 2004
- Mercedes C219 CLS-Class 2004-2008
- Mercedes R230 SL-Class 2005
- Mercedes R171 SLK-Class 2004-2008
COMAND APS NTG 2:
The NTG 1 system was an expensive unit particularly due to having separate components and DVD-based navigation whose discs cost double the older COMAND 2.0.
The new NTG 2 was a more affordable and simpler version of NTG 1 with all its components put into a one double-din height unit. It retained the same features except it now needed an optional CD changer to play MP3 instead of having it in-built. Rear-view camera, TV tuner, GPS antenna, and iPod support were some of the features offered.
The reduced complexity and affordability allowed Mercedes to incorporate the COMAND system in lower A and B class models.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W203 C-Class 2004-2007
- Mercedes C209 CLK-Class 2004-2009
- Mercedes Mercedes Vito/ Viano 2005-2010
- Mercedes A-Class 2004-2008
- Mercedes B-Class 2005-2008
- Mercedes W164 ML-Class 2005-2008
- Mercedes X164 GL-Class 2006-2008
- Mercedes Sprinter 2006-2009
- Mercedes W 251 R-Class 2006-2008
COMAND APS NTG 3/NTG 3.5:
After the affordable NTG 2, Mercedes launched a high-end COMAND APS NTG 3 for their flagship S and CL-class. It was now offered as a standard feature instead of an option.
The NTG 3 came with a lot of functionality and was in every way better than previous COMAND systems. It now used an internal hard disk to store map data instead of a DVD and supported DAB radio on MOST bus.
The dashboard housed a larger 8” TFT display with a centre mounted rotary controller and multiple quick access buttons. In-dash DVD/CD changer and a flash reader were offered as standard, while options for a digital TV tuner, HK surround sound system and a 600W DSP amplifier were available as extras. All these were controlled by the COMAND head unit.
Apart from the general infotainment control, NTG 3 now allowed controls for the HVAC system, seat controls, rear sun shade, vehicle locking, immobiliser, alarm and interior / exterior lighting.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W221 S-Class 2006-2009
- Mercedes W216 CL-Class 2006-2009
APS NTG 3.5:
The 2009 W221 facelift also replaced the NTG 3 with NTG 3.5. The same was done with the W216 when it got refreshed in 2010.
The upgraded NTG 3.5 had a built-in Bluetooth telephone, supported a 7-digit post-code system and also offered split-view functionality. With split-view, the driver and the passenger can watch two different things simultaneously on the main screen.
It was also the first Mercedes to use PIN codes for authenticating SAT NAV maps. This limited the use of 1 map disc to one Mercedes, preventing the use of copied discs. Because of this, NTG 3 systems couldn’t be upgraded to NTG 3.5 as no PIN code would be generated to authenticate the SAT NAV.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W221 S-Class 2009-2012
- Mercedes W216 C-Class 2010-2014
COMAND APS NTG 4:
Similar to NTG 2, COMAND APS NTG 4 was an affordable version of the NTG 3 tech for all lower Mercedes models. It offered the same feature but smaller. The screen was reduced to 5” 480*240 resolution, USB/SD cards were replaced by a PCMCIA card and it only supported 5 digit post codes instead of 7 in NTG 3.5.
On the bright side, it was the first COMAND with Mercedes Media Interface allowing support for iPod, USB and 3.5 mm aux input. It retained the centre mounted rotary controller, hard-disk based navigation and built-in Bluetooth phone.
The first version of the NTG 4 was offered in the 2007 W204 C class with a 5” display. However, other models like the SLS and E class featured a 6” screen. The screen on these models was also fixed while in W204 it was electronically folded up and down.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W204 C-Class 2007-2011
- Mercedes W212 E-Class 2009–2012
- Mercedes C207 E-Class 2009-2012
- Mercedes W218 CLS-Class 2011-2018
- Mercedes C197 SLS AMG 2010-2014
COMAND APS NTG 2.5:
The NTG 2.5 was introduced after NTG 4 as a replacement for models still running the old NTG 1 and NTG 2 systems except for W209 CLK. The features of the NTG 2.5 were similar to NTG 4 with a Media interface, DAB radio support, internal hard-disk based nav, SD card slot, optional DVD changer and built-in Bluetooth telephone with voice recognition.
The centre mounted rotary dial was replaced with a keypad similar to the older NTG 2. This made the NTG 2 and NTG 2.5 look a lot similar. However, the NTG 2.5 system doesn’t have soft buttons on both sides of the screen. Also it has green/red colour pickup and hangup buttons which help distinguish it from NTG 2.
Note: NTG 2.5 with DVD changer has option code of 512. While 527 is option code for ones without it.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W463 G-Class 2008-2012
- Mercedes W169, C169 A-Class 2009-2010
- Mercedes W245 B-Class 2009-2011
- Mercedes W204 C-Class 2009-2013
- Mercedes W211, S211 E-Class 2009-2012
- Mercedes R230 SL-Class 2009-2013
- Mercedes R171 SLK-Class 2008-2011
- Mercedes W164 M-Class 2009-2011
- Mercedes W251, V251 R-Class 2009-2012
- Mercedes C219, W219 CLS-Class 2008-2010
- Mercedes X164 GL-Class 2009-2012
- Mercedes ML-Class 2009-2011
COMAND APS NTG 4.5 :
The NTG 4.5 was the first COMAND system to enable internet services using mobile-based Bluetooth. Thanks to this, apps like Facebook can now be used on COMAND.
It featured a 7” TFT display, 2D or 3D navigation system, voice control, CD/DVD player with SD card slot, along with several other functions offered in NTG 3/3.5. Even the centre mounted rotary control was back.
The NTG 4.5 was used in most non-flagship Mercedes models between 2012 to 2015 as the most advanced version of COMMAND.
Supported Models:
- Mercedes W176 A-Class 2013-2014
- Mercedes W246 B-Class 2011 – 2014
- Mercedes W204 C-Class 2012 -2014
- Mercedes W166 ML-Class 2012-2014
- Mercedes W212, W207 E-Class 2013-2016
- Mercedes W212 CLS-Class 2012
- Mercedes R172 SLK-Class 2011-2015
COMAND APS NTG 4.7:
An upgraded version of the NTG 4.5 is the COMAND APS NTG 4.7 head unit, offered in Mercedes vehicles from 2013. It allowed users to now connect to the internet directly via tethering from their android or iPhone devices.
The overall performance of the NTG 4.7 was also improved with a better CPU, a 100 G SATA drive and better graphics enabling a smoother experience. It could also now support multiple audio (MP3, CD-A, WMA, AAC) and video formats (MPEG, WMV, M4V, AVI).
Supported models:
- Mercedes GLK 350 2015
COMAND APS NTG 5 was the last version of the second gen COMAND system. It was also the last system to be called COMAND.
Introduced in the 2014 S class, the new COMAND system featured an 8.4” LCD screen and a touchpad controller. The system offers built-in navigation, a DVD drive with DVD, CD and MP3 playback support, built-in Bluetooth calling and an internal hard disk with 40 GB storage. You can connect an iPod, a TV tuner or a rearview camera to it
Mercedes launched three different versions of the NTG 5: NTG 5.1, NTG 5.2 and NTG 5.5.
NTG 5.1 had a keypad with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support on later models. It was fitted in facelifted A, B, CLA, GLA, CLS, GLE, GLS, W207 and W212 E class. Whereas NTG 5.2 was offered in the S, C, CL, GL, AMG-GT S and X class models.
The NTG 5.5 on the other hand was fitted in facelifted W219 E class, W463 G class, and W222 S class
The COMAND APS NTG 5 was the last of the COMAND systems used in any Mercedes. It was later replaced by Mercedes’s latest MBUX system in 2018.
Wrapping it up
Over the last 20 years Mercedes has launched 13 different iterations of the COMAND unit which makes it quite confusing. However, each COMAND unit has some specific functionality and slightly different looks (display, buttons, controller) giving it a unique identity.
Using the information in this post, we hope you can identify your COMAND unit. If you have any comments or problems, leave us a message below and our technical team will get back to you.
Comments (3)
Hi I have a command second generation NTG1 as it has the Nav disk in the booth. It also has a CD plus the 6 disc CD shuttle in front and the Bluetooth Phone phone adaptor UHI (but has the sim card one) and Aux function with a jack in the cubby.
All i need is to be able to connect my phone Bluetooth to stream music and if I can also make and receive calls that will be a bonus too. I need something integrated with the OEM system so steering controls can be used but am open to just connecting Bluetooth to stream music and or phone calls etc.
Please let me know if you have any suggestions.
Vin WDB2110542B134856
I have a 2011/12 E-Class Command Controller:
A212 870 27 51 (sub A212 870 30 51 / A204 902 05 01) – 11363160 – 1113331254145012 – HW 09/13 SW 09/10-00 — @03358530201 — 1333 – Q1 — 0002 — DIAG 00/07
with a broken shaft.
Being a 10 year old car, I am not keen on spending £300-£400 for a new controller, so was looking to buy a used unit. I understand the plastic shaft is a known deficiency for this unit, but feel the risk is nominal that I would break the shaft on a used unit.
I find any number of controllers on EBay but none of the photos have the same A212 part number – some have different ending numbers or actually have a A204 number sequence, all listed under the same A212 870 27 51 listing. My question is are these A204 & A212 controllers interchangeable?
Great article! I have a 2017 GLE 350 equipped with the NTG 5.1 system. Can additional audio codecs be added? I want to use FLAC files. Is it possible to add an AUX-IN audio jack?