Mercedes brings Google, Yahoo maps to your vehicle

Some German drivers can already send data straight from Google Maps to their BMW's GPS unit, but it looks like certain Mercedes owners can now get in on the act as well, and be able to do the same with Yahoo Local Maps to boot. That oft-desired feature is the centerpiece of Mercedes-Benz's new Search & Send service, which'll work with '07 S-Class, CL-Class, and '08 C-Class vehicles equipped with the Multimedia Package and Navigation System. Apparently, you'll also be able to give friends and family access to the system as well, which will let them send directions straight to you while you're on the road. While the service itself is available at no added charge, you'll first need a subscription to Mercedes' Tele Aid System, a complimentary first year one of which is available to those opting for the Security and Care package with their vehicle.

[Via Navigadget]

[Sandra @ Sep 4th 2007 4:23PM]

Ummm, why?

Seems like a step backwards to me, so now you have to go onto a computer find where you want on google/yahoo maps then send it to your car and then go, I think i'll stick with normal GPS where I can do everything in my car.

[Juice @ Sep 4th 2007 4:47PM]

The only thing backward about it is you. It's a feature. Don't use it if you don't want to. Your GPS still functions the same. Sheesh, quit condemning something before you understand what it's for. Society has to progress you know.

[gfar @ Sep 4th 2007 5:13PM]

google maps with gps is sick...

true dat, double true

[MasterCKO @ Sep 4th 2007 7:28PM]

@Sandra:

In addition to what Juice said (if you don't want to use it, then don't), you're missing the point of this feature. It's not meant to replace the in searchable GPS functionality already in the car. It's for those times you've looked for something online in your house (because a real qwerty keyboard is way better than a soft one, for instance, or just because you were curious, or for any other reason you would use google or yahoo maps) and then you figured AFTER LOOKING IT UP, "hey, I would like to go there."

This is so you don't have to look for it/type in the address AGAIN in your car after you've already found it on your home computer. Click twice on website. Press a button in the car. Boom, off you go.

[mongoos150 @ Sep 4th 2007 9:09PM]

Precisely. MB should be working with Google to get the maps directly from the car - forget your PC. This barely seems better than printing the map and directions.

[Andrew @ Sep 4th 2007 4:24PM]

cant wait to get one of these in my mercedes ;] like i have one >_>

[JoCkEY @ Sep 4th 2007 4:26PM]

First i need a Mercedes...

Nice notice!

[Twitchy @ Sep 4th 2007 4:29PM]

Does anyone else think it's wrong to have a subscripition in order to use all the features of your car?

[Andrew @ Sep 4th 2007 4:37PM]

yah but isnt taht the same as like onstar on some other cars?

[Don @ Sep 4th 2007 5:05PM]

Awesome. I'm very much looking forward to buying a 2008 Mercedes in 10-15 years.

[JeffnLA @ Sep 4th 2007 5:12PM]

This is SWEET!!

I have a BWM 650i Convertible, my ONLY grip is the iDrive and GPS. I keep saying, why can't I populate my address book and have the GPS address it. This system is even better!

[geezer @ Sep 4th 2007 5:29PM]

The only thing that nowadays makes me proud to be German is the car design..forget about the rest of our country.

Man those Mercedes-Benz, BMWs, Audis or Porsches look so slick! If only I could afford them :-D

[Adam @ Sep 5th 2007 12:52AM]

I can't think of any good reason to be proud of German heritage.

[I.E @ Sep 4th 2007 5:38PM]

can't wait to add a mercedes to my gps...

[Jim @ Sep 4th 2007 5:41PM]

Would be fabulous if one of these companies partnered with "The Weather Channel" and created a feature to give you doppler-radar on your route as well...

[MasterCKO @ Sep 4th 2007 7:07PM]

oh man, that would own. Especially if it was more than an overlay and could tell that there's rain on your route and warn you well in advance.

[David Jacobs @ Sep 4th 2007 7:04PM]

So ultra cool, but I can't afford the car!

[Chris McLernon @ Sep 4th 2007 6:58PM]

Amazing how German engineers come up with new and innovative stuff like this. Always the best with mercedes.

[GerryofNorVA @ Sep 5th 2007 6:09PM]

The nav features in cars are SO primitive right now that you don't even realize it, kind of like the first-gen iPods. The nav systems need to be Internet-based with your choice of Google, Yahoo, or MS Live maps instead of the stupid DVD-based, must pay $300 to update systems currently offered. And they must fully integrate with names & addresses connected/dl'ed from your PDA/phone, and your GPS camera ! Take a pic, tag it, d/l it to your car, and now it's a personal picture-POI. Awesome. And when someone, anyone calls you through your vehicle's Bluetooth connxn, the person's or business' address is acquired via caller-ID info and with a simple confirmation becomes an instant POI. Cool. That's where all this is going and I don't want to - in fact, I won't - buy another vehicle until these features are included.