G-Wagon Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: How to Set Up the NTG 5.0 COMAND Upgrade

Adding G-Wagon Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto to a 2017 G550 is one of the most popular upgrades we do, and once it’s installed, pairing it correctly takes a few specific steps. This guide walks through the exact setup on a 2017 G550 running the NTG 5.0 COMAND system, for both Android and iPhone.

Why the NTG 5.0 system matters

The 2017 and 2018 G-Wagons use the NTG 5.0 COMAND system, which ships with wired CarPlay but no Android Auto support at all. Our upgrade keeps the factory NTG 5.0 brain but adds an Android-based screen that delivers wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto. (Earlier 2013 to 2016 trucks use NTG 4.5, a similar process with a few minor differences.)

The key to a clean G-Wagon Apple CarPlay setup: pair twice

The single most important thing to understand is that our upgrade is a graphical interface that overlays the factory COMAND system. On the NTG 5.0 it uses a wireless connection, so your phone needs to be connected in two places:

• The factory COMAND system, on both the media and the telephone sides. Mercedes lets you connect one without the other, so confirm both show as paired.
• The aftermarket head unit, through its own Bluetooth.

Keeping the phone bonded to the factory system is what preserves call audio and microphone quality. The overlay simply acts as the control panel while audio routes through the original Mercedes hardware.

Android Auto, step by step

1. From the home screen, open OEM Car Info to drop back to the factory COMAND screen.
2. Use the rotary knob to go to Media and interface your phone, then go to Telephone and confirm it’s connected there too.
3. Return to the home screen, open the Bluetooth side of the aftermarket unit and pair the phone.
4. Tap Android Auto. The first connection can take about a minute, then it picks up Google Maps automatically and runs seamlessly after that.

Apple CarPlay, step by step

The iPhone process starts the same way. Pair to the factory COMAND background system through OEM Car Info, confirm the check marks, then connect Bluetooth on the aftermarket unit. If you see a “Connect to CarPlay” prompt, you’re ready to go. iPhones are a little more finicky, so if it won’t sync:

• Cycle the key, shut the truck off and open the door to let it fully power down (give it a couple of minutes).
• Forget or disconnect the Bluetooth on the phone.
• Restart the truck, reconnect Bluetooth, and it should marry right up.

Once connected you get full G-Wagon Apple CarPlay control through the screen and thumb pad: calls, maps and music, all with factory-quality audio.

Still won’t play nice? We’ve got you.

If your setup gets stubborn, we’ll hop on a FaceTime or video call and walk you through it until everything works. Whether you want this COMAND upgrade installed or just need a hand pairing it, reach the team at Alliance Motorworks in Loveland, Colorado, home of Nothing But Gs. Give us a shout.