page_title: Comand APS
section_title: COMAND-APS NTG3/NTG3.5
hierarchical_section_title: Comand APS / Model History / COMAND-APS NTG3/NTG3.5
caption_attribution_description: Deutsch: S-Klasse Innenraum auf der IAA 2005 in Frankfurt
context_page_description: Cockpit Management and Data system - COMAND for short - acts as a combined command and control centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications functions on Mercedes-Benz vehicles and includes a dedicated flat display screen. In addition to the GPS navigation system and general processing and control logic, COMAND includes components such as an address book, telephone, radio and in many cases a CD/DVD drive. It is connected to other devices such as CD/DVD changers, sound system and surround sound amplifier, TV receiver and the optional Linguatronic voice control system via an optical fibre network. The first generations of COMAND used the D2B optical network standard whereas later models are based on MOST.
  A key feature of all COMAND systems is to provide deep integration between the various functions such as multimedia, navigation and telephony and to also allow multiple presentation and control facilities. An example of functional integration is where other audio sources can be muted when a phone call comes in or when navigation guidance is being given.
context_section_description: Intended for the flagship W221 S-Class and the W216 CL-Class, COMAND NTG3 is a high-end system. Unlike for most other Mercedes-Benz cars, the S-Class and CL-Class from now on have COMAND as standard, allowing even better integration and for COMAND to operate even more vehicle functions. The navigation maps are stored on an internal hard disk instead of a DVD disc (although updates are installed from an update DVD). In addition to operating the audio, video, navigation and telecommunication systems, the NTG3 COMAND also controls a host of other features, such as the multi-contour and drive-dynamic seats, the HVAC system, the rear window shade, the vehicle locking, alarm and immobiliser, interior and exterior lighting functions, the optional ambient lighting feature, easy entry/exit settings, etc.
  The NTG3 system comes with a large, high resolution 8" TFT 16:9 widescreen colour COMAND display mounted higher and more directly into the driver's line of sight and with a separate, large rotary controller mounted on the centre console in between the front seats. This system was the first COMAND to support DAB radio on the MOST bus.
  NTG3 uses an in-dash DVD (and CD) changer and CompactFlash reader for MP3 music. A digital TV tuner and a Harman Kardon Logic7 stereo sound system with 14 speakers and a 600W 13-channel DSP amplifier can be optionally installed and controlled via COMAND. Where a factory fitted rear seat entertainment package is installed, this can use the NTG3 digital TV tuner and the surround sound system for playing out its audio over the speakers instead of headphones. As with previous models, Linguatronic voice command and control is available as an option too.
  The main controller for NTG3 is a large rotary dial with haptic feedback, although there are also buttons for quick access to commonly used functions and even a "favourite" button that can be assigned a function of choice. In addition, buttons on the steering wheel give access to various COMAND functions too and the large screen in the instrument cluster can display various COMAND related settings and information in addition to the main COMAND display.
  The model year 2009 W221 S-Class received an upgraded version, COMAND-APS 3.5 NTG. This includes improved Bluetooth support and split view (where the passenger watches a DVD while the driver sees other COMAND functions such as the navigation map on the same display). The new NTG3.5 system also features a new rights management provision to prevent the use of copied map update discs. This rights management function means it is not possible to upgrade NTG3 based vehicles to NTG3.5.
caption: A W221 S-Class showing the location of the COMMAND screen to the right of the speedometer
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