As promised roughly a year after CarPlay was unveiled, German car maker Volkswagen is now shipping automobiles that include a next-generation infotainment system called MIB-II that includes support for both CarPlay and Android Auto along with its own proprietary suite of Car-Net apps, the latter of which requires a subscription. The company says that all but its entry-level models will feature the new MIB-II system.
The first models to arrive at dealerships beginning this week are the Golf R and the Tiguan. Entry level VW cars will get a different version of the MIB-II system that offers a five-inch resistive-touch screen at 400×240 resolution that does not use CarPlay or Android Auto but do include Aux-in, SD card slots, and a USB multimedia interface for the iPhone and iPod, reverse camera display, and Bluetooth compatibility, while some versions will move to the larger 6.3- and 6.5-inch capacitive multi-touch screens that do support the interactive smartphone systems, as well as Car-Net and MirrorLink support.
Volkswagen’s own Car-Net apps can control direct vehicle hardware, such as remote locking, remote honk and flash, stolen vehicle location, automatic crash notifications, vehicle monitoring and diagnostics, and parking location information. The Car-Net service will cost users $200 per year, but the first six months are free with the purchase of the vehicle. Use of CarPlay, Android Auto and the default MIB-II system functions do not require a subscription or charges of any sort.
The MIB-II system will include more features in the higher-end trim models, such as electric vehicle features and “2.5-D” navigation. One model, the 2016 e-Golf SEL Premium, will have an eight-inch capacitive touchscreen.
