Mercedes confirms Apple's CarPlay headed to select models for 2016

CarPlay will be available in select CLA, CLS, GLA, GLE, E-Class, and B-Class models produced after December 1. The revelation was made in an internal memo to Mercedes dealers, first noted by the C450 AMG blog.

Buyers of the B-Class, CLA, or GLA models can purchase CarPlay as a standalone $350 option, or as part of a newly enhanced multimedia package. Those in line for most E-Class, CLS, or GLE models may pay up to $4,080 for in-dash packages that include CarPlay along with Mercedes's own COMAND Navigation.

Buyers of the CLS550, CLS63 S, GLE 400, GLE450, GLE63, and GLE63 S will receive it as standard.

Mercedes will not support wireless CarPlay at launch, with consumers required to plug their iPhone into a specially-designated socket in the dashboard. The carmaker also cautions dealers that CarPlay cannot be used simultaneously with COMAND Navigation — customers will be forced to choose between Spotify and COMAND, for instance.

CarPlay comes to Mercedes just days after European competitor Volvo launched support in the US.