Jan

Comand

Cockpit Management and Data System
Comand is the combination of car radio, cassette player, sound system, navigation system, telephone, clock and TV system. Was first available in 1998 in the then-new S-Class (W220). The very latest communications technology in the form of the Cockpit Management and Data System, known as COMAND for short, is now available for the first time for the C-class sports coupé, as an item of optional equipment. COMAND is a car radio, navigation system and CD player in one, as well as acting as the command centre for all audio, telematics and telecommunications equipment.

The driver can either operate these functions directly from the COMAND unit in the centre console and read off the necessary operating information from the large color display, or can enter instructions using the keys on the multi-function steering wheel. The central display in the instrument cluster and the COMAND display in the centre console are linked, but can also be used separately.

The individual functions are selected by the driver by pressing the keys on the left of the COMAND system’s color display. More detailed instructions are given mainly by using the combined rotary/push-button on the right of the control panel.

This button is used to highlight different menus on the display which can then be activated by pressing the button. The CD player is located above the color display. It is used both for storing data from the CD-ROM for the navigation system as well as for playing audio CDs. A completely new generation of COMAND systems, COMAND II, will be available from autumn 2002 on e.g. in the face-lifted S-Class W220. Besides a faster CPU and an improved user interface it will also have DVD instead of CD. The supplier changes from Blaupunkt/Bosch to Becker/Harman and VDO/Philips.

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