Mercedes-Benz and Kia announce Android Auto support for new models

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Android Auto is already available on a wide range of vehicles, ranging from small city cars to behemoths like the Audi Q7. Google still has a way to go until Android Auto becomes the norm, but progress is made all the time.

This week, Google announced the availability of Android Auto on new models from Mercedes-Benz and Kia. While Kia was already invested in the Android Auto ecosystem, the addition of the German marque is a bit of a coup, as only the 2017 E-Class had offered the smart driving system until now.

Here are the Kia models that currently offer Android Auto support:

• 2014 – 2016 Soul
• 2015 Optima
• 2015 – 2016 Optima Hybrid
• 2015 – 2016 Optima Plug-in Hybrid
• 2015 – 2016 Sedona
• 2015 – 2016 Soul EV
• 2016 Optima
• 2016 Sorento
• 2017 Forte
• 2017 Optima Hybrid
• 2017 Optima Plug-in Hybrid
• 2017 Sedona
• 2017 Soul
• 2017 Soul EV
• 2017 Sorento
• 2017 Sportage

Android Auto support will also come to Kia’s 2017 Cadenza, 2017 Niro Hybrid, 2018 Rio, and 2019 K900.

When it comes to Mercedes-Benz, customers will be able to order the following models with Android Auto:

• 2017 A-Class
• 2017 B-Class
• 2017 CLA Coupe
• 2017 CLA Shooting Brake
• 2017 GLA
• 2017 E-Class Sedan
• 2017 E-Class Wagon
• 2017 E-Class Coupe
• 2017 E-Class Cabriolet
• 2017 CLS Coupe
• 2017 CLS Shooting Brake
• 2017 GLE
• 2017 GLE Coupe

For all of these models from Kia and Mercedes, Android Auto is available as an option or part of standard versions. Google warns that the actual availability of Auto will be based on trim level and market.

Android Auto has come a long way since it was announced in 2014. After a slow start, the Android-based system was picked up my most major carmakers, often as an option alongside CarPlay, the competing system from Apple. That said, Google is moving much slower than it does when it comes to smartphones, partly due to the much slower release cycles of the car industry.

Google keeps an up to date list of Android Auto-compatible models here. For more information on Android Auto, check out our in-depth walkthrough!