In this G63 Apple CarPlay Dubai project, we activated native Apple CarPlay on a 2019 Mercedes-AMG G63 (W463A) using its original 12.3-inch NTG5.5 screen, and converted its navigation from the 2018/2019 Europe map to the 2025 Middle East map for the GCC. The car is a European-spec import that arrived in Dubai without CarPlay enabled and still running the Europe map region. No screen was replaced and no aftermarket monitor was installed.
The Customer’s Request
The owner wanted Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on the factory screen, mainly to use Google Maps and Waze. He had one clear condition: no screen replacement. He asked us to check first whether CarPlay could be activated natively on his head unit, and only then to quote for our wireless NTG5.5 interface.
At Weiss Auto Concept, native activation always comes first. If the factory system supports a feature, we enable it on the original hardware before suggesting any add-on.
G63 Apple CarPlay Dubai: Native Activation on NTG5.5
Native Apple CarPlay was activated on the G63’s NTG5.5 system through software coding. The result is the factory CarPlay interface on the original 12.3-inch screen, controlled with the touchpad, rotary controller and steering-wheel buttons.
- Connection: wired, through the USB port — NTG5.5 supports smartphone integration by cable only
- Hardware: no changes and no screen replacement
- Apps: Google Maps, Waze, Spotify, WhatsApp and Siri run full-width on the factory display
Can Wireless CarPlay Be Activated Natively on NTG5.5?
No. NTG5.5 supports wired Apple CarPlay natively, and factory wireless CarPlay arrived with the later MBUX systems. For a wireless connection, we install our wireless CarPlay and Android Auto interface for NTG5.5, which works on the same original screen.
G-Class Navigation Map Update: Europe to GCC
Like most European-spec cars imported to the GCC, this G63 was running a 2018/2019 (V13.0) Europe map. For a car driven in the UAE, that map shows no reliable local roads, addresses or speed limits. We installed the 2025 (V12.0) Africa/Middle East map, which covers the UAE and the Arab States of the Persian Gulf, Egypt, North Africa, Lebanon and Central and Southern Africa.
Why a Map Update Matters on a G-Class
The built-in navigation works without a mobile signal, while CarPlay apps like Google Maps and Waze depend on your phone’s data. In the desert, on off-road routes, around Liwa and Hatta, and anywhere with weak coverage, the G-Class’s own navigation is the one that keeps working. With an up-to-date GCC map, it shows today’s roads instead of a map from years ago, or from another continent.
Why the Version Number Looks Lower
V12.0 Middle East is newer than V13.0 Europe. Mercedes-Benz numbers each region’s map separately, so the version numbers can’t be compared across regions. What matters is the data year: 2025 versus 2018.
European-Spec G-Class in Dubai? Check These Three Things
Many G-Class models in the UAE are European-spec imports. The usual signs are CarPlay not activated, a Europe map region and no Arabic language.
- Is CarPlay enabled? Many imported cars have the hardware but not the activation.
- Which map region is installed? Go to Navigation → Map version.
- Is Arabic available? Our Europe to GCC region change can also add Arabic to the infotainment system.
Looking for a bigger upgrade on a newer G-Class? See our G63 2022 wireless CarPlay screen project.
The Install in Photos
The Solution
We delivered both requests on the original hardware: native Apple CarPlay activation through NTG5.5 coding, and a Europe to GCC navigation update to the 2025 Africa/Middle East map. The factory 12.3-inch screen, controls and interior stayed exactly as Mercedes-AMG built them.
Technical Specification
| Vehicle | Mercedes-AMG G63 |
| Platform | W463A, Model Year 2019 |
| Market Spec | European-spec import (ECE region) |
| Head Unit | COMAND Online NTG5.5 |
| Display | Original 12.3-inch widescreen |
| Map Before | 2018/2019 (V13.0) Europe |
| Map After | 2025 (V12.0) Africa / Middle East |
| Map Data Size | 10.94 GB |
| Apple CarPlay & Android-Auto | Native, wired via USB |
| Wireless Option | Weiss wireless CarPlay and Android Auto interface for NTG5.5 |
Inside the Process
The full job was completed in one session, with the car connected to a stable power supply throughout.
- Vehicle check: VIN, head unit version and current map region confirmed on the NTG5.5 system.
- CarPlay activation: native Apple CarPlay enabled on the NTG5.5 head unit through software coding.
- Map preparation: the 2025 (V12.0) Africa/Middle East package (10.94 GB) prepared on a USB drive.
- Update detection: the head unit recognised the new map data and the map licence was activated for this vehicle.
- Installation: the map installed directly on the car, followed by a system restart.
- Final test: map version confirmed, UAE address search tested and Apple CarPlay checked with Google Maps and Waze.
The Result
The G63 now runs native Apple CarPlay and an up-to-date GCC navigation map on its original factory screen.
- ✅ Native Apple CarPlay on the original 12.3-inch NTG5.5 screen
- ✅ Google Maps and Waze running full-width through CarPlay
- ✅ Navigation updated from the 2018/2019 Europe map to the 2025 Africa/Middle East map
- ✅ UAE addresses and Dubai roads available in the built-in navigation
- ✅ Offline navigation ready for the desert and off-road routes
- ✅ No screen replacement, no aftermarket monitor, factory look kept
Why a Quality Install Matters
A map update on NTG5.5 is a 10.94 GB installation on the car’s head unit. If the wrong package is used for the market region, or the process is interrupted, the system can end up with a missing map, a failed licence or an unstable head unit. Checking the VIN, the system version and the correct region before starting avoids all of that.
The same applies to CarPlay. Activating it natively on the factory system keeps the original screen, controls and warranty-friendly hardware untouched. We only recommend an add-on interface when the factory system can’t do what the customer needs, as with wireless CarPlay on NTG5.5.
With over two decades of experience in luxury automotive multimedia, Weiss Auto Concept always starts by checking what your factory system can do natively.
Check Your G-Class on WhatsApp
Send us your VIN or a photo of your Map version screen, and we’ll confirm whether native CarPlay and the Europe to GCC map update are possible on your Mercedes.
Related Services
- Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
- Multimedia Upgrade & Europe to GCC Region Change
- G63 2022 Wireless CarPlay Screen Project
- G63 W463 to W464 Interior Conversion
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Apple CarPlay be activated on a 2019 Mercedes G63 without replacing the screen?
Yes. On the 2019 G63 (W463A) with NTG5.5, Apple CarPlay can be activated natively on the original 12.3-inch display through software coding, with no screen or hardware replacement.
Does the 2019 G-Class support wireless CarPlay from the factory?
No. NTG5.5 supports wired Apple CarPlay natively. Wireless CarPlay on this system needs an add-on interface, which works on the original screen.
Can a European-spec Mercedes be converted to the GCC map region?
Yes. A European-spec Mercedes with NTG5.5 can be updated from the Europe map to the 2025 (V12.0) Africa/Middle East map, which covers the UAE and GCC countries.
Why update the built-in map if I use Google Maps through CarPlay?
The built-in navigation works without mobile signal, unlike CarPlay apps. In the desert and on off-road routes, it is often the only navigation that keeps working.
How large is the Mercedes Africa/Middle East map update for NTG5.5?
The 2025 (V12.0) Africa/Middle East package for NTG5.5 is 10.94 GB and is installed on the car via USB.
Why is the Middle East map V12.0 when the old Europe map was V13.0?
Mercedes-Benz numbers each region’s map separately, so versions can’t be compared across regions. The 2025 Middle East map is newer than the 2018/2019 Europe map.
هل يمكن تفعيل Apple CarPlay في مرسيدس جي كلاس 2019 بدون تغيير الشاشة؟
نعم. يمكن تفعيل Apple CarPlay بشكل أصلي على الشاشة الأصلية مقاس 12.3 إنش بنظام NTG5.5 دون استبدال الشاشة.
هل يمكن تحويل خرائط مرسيدس جي كلاس من أوروبا إلى الخليج؟
نعم. يمكن تحديث خرائط جي كلاس من خرائط أوروبا إلى خرائط أفريقيا والشرق الأوسط 2025 (V12.0) التي تغطي الإمارات ودول الخليج.