is TomTom better than COMAND?

[thefair1973]

Simple question really. I'm interested in maybe retrorfitting COMAND in to my W163 ML270, but although it may look nicer, I'm begiing to think the map software and display looks almost archaic. Is the navigation software display really that basic and am I better off saving £300+ and sticking with my TomTom GO 520??

 

[Kamisuma]

simple question really. I'm interested in maybe retrorfitting comand in to my w163 ml270, but although it may look nicer, i'm begiing to think the map software and display looks almost archaic. Is the navigation software display really that basic and am i better off saving £300+ and sticking with my tomtom go 520??

yes!!!

 

[Bobby Dazzler]

If you're doing it for Sat Nav only, then I would say Yes, TomTom is better than COMAND.

Sat Nav is one of the functions COMAND fulfills.

 

[whitenemesis]

As Bobby D..

COMAND is more than just sat nav, a function it performs well but not as well as a dedicated unit such as TT.

 

[A210AMG]

Hello

From what I have seen TomTom are easier to use, more functions and easier to add POI's etc. You can also take then from car to car.

Command, looks better and adds a little value to your car. Not sure what its like on the ML, the maps look pretty naff. Unit itself neater than TomTom.

I've driven the past 2000 miles across England using the wifes TomTom one and its pretty good.

 

[timskemp]

I just stick a Nuvi in, reads street names, does TMC, cheap updates.

 

[thefair1973]

So, what other functions does COMAND perform other than NAV, radio etc? I know it has phone integration and a TV button, but I'm pretty sure it doesnt contain a functioning tuner and work to enable this is no doubt costly. And as for the phone function, as there are no steering wheel controls on the W163 (and mine has no phone pre-wiring as far as I know), surely a THB Bury or Parrot bluetooth phone kit provides more functionality then COMAND?

So, what I'm beginning to conclude is that unless I come accorss an absolute bargain of a unit, it's not worth me investing.

 

[mirras]

I have both, Tomtom is much easier to use than command and is far more accurate in getting you to where you're going.

 

[MUGGY]

I have both. On the whole both get me to where I want to go but very occasionally the lack of 6 digit postcode is a pain with COMAND.

However I do not miss having to remove the TT and then having to replace every time I get in and out of the car.

The COMAND also gives me excellent Bluetooth integration with my Mobile Phone.

In summary the TT doesn't get used anymore I use COMAND.

 

[thefair1973]

can you not upgrade COMAND firmware to use new maps and 7-digit postcode? After all, it's a software-based system isnt it?

 

[BTB 500]

New maps are released 3-4 times a year for TomTom and cost £30 ish (they are discounted most of the time). AFAIK it's once a year for COMAND, and a lot of money (£150-£200??). You get free map updates with TomTom via the 'mapshare' service, and you can update the map yourself if you want to.

TomTom software upgrades are completely free, as are many POIs that you can download either directly via TomTom or from company websites (e.g. I have Calor gas stockists, which is handy when away in the caravan). Other POIs such as speed camera sites are pretty cheap. You can't have any of them on COMAND.

Probably the biggest advantage of COMAND is that it's always in the vehicle. Equally, one of the big advantages of a TomTom is being able to share it between multiple vehicles!

For £500 I'd have jumped at COMAND when speccing our Vito - even though we already had a TomTom. But for £2200, no way!

 

[Baron_Samedi]

If all you need is a SAT NAV then there are better options than the Comand.

And Tom Tom.... Think Garmin for a start!

 

[jaymanek]

Yes tom tom is much better.

The only one I prefer more is the kenwood one i have in my SEC which i believe is actually garmin.

 

[horsesuitedfool]

I just bought a comand unit and am selling my Tomtom - Not sure i should have done that now!!

 

[jaymanek]

Comand wins overall due to aesthetics but apart from that a tom tom is much better from a functional perspective.

Many manufacturers now use either tomtom or garmin as an option in their new cars. Just a standard integrated unit..

 

[Doodle]

The only one I prefer more is the kenwood one i have in my SEC which i believe is actually garmin.

It is indeed. I have a similar unit in the Civic. My TomTom is more accurate though - Garmin has some "unusual" route choices at times.

 

[verytalldave]

To say A is "better" than B is quite subjective. It depends on what criteria you personally find important.

Speaking for myself, I would not like to do without COMAND. But I acknowledge its an expensive item which is technically inferior to many cheaper portable satnavs.

But its never failed me and having dynamic TMC is a great help.

Not having full UK postcode search is something that is only slightly annoying. Its not that important despite what some might say.

So any answer you get is going to be subjective rather than definitive.

Mercedes is an expensive premium brand and as such we must expect things to priced accordingly.

 

[Satch]

Yes it is better and especially so if you have multiple vehicles.

At the moment I am keeping an eye on how this will pan out in the UK given the impending loss of O2 exclusivity on iPhones.

TomTom — Iphone

 

[markmifsud]

I used to have comand, but the only good thing about its satnav was the in dash display of the next turns. TomTom was far superier in its mapping, and of course lets not forget the POI that Comand does not allow you to add to.

I now have the Kenwood dnx7240 double din unit, this uses Garmin that whilst it is way ahead of Comand for navigation, it is still not as good as any of the version of TomTom that I have used.

 

[Alfie]

I just bought a comand unit and am selling my Tomtom - Not sure i should have done that now!!

Comand not only gives you satellite Navigation it offers a far superior head unit for audio too. It also gives a much better interface to your factory fitted phone system and can be controlled by voice if linguatronic is also fitted. Its not just a satellite navigation device.

Admittedly the seven digit postcode issue has been a major bugbear for many. However, this has now been addressed in the newer comand units.

Unlike TomTom it actually increases the value and saleability of the vehicle too.

Some dont mind trailing wires and like the flexibility of moving a navigation device around. Others prefer the OEM route.

I have comand's coming out of my ears as you can imagine However, for when I travel abroad in a hire car I have Tom Tom on my iphone.