A bit late to the game, Fiat Chrysler has finally announced that its latest generation of Uconnect will add Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, among other goodies. The first vehicles to get 4th Gen Uconnect are “properly-equipped” Chrysler 300, Dodge Charger, Dodge Challenger, and a particular Jeep-branded model.
In the video at the end of the article, Uconnect marketing manager Mike Novak is glad to demonstrate what makes the latest version of Uconnect better than the last one. If, however, you rather not press play, then I’m much obliged to tell you what’s new or improved for the model year 2017.
4th Gen Uconnect in 8.4-inch form promises performance improvements, more processing power, higher resolution, and sharper graphics. What’s more, users can now enjoy gestures such as pinch, tap, and swipe.
Apple CarPlay for the Uconnect 8.4 infotainment system allows users to access to Music, Maps, Messages, and other functions through Siri, the personal assistant built into your iPhone, or via the touchscreen. As for Android Auto, the fourth-gen Uconnect system enables access to Play Music, Google Maps, as well as Google voice search via the touchscreen display or the steering wheel-mounted controls. What’s wrong with this picture?
Yup, FCA had omitted to say whether Apple CarPlay can be controlled via the buttons on the steering wheel or not. Hopefully, a simple software update will fix this snag in the near future. These said, the 4th Gen Uconnect system is a little richer when it comes down to a particular Jeep model.
According to the manufacturer, the 2017 Grand Cherokee’s Uconnect 8.4 includes Off-Road Pages. This add-on keeps the driver informed on off-the-beaten-track variables such as the steering angle, transfer case position, rear diff lock, wheel articulation, air suspension mode and vehicle height, coolant and oil temperature, oil pressure, the lot. You know, the whole nine yards.
For more info on Uconnect 8.4, please refer to the release below the vid.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
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