CarlinKit Ai Box Tbox Plus Multimedia Adapter with Wireless Carplay & Android Auto

I’m using this TBox UHD (SDM660) in a 2024 Mercedes AMG EQE SUV with Hyperscreen, and it integrates beautifully. Everything runs smoothly across the full 18” middle screen and feels almost OEM.

I specifically chose the UHD version because of the HDMI output, which let me set up the entire box indoors on a monitor first (install apps, arrange icons, set wallpaper, tweak settings, etc.) before ever plugging it into the car. Huge time-saver.

I use a custom launcher (Nova Launcher) so I can resize icons, organize the desktop, and set my own wallpaper, instead of the default interface. It makes the whole experience feel like a real Android tablet built into the car.

Even though I’m in Canada and this is technically the EU/Asia SDM660 version, it works perfectly. I don’t use a SIM card—Wi-Fi hotspot + car GPS passthrough is all I need. Navigation (Waze, Google Maps) and traffic data work great.

The best part is this box gives me full access to apps I normally can’t use with standard CarPlay/Android Auto, like:
• YouTube Music
• SmartTubeNext / YouTube video apps
• Streaming services
• Split-screen (Waze + music/video at the same time)

Build quality is excellent. It feels professional and robust, not cheap.
And the small footprint means I can easily hide it out of sight or even take it with me when I leave the vehicle.

Overall:
Perfect with Hyperscreen
HDMI setup = huge advantage
Full Android freedom (not limited like CarPlay)
Works great in Canada without SIM
Professional build
Small, portable, powerful

Highly recommended for Mercedes owners who want a true smart system instead of a restricted CarPlay box.

I emailed before asking if it would work with my Mini countryman 2021 that only has wireless apply car play. I was told the Tbox was the unit required. I received it and it doesn't work with the wireless car play. I emailed to ask If I was doing something wrong and have had no reply or communication.

Made a cross country trip much easier

Using it with R-link 2 in Renault Talisman.
It is quite good, I installed TomTom Go as I had a subscription for it and it is miles better than Android Auto implementation, as the Tbox lets you install and run apps as full-fledged Android apps.
Pros:
- full Android apps, not castrated Android Auto versions
- option for simcard and sd card
- quite good launcher with a little bit of customisation
- good enough performance
- not bad bluetooth apps for connecting your phone for calls and music
- it can be configured to grab GPS signal from your car, which might be quite a lot better than antenna in the Tbox, as it is external antenna on many cars
My only gripes are:
- strange way it handles bluetooth - it hijacks my car's bluetooth so my phone can connect only to the Tbox, which is not ideal for me, as I would rather the music and calls be handled by the car's head unit
- it hanged few times, but that might be the problem with R-link 2 unit
- it only works good on Carplay protocol - when I changed it to Android Auto it lagged badly - like a second reaction to every touch, again, might be head unit problem
- no information if it will get more Android updates at the time of writing
- no multitouch support (you can't pinch to zoom) on either AA or Carplay protocols (I know that Carplay do not support it, but there is no reason why Android Auto do not have it)
All in all, it is on the expensive side but it really brought back to life my R-link 2 and after using it on quite a few road trips I can recommend it.
If the developer would let me turn off the bluetooth hijacking it would be 5/5 stars for me.

Great accessory for my vehicle. It works well, easy setup and opens you up to plenty of apps. One thing I like to see if possible to have the ability to adjust screen size.