[JondePoer]

I’ve been searching for a CarPlay-compatible head unit for my 2018 Smart Cabrio (non-factory -navigation, non JBL system) and there is an Alpine unit that keeps appearing, however it appears to only be sold in Europe. Was browsing Amazon and rain into this Alpine with similar model number. Amazon says it’s compatible, but do I dare believe it? Anyone try this unit or want to hazard a guess? Thanks!

 

[digisky]

Can’t confirm if it fits, it looks like a generic, not vehicle specific receiver, though it’s shallow.
Now, that one in the Amazon link is way overpriced for what it is. Is 399 on the official site.

iLX-W650 7-Inch Ultra-Shallow Multimedia Receiver

7-Inch Shallow-Chassis Multimedia Receiver with PowerStack™

www.alpine-usa.com

 

[DudeInTheSmart]

So, yes in Europe Alpine offers a carplay compatible head unit with a Smart 453 mounting kit and correct interface cables. Pioneer also has one. The alpine is something like 700 euros and the Pioneer perhaps 100 less. It is not the 400 unit in digisky's link. I do not think the model you are looking at includes the SMART install kit. Has to be a 100 percent match on model number.

 

[puma1824]

I’ve been searching for a CarPlay-compatible head unit for my 2018 Smart Cabrio (non-factory -navigation, non JBL system) and there is an Alpine unit that keeps appearing, however it appears to only be sold in Europe. Was browsing Amazon and rain into this Alpine with similar model number. Amazon says it’s compatible, but do I dare believe it? Anyone try this unit or want to hazard a guess? Thanks!

This just means it fits. Most double din and single din aftermarket radios will fit with mounting kit and wiring adapter kit. Just did mine this past week.

 

[digisky]

The OP has a 453 model. It is different.
From my research now, there are three European model which are direct fit, or…
A single din unit with a stack-on tablet style display or a manual retractable display. Now, the surround/bezel does exist, consisting from two parts, smart parts, again probably needs to be ordered from Europe.


You'll need to go to smart with the following numbers.
A453 680 95 03
A453 680 94 03

The info is on the evolution site, you’ll need a membership.

https://www.evilution.co.uk/mod/453-single-din-stereo-adapter.htm

There are some Sony and Alpine that are that configuration.

 

[NotAPenguin]

^Puma that's a 451. OP is asking for a 453, of which there is only 2 known working stereos, both of which have specific model numbers.

 

[puma1824]

oops my bad sorry

 

[DudeInTheSmart]

You need the Alpine kit KIT-W997SMTB and a compatible 7" Alpine head unit such as an iLX-702D. There are packages of the kit and HU. Not cheap. Most folks get a Android unit and Carplay adapter on the cheap. Quality and satisfaction varies.Take a look at this thread. Android head unit to replace stock radio with JBL for...

 

[digisky]

I can comment on the CarPlay adapters, they are all crap. Better to get a CarPlay unit. Now, it can be any single-din unit with an enlarged display, and ideally to get an official smart dash kit/surround/bezel ordered.

The evilution page describes the installation details, and there are so many different brand units that will work, just need to get those two smart parts plus the usual cable wiring connections..

 

[NotAPenguin]

You could get one of these. These are all single Din radios with Carplay. You can then get a single Din surround as stated in the Evilution guide listed above. Don't get a CarPlay adapter. There are lots of bad reviews on those and I'm guessing you want more than just audio.

 

[DudeInTheSmart]

Just realize with a universal drop-in unit you won't have the CANBUS connector to give steering wheel controls. The Alpine and Pioneer units with install kit keep the steering wheel controls.