# NTG7 Map Code
Canonical URL: https://mbretrofit.it/guides/map-code/ntg/ntg7
Description: Generate a VIN-validated NTG7 map activation code for Mercedes MBUX Gen 2 (W223, W206, W214, W167 facelift, EQS, EQE). Full region coverage and step-by-step update guide.


## What is NTG7?

NTG7 is the second generation of Mercedes-Benz MBUX. It launched in 2020 with the W223 S-Class and rolled out across the line-up through 2022–2024. Also called MBUX 2 or MBUX Gen 2.

What NTG7 adds over NTG6:

* Larger tablet-style portrait displays
* "Hey Mercedes" voice assistant with neural-net language model
* Over-the-air firmware updates on supported model years
* Higher-resolution map rendering and 3D building data
* Augmented reality navigation overlays

Use this page if your MBUX Gen 2 car asks for a **Map License Key**, **Navi PIN**, **Activation Code**, or **PIN code** during a USB map update.

Image reference: Double-check your head unit matches the photo below.

## Mercedes models that use NTG7

NTG7 / MBUX Gen 2 is installed in:

* **S-Class.** W223 (2020+)
* **C-Class.** W206 (2021+)
* **E-Class.** W214 (2023+)
* **GLE / GLS.** W167 facelift (2023+)
* **EQS.** V297 (2021+), EQS SUV X296
* **EQE.** V295 (2022+), EQE SUV X294
* **SL.** R232 (2022+)
* **AMG GT.** R190 facelift, X290 4-door variants

Not sure if you have NTG7 or NTG6? Run the [VIN lookup](/guides/car-lookup). It reads your data card and reports the NTG version.

## How to identify NTG7 in your Mercedes

The fastest check is the [VIN lookup tool](/guides/car-lookup). Two visual cues:

* **Portrait-orientation centre display** taller than it is wide
* **No physical COMAND rotary dial.** NTG7 is fully touchscreen + steering-wheel touchpad.

### VIN lookup

An interactive vehicle lookup is available on the canonical guide page.

### Video tutorial

A generation-specific video walkthrough is available on the canonical page.

## NTG7 map update — quick path

1. **Get your VIN and region.** Both on your data card.
2. **Create the USB with DLM.** Follow the [DLM guide](/guides/map-code/dlm).
3. **Insert the USB and start the navigation update.** Wait for the Map License Key prompt.
4. **Generate the NTG7 code below** matching the version and region the car shows.

Enter your VIN in the map-code flow to confirm the compatible navigation system, region, and version.

> **NTG7 codes are manual.** Our team generates them. Expect 20 minutes to 3 hours during GMT+2 hours per our [Terms of Service](/terms-of-service). Code shows on this page and arrives by email.

## NTG7 OTA updates vs USB updates

NTG7 supports over-the-air (OTA) map updates through Mercedes Me on supported model years and regions. Only while the map-data subscription is active, usually 3 years from new. After that, you're back to manual USB.

This page covers the manual path. If Mercedes Me still does OTA for your car, you don't need a code from us. The prompt only appears on manual updates.

## NTG7 common problems

### "USB stick is not valid" even though USB is correctly prepared

Almost always a region mismatch. NTG7 is strict on regions. Korean, Japanese, and Southeast Asian market cars won't accept EU or US maps without a head-unit region change.

If your car region is Korea, Japan, or SEA and you want a different region's map, our service won't work. The head unit needs physical reconfiguration first. Email [contact@mbretrofit.it](mailto:contact@mbretrofit.it) if unsure.

### Update reboots midway through install

NTG7 maps are 15–25 GB. Install takes 60–90 minutes. Mid-install reboots usually mean:

* **Car battery dropping.** Keep the engine running or use a battery maintainer.
* **USB stick going to sleep.** Quality USB 3.0 sticks (SanDisk, Samsung, Kingston) avoid this.
* **Driver opening a door or pressing a button.** Leave the car undisturbed.

### "Navigation entitlement missing" — no navigation menu after install

Some imports lack the navigation entitlement on Mercedes' side. Buy the entitlement through the [Mercedes Me app](https://www.mercedes-benz.co.uk/passengercars/buy/digital-extras-overview/apps/me-app.html) where available. Without it, the navigation menu is hidden and a map code won't fix that.

Check the entitlement before buying a code. We can't refund codes for cars missing it.

### Code rejected — version newer than firmware allows

NTG7 firmware caps the max map version. If the car rejects the latest map, your firmware is older. Either:

* Have a dealer update the head-unit firmware first
* Pick the previous map version in DLM that your firmware supports

The [Map Coverage](/guides/map-code/coverage) page lists firmware-to-map compatibility.

## NTG7 map coverage by country

The complete country coverage is available on the canonical page.

## Frequently asked questions about NTG7

### How long does the NTG7 map update take in the car?

60 to 90 minutes for a full region map. Keep the car running on idle or on a
battery maintainer the whole time.

### Can I get a free NTG7 map update?

Only through Mercedes Me OTA, and only while the map-data subscription is
active. After it expires, every NTG7 map update runs the activation-code
path.

### My W223 / W206 / W214 — same process?

Yes. Every NTG7 model uses the same code-based activation. The prompt screen
looks identical across S-Class, C-Class, E-Class, EQS, EQE, etc.

### Why does NTG7 take longer to generate than NTG5 or NTG6?

NTG7 codes aren't fully automated on our side. Each one runs through a team
member. Expect 20 minutes to 3 hours during our hours.

### My imported Korean / Japanese car — can it install an EU map?

Not directly. Asian-market NTG7 head units need physical region
reconfiguration first. The activation code alone won't bridge it.