The Carluex Air is a compact wireless adapter designed to bring Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to vehicles that only support wired connectivity. While it resembles a minimalist USB drive, it functions as a standalone Android-powered device capable of running apps directly on the car’s infotainment screen. For drivers looking to eliminate cables and streamline daily use, the Carluex Air offers a practical upgrade.
Design and Features
The device is small—roughly the size of a car key—making it easy to place discreetly inside the cabin. In the box, Carluex includes the unit, a USB cable, a USB-C adapter, and a quick start guide. There are no detailed printed instructions, but a QR code links to customer support via WhatsApp.
Unlike traditional wireless adapters, which simply convert the car’s wired CarPlay or Android Auto into a wireless experience, the Carluex Air runs its own Android 9 operating system. This allows users to access built-in apps such as Netflix, YouTube, Spotify, Chrome, and Google Maps without relying on a phone. Additional apps can be downloaded from the Play Store when connected to the internet.
Compatibility covers most vehicles with wired CarPlay from 2016 onward, with the exception of BMW models. Carluex offers a separate BMW-specific adapter, but the standard unit will not function with BMW’s infotainment systems.
Setup and User Experience
We tested the Carluex Air in a 2024 Kia Sorento. Setup was straightforward: connect the device to the car’s USB port, wait a few seconds, and the interface appears on the screen. The large central display showcased the interface well, though the system also adjusts cleanly to smaller screens.
Pairing a phone follows the same process as connecting to wireless CarPlay or Android Auto. Once established, the device automatically connects on each startup, and during our testing period, we experienced no dropouts or latency issues. Navigation, calls, and media playback performed comparably to an integrated wireless system.
Performance was consistently smooth. App loading times were quick, and input response felt immediate. The only minor inconvenience was the oversized app icons, which limited the number of apps per page and required a bit of additional swiping.
Streaming and Safety Considerations
With an active internet connection—typically through a smartphone hotspot—the Carluex Air supports streaming via pre-installed Netflix and YouTube. Video playback was stable and smooth over a reliable 4G connection.
However, the device continues to stream video even while the car is in motion. This raises significant safety concerns and may violate local laws depending on the region. While this may be useful for passengers or for parked use, we strongly advise against using video apps while driving. Ideally, this feature should be disabled automatically when the vehicle is moving.
Everyday Use
The Carluex Air remains discreet thanks to its small form factor, though a non-slip base would help prevent it from sliding around. The built-in magnet was ineffective in our test vehicle, likely due to the prevalence of plastic trim.
Over several weeks of use, the Carluex Air adapter delivered a reliable wireless CarPlay and Android Auto experience. Connections were consistent, the interface loaded quickly, and overall convenience improved significantly compared to plugging in a phone each time.
Value
There are cheaper wireless adapters available for around AED 250, but in our experience, the Carluex Air justifies its higher price of AED 332 with better reliability, smoother performance, and additional functionality. Cheaper alternatives often suffer from lag or unstable connections—issues we did not encounter here.
For users who want seamless wireless connectivity, stable performance, and the added flexibility of standalone apps, the Carluex Air presents solid value.
Also Read: Carluex Link Review
