The Clarion GL500 is a large-screen multimedia head unit designed for drivers wanting a more premium in-dash entertainment and connectivity upgrade. Featuring a 9 inch WSVGA capacitive touch screen with a trapezoid-shaped fixed face design, the GL500 provides a bold, modern display for smartphone integration, audio control and camera viewing. With wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity, dual rear USB ports, front and rear camera inputs, a 13-band equalizer and steering wheel control adapter compatibility, the GL500 is a stylish and feature-rich option for compatible vehicles using suitable 9 inch facia kits.

9 Inch WSVGA Capacitive Touch Screen

The Clarion GL500 features a large 9 inch WSVGA capacitive touch screen, giving drivers a clear and modern interface for controlling entertainment, smartphone functions, settings and camera displays. The larger screen size makes key information easier to view at a glance, especially when using navigation, media controls or a connected camera. Capacitive touch operation provides smooth and responsive control, helping the unit feel familiar for customers used to modern smartphones and tablets. For drivers upgrading from a smaller factory display or an older aftermarket unit, the GL500 offers a more visually impressive and practical in-car experience.

Trapezoid Fixed Face Design

The GL500 uses a trapezoid-shaped fixed face design that gives the unit a distinctive, modern appearance when installed into a compatible dashboard. This design is intended to create a more integrated look when paired with the correct 9 inch facia kit, rather than fitting like a standard rectangular double din screen. The fixed face layout helps the unit suit applications where a larger, cleaner display is desired, but it also means correct fitment selection is essential. Customers should confirm vehicle compatibility before purchase, as the GL500 is not designed to fit into a standard double din facia kit.

9 Inch Facia Kit Compatibility

The Clarion GL500 is a short chassis double din unit designed for use with compatible 9 inch facia kits only. This is an important installation detail, as the unit is not intended for standard double din facia kits. The correct facia kit helps the larger 9 inch screen sit neatly within the vehicle dashboard and supports a cleaner, more integrated finished result. Because dash layouts vary significantly between vehicles, customers should confirm the required facia kit and any related installation accessories before purchasing. Professional installation is recommended to ensure the correct parts are selected and fitted properly.

Wireless Apple CarPlay

Wireless Apple CarPlay support makes the Clarion GL500 a convenient upgrade for iPhone users who want modern smartphone integration without plugging in every drive. Once connected with a compatible iPhone, Apple CarPlay allows supported navigation, calls, messages, music and selected apps to be accessed through the GL500 display in a more driver-friendly format. The large 9 inch screen gives Apple CarPlay plenty of visual space, making maps, media and key controls easier to view. Wireless operation also helps reduce cable clutter in the cabin, giving the vehicle a cleaner and more convenient everyday driving experience.

Android Auto

Android Auto support gives compatible Android phone users a smarter way to access key smartphone functions through the Clarion GL500 display. Drivers can use supported navigation, communication, music and app functions in a layout designed for in-car use, helping reduce the need to handle the phone directly. The larger 9 inch screen is especially useful for map visibility and media control, making the GL500 a practical upgrade for commuting, touring and regular daily driving. For customers who rely on phone-based navigation or streaming services, Android Auto helps bring those functions into the dashboard in a cleaner and more integrated way.

Bluetooth Connectivity

Built-in Bluetooth connectivity allows the Clarion GL500 to connect wirelessly with compatible phones and devices for everyday calling and audio use. This gives drivers a simple way to manage hands-free calls and wireless audio streaming without needing a wired connection every time they get into the vehicle. Bluetooth remains a useful feature for quick trips, shared vehicles and situations where full smartphone integration is not required. It also gives passengers and alternate drivers a familiar connection option. Combined with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth helps make the GL500 flexible for different users and different driving situations.

13-Band Equalizer

The Clarion GL500 includes a 13-band equalizer, giving users more detailed control over the sound of their in-car audio system. Instead of relying only on basic bass and treble adjustment, a 13-band equalizer allows finer tuning across a broader frequency range. This can help improve the way the system sounds inside the vehicle cabin, especially when speaker type, installation position and personal listening preference all affect the final result. Whether the customer wants stronger bass, clearer vocals or a more balanced sound, the GL500 provides useful tuning control directly from the head unit.

Front Camera Input

The front camera input gives the Clarion GL500 additional flexibility for vehicles where forward visibility or low-speed manoeuvring assistance is useful. A compatible front camera can help drivers judge the front of the vehicle more easily when parking, approaching obstacles or moving through tight spaces. This can be particularly helpful for larger vehicles, 4WDs, utes, vans or vehicles with limited view over the bonnet. The final result will depend on the camera selected and how it is installed, but the GL500 provides the input support needed to build a more practical visibility setup around the head unit.

Rear Camera Input

The rear camera input allows the Clarion GL500 to support a compatible reversing camera for improved rear visibility. When correctly installed, a reversing camera can assist with parking, reversing and low-speed manoeuvring by displaying the area behind the vehicle on the large 9 inch screen. This is a practical feature for wagons, 4WDs, utes, vans and vehicles where rearward vision may be limited. The larger GL500 display can make camera images easier to view than smaller head unit screens. Camera compatibility, image quality and operation will depend on the camera and installation components used.

Dual Rear USB Ports

The Clarion GL500 includes two rear USB ports, giving installers and customers more flexibility when planning the final installation. Rear USB connections can be routed to a practical access point such as the glovebox, centre console or another suitable location, helping keep the dashboard area clean and uncluttered. Having two USB ports also provides more connection options for compatible devices, media access or charging requirements where supported. This is useful for customers who want a neat installation while still keeping USB functionality available. It also helps the GL500 suit different vehicle layouts and driver preferences.

Steering Wheel Control Adapter Compatibility

The Clarion GL500 is compatible with steering wheel control integration when used with suitable steering wheel control adapters. This allows many vehicles to retain convenient factory steering wheel button functions after the head unit has been upgraded, where supported. Keeping controls such as volume and track adjustment available from the steering wheel can make the new system feel more integrated and easier to use during everyday driving. Compatibility depends on the vehicle, wiring configuration, facia kit and correct adapter selection, so the required installation parts should be confirmed before fitting the unit.

Automotive Superstore can assist with professional installation of the Clarion GL500 at our fitting locations. Our team can help confirm vehicle compatibility, required 9 inch facia kit, wiring accessories, steering wheel control adapter options, camera setup and other installation requirements, helping ensure your new Clarion head unit is fitted cleanly and correctly.