Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes jumps on AI tech with new MBUX software

Mercedes’s infotainment system to receive an overhaul, bringing new digital and audio technology

  • AI coming to future Mercedes
  • New synthetic driving sounds 
  • Different virtual assistant ‘empathy modes’

At this year’s Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas, Mercedes unveiled the latest iteration of its MBUX infotainment software, complete with a range of new features that will appear in its future road cars.

The headline feature is a new artificial intelligence (AI) system, designed to improve the in-car virtual assistant. AI systems, such as ChatGPT, have experienced a surge in popularity over the past year and car manufacturers are already looking to capitalise on these recent innovations, with DS and Volkswagen also integrating similar tech. It will be operated through the same “Hey, Mercedes” voice command that current Mercedes drivers are used to, but it will use generative AI to provide information. 

The virtual assistant will be able to detect the driver’s mood and respond accordingly using four different ‘empathy modes’. Mercedes claims that this system will be able to match or, if appropriate, counter the driver’s mood, in order to best suit the driver’s needs. It’s all part of Mercedes’s latest ‘MB.OS’ operating system being developed in-house, and first appearing in the new Mercedes E-Class

New audio soundtrack tuned by will.i.am

Along with the AI tech, Mercedes debuted its new synthetic driving soundtrack system, called MBUX Sound Drive. Similar tech is appearing more frequently in EVs, as the lack of engine noise provides an opportunity for manufacturers to develop a bespoke, artificial soundtrack. Jointly developed by Mercedes-AMG and singer/producer will.i.am, the system plays a dynamic soundtrack whilst driving that’s matched to the driver’s accelerator, braking and steering inputs. Mercedes claims it will allow the driver to “experience music in a different way when driving the car” and provide something “very emotional”.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Other enhancements to the MBUX software include refined audio quality for audiobooks, an updated ‘Surround Navigation’ system with improved 3D graphics, and the inclusion of video game streaming service Antstream Arcade, allowing passengers to play retro gaming titles on the infotainment screen.

Chief Technology Officer, Marcus Schäfer, claims Mercedes is “Using the digital world to personalise the car, writing our own software and using AI to enhance things for the customer experience. We’re looking at a holistic experience - it’s the audio, the video, touch, even the smelling, using all of your senses.”

Want to know more about in-car infotainment systems? Read our guides to Apple CarPlay and Android Auto…

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

About to spend £60k on an Audi Q6 e-tron? Try these alternatives and save over £20k
Audi Q6 e-tron front 3/4 tracking
News
26 Sep 2024

About to spend £60k on an Audi Q6 e-tron? Try these alternatives and save over £20k

Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, starts from around £40k
Peugeot 3008 front quarter driving
News
13 Sep 2024

Peugeot 3008 plug-in hybrid joins the lineup, starts from around £40k

Updated Skoda Fabia, Scala, and Kamiq get small price bump, more kit
Skoda Edition trims
News
12 Sep 2024

Updated Skoda Fabia, Scala, and Kamiq get small price bump, more kit

Volvo to update 2.5m cars with easier-to-use Google-based infotainment
Volvo infotainment upgrade
News
5 Sep 2024

Volvo to update 2.5m cars with easier-to-use Google-based infotainment

Most Popular

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV
Renault 5 front quarter
In-depth reviews
7 Oct 2024

Renault 5 review – iconic supermini reinvented as an EV

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
11 Oct 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s best PCP finance offers

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV
Vauxhall Grandland front quarter driving
In-depth reviews
9 Oct 2024

Vauxhall Grandland review – better than before and available as an EV

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
26 Mar 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: the complete guide

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps
Charging station
Tips and advice
23 Jul 2024

Electric car charging stations: public networks, charger types, apps and maps

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?
PCP vs HP
Tips and advice
17 May 2022

PCP vs HP – which type of car finance is right for you?

Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Average speed cameras: how do they work?
Tips and advice
21 Mar 2024

Average speed cameras: how do they work?

Best cars

View All
Top 10 best car interiors
Peugeot 208 hatchback
Best cars
25 Jun 2021

Top 10 best car interiors

Top 10 best electric cars 2024
Best electric cars
Best cars
16 May 2024

Top 10 best electric cars 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024
The best cheap-to-run cars 2023
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

Top 10 best cheap-to-run cars 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024
Fastest hot hatchbacks hero
Best cars
2 Jan 2024

The UK's top 10 fastest hot hatchbacks 2024