Skip advert
Advertisement
Tips and advice

What is MBUX?

We explain why the MBUX infotainment system from Mercedes-Benz is a game-changer

The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX as it’s most commonly described is an advanced multimedia infotainment system that’s fitted to several of the German premium manufacturers’ latest models.

The system made its debut in the new A-Class launched in 2018 and has been rolled out on other models since. It’s rare for any significant new Mercedes technology to make its debut in anything less than the S-Class flagship saloon. The fact that the A-Class was used to showcase it demonstrates its mass appeal to a tech-savvy younger crowd.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Should you buy an Audi, Mercedes or BMW?

Mercedes describes MBUX as a revolutionary infotainment system, and by automotive standards, it is just that. While previous infotainment operating systems from Mercedes and other brands have tended to rely on pretty low-spec computer processors with relatively clunky responses, Mercedes has pushed the boat out with the MBUX processing capacity. It’s fast, responsive, and has effective voice control and cloud connectivity, it really does move MBUX into the realms of a top-level smartphone-style user experience.

As with other modern infotainment systems, MBUX can control various vehicle settings, including everything from seat positions, ambient lighting setting to driving modes. It also controls in-car entertainment, your mobile phone calls, contacts and diary, plus navigation if you have that option.

What does the MBUX hardware look like?

The new infotainment system comes as standard with two seven-inch TFT screens – one in the centre of the dashboard, and the other in front of the driver where it replaces the regular dial cluster. However, if you want to get the full MBUX effect it’s worth upgrading to the Premium equipment pack which gives you a pair of larger 10.25-inch screens, joined together with a sweeping glass dash panel, that really does give the dashboard a space-age look. Sharp, beautifully designed graphics and multiple customisation options add to the feeling that MBUX is really something rather special.

Unlike the COMAND infotainment system found in older cars, the MBUX infotainment system doesn’t have a control wheel in the centre console. Instead, it has an easy to use touchpad, and you can also get touch control for the central display screen, and soft-touch controls on the steering wheel. However, much of the functionality can be mastered using the LINGUATRONIC voice control system, and MBUX is also notable for its capacity for learning your personal preferences. Offering suggestions and help with frequently driven routes or destinations, music choices and car system settings.

‘Hey Mercedes’ – MBUX artificial intelligence makes your car a friend

One of the key aspects of MBUX is that it comes with a virtual assistant, that works via the cloud to provide a similar service to Amazon Echo or Apple’s Siri. The system can be woken with a simple ‘hey Mercedes’ or ‘Hi Mercedes.” As long as you’re connected to the mobile phone network, you can ask your car which team won the FA Cup in 1985, or for the location of the nearest restaurant.

The MBUX assistant is always active, even if the mobile network connection drops, and so will respond to requests for changes to cabin temperature, or entertainment system commands such as ‘I feel cold’ or ‘play my favourite track’.

Among other things, it can also respond to requests to change the seat positions and driving modes, and even the 64 different shades of ambient lighting in the A-Class, so it’s worth deep-diving into the MBUX user manual to get the best out of it!

MBUX navigation – including What3Words

With exceptionally clear graphics, 3-D navigation mapping, a switched on personal assistant to second-guess your destination choices, and even an enhanced reality display that overlays direction instructions over a screen showing the actual road ahead, there’s plenty to admire about the MBUX navigation offering – although it is an extra cost option. One clever feature is the integration of the What3Words mapping system to make entering destinations simpler, which is particularly helpful when you’re trying to meet people at places you’re not familiar with.

Want to know more about the latest MBUX equipped models? Why not read our reviews of the Mercedes A-Class hatchback and Mercedes GLE SUV.

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door
BMW M235 Gran Coupe front quarter
News
26 Nov 2024

New BMW 2 Series Gran Coupe: details and first drive of the sleek executive four-door

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers
Carbuyer best new car deals hero
Deals
29 Nov 2024

Best new car deals 2024: this week’s Black Friday offers

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades
2025 Toyota Yaris front quarter
News
29 Nov 2024

2025 Toyota Yaris announced with minor upgrades

Tips & advice

View All
Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?
Car dashboard symbols and meanings
Tips and advice
21 Oct 2024

Car dashboard warning lights: what does each symbol mean?

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