Mercedes-Benz recently unveiled a new and improved infotainment system to their cars. The technology was announced earlier this month by the company at the Las Vegas Consumer Electronics Show. The Mercedes-Benz User Experience, or MBUX, is the shorthand for the technology. It easily surpasses other infotainment systems in high-end vehicles.
German Innovation
When creating their AI systems, other luxury vehicle manufacturers have also partnered with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Mercedes’ complex, rotary-controlled infotainment system Command has been criticized in the past. Mercedes responded to criticism by creating a system that is unlike any consumer AI. MBUX, unlike Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa, is an interactive experience for the next generation.
The Experience
MBUX can be described as an experience and not a system. It’s all-encompassing and user-friendly. It rivals a personal assistant. The system was designed to be intuitive for both driver and the car. Since its inception, Mercedes has been synonymous with luxury. The company is on the right track to be a leader in next-generation technology with the addition of MBUX.
User Interface
Two large screens are featured in the system, which is not unlike the vehicles of the past. The main hub is on the left, while the menu and instruments are on the right. The screens can now be controlled via the steering wheel and respond to touch. Touch screens function in a similar way to smartphones. They can be swiped and tapped, which reduces the learning curve. The Command system was based on voice activation and a touchpad for controls. This made it a more complicated interface. Voice control is still possible with a simple “Hey Mercedes” command.
Learning
MBUX is the only system that can learn about the user. The system can suggest the best time to call your spouse if you are a driver who calls home every day from work. The mapping system is the same. The map can be used to determine the driver’s route to work and provide real-time traffic updates.
MBUX’s innovative feature is indirect speech. Competitor systems require users to say, “Set temperature at 65 degrees.” Mercedes’s system requires that the user says, “Hey Mercedes! I’m cold!” The system then responds by gradually increasing the temperature inside the vehicle.
The same principle applies to weather. One Mercedes executive asked: “Can you wear flip-flops tomorrow?” This is the pride of Mercedes developers. It is also very good at understanding non-native speakers.
Outside Sensors
The vehicle’s navigation sensors look like they were lifted from a sci-fi movie. MBUX uses HEREmap data to load the system instead of using an ordinary mapping system. Navigation transforms into augmented reality by superimposing images taken from the front camera onto your navigation display. The touch screen will display arrows and house numbers, directing you to your destination.
Other navigation services include parking costs and fuel prices at nearby gas stations, as well as parking locations and costs. The navigation system is currently in need of manual updates. Soon, the manual system will receive over-air updates.
Mercedes Me
Mercedes Me is an app that MBUX launched. The system can be installed on the driver’s smartphone. The app can help you locate your vehicle in crowded parking lots or report if it has been stolen. MBUX is more advanced than other systems that offer similar apps. Mercedes Me will notify the driver if the vehicle is towed away or bumped into. It also syncs with your smartphone’s calendar. The app can notify drivers when it’s time to leave if a driver has a meeting within one hour. It also takes into consideration current traffic conditions.
Mercedes’ Changing Market
A report showing that the average age of European Mercedes drivers has fallen by 13 years led to many of improvements. Compact class drivers have the highest proportion of young drivers, so it’s not surprising that the MBUX system was installed first in this group. Interactive AI is a great way to attract young drivers.
The company has updated the interiors for the compact class, in addition to the MBUX system which is millennial-friendly. The older, more traditional design has been replaced by a modern and curvy dashboard. Ambient lighting and sporty air vents have been added to the interior. Modern luxury is the best description of the interior. It is also combined with user experience personalization, which is what millennials want most.
Limited Edition
MBUX, along with the company’s compact cars, will be available this spring. The A-Class hatchback will be available in Europe for a limited time. Most likely, the U.S. models are available by Fall 2018. The US has been a strong market for Mercedes-Benz since its inception. MBUX, the new interior and sleek exterior will make it more likely that younger drivers in the U.S. will be attracted to the dealerships. Mercedes has created an exceptional driving experience.
