The Next Mercedes-Benz E-Class Will Preview a New Operating System

• Mercedes-Benz has developed its own proprietary operating system (MB.OS).

• It will allow access to Google features and enhance the infotainment experience.

• The new Benz E-Class will be the first to offer it later this year.

Mercedes-Benz has previewed the new E-Class interior, and it is jaw-dropping. Though it resembles the existing new EQS’ and EQS SUV’s, it is updated and even more advanced. This is possible thanks to Mercedes-Benz’s own operating system MB.OS and it will debut with the new E-Class later this year.

The nearly fully digital dashboard, when equipped with the optional front passenger screen, is a sight to behold. The new E-Class will offer customers a truly immersive entertainment experience with a new level of intelligence, personalization, and interaction thanks to the latest iteration of Mercedes’ MBUX technology. The electronic architecture is now more software-driven than hardware-driven, allowing for individual updates to the interior systems in the future.

Music, games, and streaming content can all be enjoyed within the car, making for a truly unique driving experience. It begins with a new simpler layout with colour-coded tiles to match those of a smartphone.

Through the central and passenger displays, occupants can now experience music with three senses thanks to the Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualization feature. With this innovative technology, pieces of music and sounds from films or apps can be not only heard (with Dolby Atmos technology if desired) but also felt through sound resonating transducers in the optional Burmester 4D surround sound system. Additionally, the music can now be “seen” through the ambient lighting, creating a truly immersive audio-visual experience that engages multiple senses at once.

While this might be entertaining, Mercedes-Benz is continuously exploring the use of artificial intelligence (AI) to enable the car to learn from its occupants. This will result in a personalized automation experience, with AI automating functions based on given circumstances. The innovation is known as “routine” and is already in the advanced stages of development. Customers of the new E-Class will have access to templates for standard routines upon launch, but also have the option to create their own routines by linking several functions and conditions.

Relatedly, as an option, and for total comfort, Mercedes-Benz will present ENERGIZING COMFORT and ENERGIZING COACH programs using light, sound, and massaging functions. Furthermore, a Motion Sickness Prevention program will become available. And finally, the optional THERMOTRONIC automatic climate control will come with Digital Vent Control that adjusts front air vents to a desired ventilation scenario based on user profiles set on a seat-by-seat basis.

And for those who are still bored or have work to do, the new selfie and video camera feature located on top of the dashboard, will allow drivers to participate in online video conferences or take personal photos and videos when the vehicle is stationary. Additionally, MBUX offers more operating convenience with its “Just Talk” function that enables intelligent voice control without using the keyword “Hey Mercedes”.

The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)

Mercedes-Benz’s new purpose-built, entirely proprietary, chip-to-cloud architecture, known as the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), promises to deliver exceptional software capabilities that will improve customer experience thanks to its ease of use. This innovative system will be central to every future product from Mercedes-Benz, making it something of a game-changer in the industry.

Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz, said: “At Mercedes-Benz, we are dedicated to building the world’s most desirable cars. Accordingly, we made the decision to be the architects of our own operating system – a unique chip-to-cloud architecture that leverages its full access to our vehicles’ hardware- and software components. By combining this in-house expertise with a selection of world-class partners, we will create an outstanding customer experience, from driving assistance, navigation, and entertainment, all the way to integrated charging. MB.OS will feature full upgradeability and constant improvements.”

To further enhance its technology, Mercedes-Benz has partnered with innovation leaders such as Google and other key tech players in hardware and software. This strategic collaboration aims to give Mercedes-Benz customers embedded access to Google features and maps while ensuring efficient development and rapid scaling.

Mercedes-Benz and Google have teamed up to create the next-generation navigation experience for drivers. Benz will build its own branded navigation using new in-car geospatial data and navigation capabilities from the Google Maps Platform. This partnership enables Mercedes-Benz to offer a driving experience that pairs the trusted, reliable information from Google Maps with its own unique luxury brand and feel. Customers can already access initial new features like Place Details provided by Google starting today.

One area where Mercedes-Benz is elevating the infotainment experience is by integrating best-in-class region-specific content spanning music, video, gaming, and productivity. With a full-width screen, immersive sound, and voice control activation, this feature promises to be vastly superior to smartphone mirroring.

Another aspect where Mercedes-Benz is advancing rapidly is automated driving. The company plans on enhancing SAE Level 2 functionalities tailored for urban use cases while ultimately offering SAE Level 3 at speeds of up to 130 km/h. All powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE platform and machine learning, this feature promises safety and convenience for drivers everywhere.

Mercedes-Benz also offers flexible upgrades through fully connectable vehicles that can share data and improve rapidly over time via OTA updates. Customers can expect new features via the app, web, or car.

Finally, unlocking financial opportunities through software-enabled revenues is an exciting prospect for Mercedes-Benz. By leveraging MB.OS expected productivity enhancements and speedier development timescales; these investments align with existing financial landscapes.

In conclusion, with MB.OS powering the cores of all Mercedes-Benz’s future products, from cars to trucks, it is possible that these innovations will revolutionize the automotive industry.

The launch of the E-Class will commence with its sedan model, with the first models of the 214 series expected to arrive at Canadian dealerships by the end of 2023.