The arrival of the MercedesMBUX is confirmation of how infotainment systems have gained popularity in the automotive sector. This important technological explosion has allowed the development of connected and interactive vehicles, where the driver and other passengers have access to a multitude of functions and services both online and offline. At Mercedes Benz we know the importance of technology as a source for the development of advanced cars. And, for that reason, since 2018 our models have been equipped with the MBUX infotainment system.
What is the Mercedes Benz MBUX?
Mercedes Benz UsereXperience(MBUX) is the infotainment system available on all new Mercedes. Introduced by the A-Class in 2018, this new multimedia system premiumizes the user experience with the best connectivity solutions on the market. It has been developed with the next stage of connected cars in mind, providing occupants with access to all those essential services on board a Mercedes Benz.
The Mercedes Benz infotainment system is accessible through one or two screens. The one on the left acts as the digital instrument cluster (info), while the one on the right is for the multimedia section (entertainment). In most models, the screen on the right is touch-sensitive, while in all Mercedes Benz the system can be controlled via the multifunction steering wheel or the touchpad located on the lower center console.
How does the new infotainment system work?
The MBUX system is as easy as it is intuitive. It is designed to work like a cell phone, so the menus have been arranged as if they were the applications of a smartphone. The Mercedes Benz infotainment system includes artificial intelligence, so the system learns about the driver's tastes and preferences. This allows the MBUX to offer suggestions and anticipate the user's needs.
The left display shows the speedometer and rev counter, as well as the temperature and fuel level gauges. But it is also customizable. You can configure it in four different display styles - Classic, Sport, Advanced and Discreet -to find the one that best suits your personality and tastes. In addition, the tachometer dial can be configured to display vehicle status information, the navigator or your favorite music.
To the right of the steering wheel, the entertainment screen. This unit is fully touch-sensitive and integrates all the system options, in addition to the functions of the digital instrument panel. Here you can configure everything from the navigation system to the phone book. The settings, sound, radio or relevant information about the status of your Mercedes Benz. It also allows access to applications that you can download and climate control preferences.
Control it with your voice
MBUX is an infotainment system so advanced that you can control it with your voice. Just say two words to activate it: "Hey Mercedes". And your car is all ears. The intelligent system understands without you having to learn certain voice commands beforehand, and can talk to you. This technology can read your messages aloud, or take dictation and send them.
But that's not all. If you want to raise the climate control temperature, just say, "Hey Mercedes, I'm cold," and the voice assistant will automatically raise the degrees. Changing the radio station, turning the volume up or down, or finding a restaurant is as easy as saying, "Hey Mercedes, I'm hungry." Everything is at your voice's fingertips. All without taking your hands off the wheel or taking your eyes off the road.
In addition, it recognizes and interprets your hand and arm movements without direct contact. With their help, you can activate certain functions with a simple hand gesture. The system can differentiate between driver and passenger, both gestures and voice commands.
MBUX functions
The Mercedes Benz User Experience system encompasses the entire passenger compartment of your car. From the windshield to the rear seats. MBUX is responsible for operating the Head-Up-Display that projects information on the windshield and, in certain models such as the new Mercedes S-Class 2021, adds two additional entertainment screens in the rear seats. And also a tablet that allows control of the entire system.
With the Smartphone Integration kit, linking your cell phone to the multimedia system is very easy. MBUX is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing you to display your phone's basic functions on the car's screen. And when your cell phone battery is running low, the wireless charging point (for compatible devices) will charge the batteries again.
Themed areas, on the other hand, are designed to adapt different aspects of the vehicle to the driver's mood. A simple push of a button is all it takes to activate one of the preset programs. The images on the instrument cluster display of the media display as well as the ambient lighting and the driving mode are adapted. And if none of them match your preferences, you can set up a fully customized theme area.
The music you love at your fingertips thanks to the streaming services available. The MBUX system is permanently connected to the Internet, providing access to all these services. As a major innovation, augmented reality technology for navigation creates an immersive effect by superimposing navigation and traffic information on images recorded in real time.
Which models are equipped with the Mercedes Benz User Experience?
The entire range of new Mercedes Benz models includes some version of the MBUX infotainment system. The configurations are diverse, from a single horizontal display in the center console to two units in parallel.
The new generation of the Mercedes Benz multimedia system has debuted on the S-Class, which has been followed by the 2021 Mercedes C-Class. These new models sport an upright media display in the center console, accompanied by an instrument display behind the steering wheel.
MBUX tricks: discover all its features
Among the different functionalities and tricks of the MBUX are features that Mercedes Benz has added over time. For example, it is now possible to register an account with password, voice recognition, facial recognition or fingerprint, in which all your preferences will be stored. This is possible with the Mercedes me Connect app.
This application for mobile devices offers a practical assistant for remote parking (in compatible vehicles), car settings, remote access and navigation services, and maintenance and breakdown management, among many other features. Also noteworthy is the MBUX interior assistance system, capable of verifying whether the child seat is correctly positioned.
The multimedia system controls the ambient lighting to trigger alerts, for example, with blind spot monitoring or when overtaking. Now, in addition, a more informal voice assistant with a much closer tone has been integrated. This MBUX trick allows you to ask about the snow situation at your favorite ski resort, consult your horoscope or the 'geo-quiz' function, a questionnaire on the world's capitals.
It's all possible with Mercedes Benz User Experience, a system designed to enhance the in-vehicle experience. Welcome to the future!
