Mercedes-Benz has just revealed the interior of the new E-Class sedan with a focus on the company's latest infotainment interface. The company is also previewing its next-generation system, which will be the result of a partnership with Google.
The 2024 Mercedes-Benz E-Class interior won't revolutionize the brand's tech or styling but will build on what the company is already doing. Front and centre is the new Mercedes-Benz Superscreen, which is the successor to the Hyperscreen. The optional feature will combine the digital dash, large centre screen, and a new passenger screen into one full-width bezel.
More than just looking sleek and cool, the Superscreen will add new content and features, thanks to new computing power. A new central computer handles functions that were previously handled by multiple machines. That speeds up internal networking and allows faster data streaming between devices. Mercedes says that more software and less hardware means easier and more individual system updates going forward.
One of the cool new features is a selfie camera and video camera mounted to the Superscreen dashboard. The camera can be used for photos on the road, and it will also allow in-car video conferencing when you're parked. The system will also have new sound visualizations through the ambient lighting system, games like Angry Birds, and programs including TikTok.
The updated MBUX system will learn what comfort systems are regularly used and help turn them into automated routines. The same system will let you link functions into one command. Mercedes suggests elaborate commands like "switch on the seat heating and set the ambient lighting to warm orange if the interior temperature is below 12 degrees Celsius."
Mercedes-Benz's new partnership with Google takes place on two levels, one immediately and the other down the road.
In the near term, Mercedes-Benz will adapt in-car navigation from Google Maps into its own system. Starting right away, that means POI details will be coming to MBUX vehicles through an update. Going forward, it means vehicles using the current MBUX system will get more Google features including apps, all with a Mercedes-Benz interface.
From 2025, there will be an all-new generation Mercedes-Benz operating system. Called MB.OS, it will be the system behind the future version of MBUX. The system will be designed with a Mercedes-specific interface but even more Android integration.
The new OS will provide better app integration, allow more third-party apps, and make it easier for the company to add future tech partners. Benz says the new app integration will perform better than the current system, which mirrors apps instead of running them itself. The MB.OS will also support Level 2 and Level 3 autonomous driving capabilities. The former in urban areas, the latter at highway speeds up to 130 km/h.
MB.OS will also allow better EV and navigation integration. Much like Volvo's Google built-in system, it will help make range indications more precise, work better to suggest charging stops, and recalculate range in real time based on weather, traffic, and other info.
And, of course, Mercedes-Benz expects to be able to generate revenue from the services the new system provides. The existing MBUX system brought in more than 1 billion euros last year, and Benz expects to make that much in profits by 2025.
