Mercedes-Benz is teaming up with renowned musician will.i.am to bring a touch of music to their vehicles. The collaboration aims to create an interactive music experience using the second-generation MBUX system, set to be rolled out in mid-2024. This innovative system combines sensors and software to compose musical expressions in real-time, using the driver’s interaction with the vehicle. From recuperation to acceleration, steering to braking, every action will shape the musical notes.
In addition to the driver’s input, the MBUX Sound Drive system can also use in-car signals such as the rain sensors of the windscreen wipers to produce soothing rhythms during inclement weather, reducing stress and enhancing concentration.
Will.i.am expressed his excitement about the project at this year’s CES tech show in Las Vegas, stating, Imagine a world where your car can become an instrument creating musical journeys. MBUX Sound Drive enhances driving and sound technology, letting motorists reshape music just by driving. I’m excited to see how composers, producers, and songwriters will harness this to create new works and reimagine classics for motorists to drive to. MBUX Sound Drive is not only a new frontier for music creation but also opens up fresh, exciting, and interactive listening experiences for drivers.
This collaboration isn’t the first between will.i.am and Mercedes-Benz, as the musical artist previously co-designed a one-off Mercedes-AMG in May 2022, combining the front end of a G-Class with the rear of an AMG GT 4-Door.
In addition to the MBUX system, Mercedes-Benz has announced various other features and updates that will be added to their vehicles via over-the-air updates. From the first quarter of 2024, customers with access to Digital Extras, including E-Class owners, will have the opportunity to enjoy new applications, such as Microsoft Teams, booking.com, and Just Eat, through the MBUX interface. The carmaker also plans to integrate cloud-based retro gaming from Antstream Arcade.
Moreover, users will gain access to Sony Pictures Entertainment’s streaming service, Ridevu, allowing them to enjoy on-demand video content. From the third quarter of 2024, Mercedes-Benz will offer access to Audible and Amazon Music, including a wide range of podcasts, audiobooks, and music in Dolby Atmos. These features will be available for E-Class and CLE models equipped with the third-generation MBUX system.
Mercedes-Benz seized the opportunity to announce their new AI-powered software, set to provide a hyper-personalized user experience. The upgraded Hey Mercedes voice assistant aims to be the most human-like interface in any Mercedes-Benz vehicle to date. This natural and empathetic assistant can communicate with both the driver and passengers and has been designed to reflect different speaking styles, creating an increased sense of empathy. Additionally, it can take commands with or without the keyword Hey Mercedes and engage in conversations, as well as predict their path and query.
The software will use artificial intelligence-based learning to understand the driver’s routine and anticipate regular behavior, such as playing the news in the morning or activating a massage after work. Combining various vehicle features, the system can create a holistic user experience. For example, it can activate ambient lighting and a sound system to provide warm light and soft music to accompany a relaxing massage.
Mercedes-Benz is also introducing an advanced MBUX Surround Navigation feature that allows drivers to see what the car sees. The system will display objects around the vehicle, including potential hazards, at a glance. Drivers will find it easier to recognize surroundings like buildings, enhancing their overall awareness on the road.
Although Mercedes-Benz has not provided detailed information about how the new software works, one image from the announcement suggests that vehicles equipped with MB.OS will be able to use sensors to detect if children have been left unattended in the rear seats. The system can recognize breathing patterns in the vehicle and sound an alarm 10 seconds after the doors have been locked, alerting the driver to the presence of a child.
With this exciting collaboration with will.i.am and a host of new features and updates coming to Mercedes-Benz vehicles, the future of driving promises to be even more interactive and enjoyable.
