Autonomous Vehicles, Entertainment: Mercedes-Benz Debuts a New Operating System in the Automobility Cosmos

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Mercedes-Benz today in California detailed plans to become the architect and owner of its own operating system –  MB.OS, which will be introduced mid-decade with a new MMA platform (Mercedes Modular Architecture). It’s a new purpose-built “chip-to-cloud architecture” that will be central to every future product with what is promised to be breakthrough software capabilities.

This is only one aspect of a visionary program intended to bolster the stated Mercedes-Benz desire to remain a preeminent luxury brand. Moreover, both are advanced aspects – or aspirations – of what the auto industry and its products are heading toward: a software defined vehicle and user experience, as well as the comprehensive use of data collection and artificial intelligence that will enable autonomous vehicles, along with ongoing software over-the air updates for entertainment feeds, traffic  alerts, subscription services, EV charging availability and range, among other aspects of a connected car from a connected car company and its connected dealers and other connected vendors.

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Such a smart trek, so to speak, can’t ventured solo. MB is working with Google Cloud’s AI (artificial intelligence) and Machine Learning capabilities to embed it features and maps. There are more collaborative ventures with key tech players in hardware and software as well – – in an ambitious exploration of the luxury universe. Such a cosmos comes with region-specific content spanning music, video, gaming delivered on a full-width interior screen with immersive sound and voice control activation.

This forthcoming universe is also populated with autonomous machines and functions. Mercedes-Benz is planning enhanced SAE Level 2 autonomous driving tailored to urban use cases, and offering SAE Level 3 ultimately at speeds of up to 130 km/h; all powered by the NVIDIA DRIVE platform and machine learning.

Key here is that MB.OS will be designed and developed in-house to retain control over the customer relationship, ensure data privacy, and to leverage the unique integration of all car functions, Mercedes claimed. Mercedes-Benz also plans to build its own branded navigation using new in-car geospatial data and navigation capabilities from the Google Maps Platform.

At the same time in Stuttgart, Mercedes released details of the new 2024 model year E-Class with an extensively revised electronic architecture that allows a “comprehensive user experience” using fast data transfer speeds with 5G technology, and myriad new, intelligent functions in interior systems. The entertainment program in the E-Class is more interactive than ever. There is a new compatibility layer that allows the installation of third-party apps⁴. The following apps are available on the central display at launch of the E-Class⁵: TikTok, the game Angry Birds, the collaboration app Webex, the video conferencing app Zoom and the web browser Vivaldi. In addition, the optional ZYNC entertainment portal⁶ offers video streaming, on-demand content, interactive experiences, sports, news, games and much more on the central and passenger displays, via one user interface.

Another new feature is a selfie and video camera (part of the optional MBUX Superscreen) on top of the dashboard⁷. When the vehicle is stationary, the driver⁸ can participate in online video conferences via Webex or Zoom, and take photos and videos.

Is the Force with Mercedes-Benz?

If it works as planned, and the force is with it, MB.OS will provide tangible benefits from its full access to all vehicle domains: infotainment, automated driving, body & comfort, driving & charging. This strategic approach allows the world’s most valuable luxury automotive brand, according to “Best Global Brands 2022,” to offer its customers a differentiated, superior product experience. (autoinformed.com on ifs: Another Tesla Self-Driving Recall; Budget Changes EV Rental Terms. Singles out Tesla; Tech-Aches – J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Vehicle Dependability Study; Duh – New Vehicle Quality Determined by Working Technology J.D. Power Says)

“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 have full upgrade-ability and constant improvements,” said Ola Källenius, Chief Executive Officer, Mercedes-Benz at the California presentation.

Inevitable Mercedes Footnotes

1. To use the Mercedes me connect services, a personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the terms of use for the Mercedes me connect services are required. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first.
2. To use 5G, the optional Entertainment package including comfort data volume from a third-party provider (valid for 12 months) or the customer’s own data volume is required.
3. The speed and availability of the data connection will vary depending on such factors as the network coverage at the vehicle’s location.
4. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first. Use of the entertainment package also requires the customer’s own data volume. In order to use certain apps via the Mercedes me connect service, a separate customer-specific contract with app provider may be required.
5. An app package is planned for the market launch. The apps may vary over the lifecycle of the E-Class. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first.
6. To use ZYNC, an active Mercedes-Benz me account and the MBUX Entertainment Plus package are required. This is currently available for one year free of change from the original booking, and can subsequently be renewed on payment of a fee via the Mercedes me Portal (country-specific variations possible).
7. New technologies must always meet the legal requirements of the different markets, and must therefore be adapted accordingly. We are currently looking into the approval situation in this respect.
8. At a later date, camera functions will also be possible for the front passenger.
9. The functions described are visions for the future, some of which are not yet available and will depend on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the respective market.
10. The Mercedes-Benz driving assistance and safety systems are aids, and do not relieve the driver of his or her responsibility. The driver should follow the instructions in the Owner’s Manual and the system limits described therein.
11. Part of the optional Driving Assistance Plus package
12. In order to use the online music service “Apple Music”, a personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Mercedes me connect Terms of Use are required. A mobile data connection is also required. Customers can purchase the required data volume from a mobile network operator (MNO) via the Mercedes me portal, or use it via their smartphone data tariff by tethering. The use of Dolby Atmos results in increased data volume consumption.
13. A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes me connect services are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed on payment of a fee, provided they are still offered for the corresponding vehicle at that point. First activation of the services is possible within one year from first vehicle registration or commissioning by the customer, whichever comes first. Use of MBUX Entertainment Plus also requires the customer’s own data volume.
14. An app package is planned for the market launch. The apps may vary over the lifecycle of the E-Class.
15. New technologies must always meet the legal requirements of the different markets, and must therefore be adapted accordingly. We are currently looking into the approval situation in this respect.
16. The functions described represent visions of the future, some of which are not yet available and will depend on the respective vehicle model, the individual configuration and the particular market.
17. This function is not yet available at the market launch of the E-Class.
18. Compatible Smartwatches from Garmin are the prerequisite.