The new A-Class is the first Mercedes-Benz model to feature the completely new multimedia system MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience, which also ushers in a new era in Mercedes me connectivity.
The name MBUX – Mercedes-Benz User Experience for the new infotainment system signifies that the user experience (UX: has first priority. A unique feature of this system is its ability to learn thanks to artificial intelligence. MBUX can be individualised and adapts to suit the user. It thus creates an emotional connection between the vehicle and driver. Moreover, new content can be transmitted “over the air” as updates.
Its further strengths include the high-resolution Widescreen cockpit with touchscreen operation of the media display, the navigation display with augmented reality technology (optional) plus intelligent voice control with natural speech recognition, which is activated with the words “Hey Mercedes”.
Its highlight is the comprehensive touch operation concept – the combination of a touchscreen, touchpad on the centre console and touch control buttons in the steering wheel. In addition to the intuitive operating experience, less driver distraction is another advantage.
Operation is horizontal and makes optimum use of the ten-inch media display’s widescreen format. As on a stage, a space is created which not only sets standards visually, but also supports navigation between the individual information levels.
The operating system of the free-standing Widescreen cockpit comprises three levels with increasing information density: On the first level, for example, is what is known as the Homescreen. This is where, alongside the freely selectable main applications (e.g. telephone, navigation and radio), the most important information (such as arrival time, song currently being played etc.) is displayed.
The next level – the Basescreen – with the display and controls for the currently selected main application (such as Media and Navigation), is only one step away. The most important information and control options for the given applications are attractively presented at this level. Important functions such as destination or music search are grouped at the bottom edge of the screen.
For seldom-used information and settings there is the Submenu on the final level. In Fullscreen Mode the entire area of the instrument cluster is used for displaying Assistance, Journey or Navigation:
Augmented reality: navigation with information on the video image
The hard-disc navigation available for MBUX on the basis of HERE map data predicts destinations in advance, suggests interesting destinations (POIs – Points of Interest) or navigates to the next filling station. The onboard navigation also works without an online connection.
Map display supplemented by augmented reality is a completely new feature. A video image of the surroundings taken with the aid of the front camera is augmented with helpful navigation information, for example arrows or house numbers are automatically superimposed directly onto the touchscreen of the media display. This makes it easier for the driver to search for a certain house number, or to find the correct side road for turning off.
Modular structure: MBUX functions
The MBUX functions are modular in structure, so that the precise needs of different customers and markets can be met. They are based on three pillars:
Basic variant: As standard this has two 7-inch (17.78 cm) displays for the instrument cluster and media display with a touchscreen, multifunction sport steering wheel with touch control buttons on the left and right, a USB interface (Type C), Bluetooth® connection for telephony and audio sources.
Extended version: As standard this has extended MBUX functions including personalisation, a predictive function and theme worlds, a wifi hotspot.
Larger media display (10.25-inch/26 cm). The extended MBUX functions can be ordered in addition.
At extra cost, customers opting for the extended version or the larger instrument cluster are able to order e.g. a touchpad, HD navigation (including three years of Live Traffic, Car-to-X communication and map updates), a head-up display and a Burmester® surround sound system.
Other navigation-specific optional equipment such as augmented reality, Traffic Sign Assist and navigation services can be ordered on top.
The larger instrument cluster display (10.25-inch) is available as an option with the large media display.
Source: Mercedes-Benz
