Skip advert
Advertisement

Mercedes previews new MB.OS infotainment and software tech

New system will make its debut on MMA-based model from the middle of the decade, offering new infotainment, autonomous driving and “flexible upgrade” features

Mercedes EQXX dash

Mercedes has revealed initial details of its new MB.OS operating system that will become central to all of the brand’s future products once the tech makes its debut on an all-new car from the middle of the decade.

The MB.OS system is a full software suite that incorporates new infotainment, according to the brand – but it goes beyond this facet too, linking other areas of the car. Merc says it will partner with other tech firms – including access to Google features and Maps – while it will also offer music, video, gaming and productivity features. 

According to the German firm, the new MB.OS infotainment is “vastly superior to smartphone mirroring thanks to full-width screen, immersive sound and voice control activation.” Although the brand hasn’t given an indication of how this will look just yet, the dash display could mirror the set-up seen on the brand’s groundbreaking Vision EQXX concept car.

Advertisement - Article continues below

The German firm will partner with tech company Nvidia, utilising the Nvidia Drive platform for new autonomous driving features and assistance systems, with MB.OS delivering “enhanced Level 2 functionality tailored to urban use cases” (think assistance tech such as lane centring, adaptive cruise control etc.) while Level 3 (full self-driving in some situations) will be possible at up to 80mph. 

Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Mercedes also says that MB.OS will “offer flexible upgrades”. With over-the-air software update capability, Mercedes’ fleet of connected cars will be able to feed back data to improve certain features, but the firm also makes reference to customers being offered new features via app, web or car. Think subscription services, such as heated seats, for example, but also servicing and charging. 

These will be packaged into three bundles: MB.CONNECT, MB.CHARGE and MB.DRIVE. The former will integrate sat-nav, remote functions and other communications and entertainment tech and services, MB.CHARGE will give owners access to flexible charging tariffs depending on how much they drive as part of Mercedes’ plans to offer its own rapid-charge network, while MB.DRIVE relates to autonomous functions fitted to the car and from 2025 Mercedes says that certain features will be able to be upgraded over the car’s life.

Advertisement - Article continues below

This is reinforced by the brand’s aim for “unlocking financial opportunity” with the introduction of MB.OS. It’s no secret that Mercedes will focus more on profit margin rather than sales volumes in the future and will realign its range with a greater emphasis on luxury for its next generation of models. MB.OS will deliver “software-enabled revenues” for the company, it says.

“We are dedicated to building the world’s most desirable cars,” Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius said, adding “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 feature full upgradeability and constant improvements.”

The new model that will herald the arrival of the MB.OS platform will likely be an all-electric compact saloon car to rival the Tesla Model 3, which will be based on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture. Expect to see this car - and the new MB.OS tech - potentially revealed later this year.

Click here for all the latest on the Mercedes Vision EQXX...

Skip advert
Advertisement

Sean’s been writing about cars since 2010, having worked for outlets as diverse as PistonHeads, MSN Cars, Which? Cars, Race Tech – a specialist motorsport publication – and most recently Auto Express and sister titles Carbuyer and DrivingElectric

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond
Best new cars coming soon - header image

Best new cars coming soon: all the big new car launches due in 2025, 2026 and beyond

These are the biggest and most important new cars headed our way, from brands including Audi, BMW, Dacia, Ferrari, Ford, Skoda and more
Best cars & vans
1 Jan 2025
New Mercedes VAN.EA platform to underpin all new van models
Mercedes VAN.EA teaser image

New Mercedes VAN.EA platform to underpin all new van models

VAN.EA will herald a new all-electric era for Mercedes-Benz vans
News
13 Dec 2024
New Mercedes-AMG electric super-SUV getting in shape to fight Porsche Cayenne
Mercedes AMG electric super SUV teaser

New Mercedes-AMG electric super-SUV getting in shape to fight Porsche Cayenne

AMG’s new bespoke electric car platform will underpin the large high-performance SUV, as well as a sleek four-door GT
News
12 Dec 2024
Mercedes-AMG C 63, GLC 63 and GT 63 get Brabus power tweaks
New Brabus 750 GT, 730 C63 and 730 GLC 63 headshot

Mercedes-AMG C 63, GLC 63 and GT 63 get Brabus power tweaks

The performance upgrades promise to take the Mercedes-AMG range-topper’s driving experience to the ‘next level’.
News
10 Dec 2024

Most Popular

Plug-in hybrid cars are essentially pointless and in 2025 it’s high time we all accepted that
Opinion - PHEVs

Plug-in hybrid cars are essentially pointless and in 2025 it’s high time we all accepted that

Alex Ingram explains why he believes that PHEVs aren't all they're cracked up to be
Opinion
7 Jan 2025
New Peugeot 208 GTi aiming to be the next legendary French hot hatch
Peugeot 208 GTi render (watermarked) - front

New Peugeot 208 GTi aiming to be the next legendary French hot hatch

Stellantis’s UK boss Eurig Druce says Peugeot may go back to hot-hatch roots with sporty 208
News
9 Jan 2025
Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV
Dacia Bigster - reveal front

Dacia Bigster to hit UK streets fast as brand signals high hopes for the new SUV

UK brand director says buyers will not be left waiting for Bigster deliveries as they have been for Mk3 Duster
News
9 Jan 2025