Anyone who buys a new car has heard the term ‘infotainment’ which refers to a system of both entertainment and information. In-vehicle infotainment (IVI) contains radio, navigation, cameras, voice, gesture commands, touchscreen displays, audio, and video controls not only to the driver but also to the passengers. These systems also give the driver an opton to connect their smartphones and can be applicable for Apple Car Play and Android Auto giving them access to even take calls.
The New MBUX Hyperscreen
The all-new electric GLC marks a turning point in the midsize segment, and leads the way with an elevated design language and intelligence powered by the AI-driven MB.OS superbrain. MBUX Hyperscreen now has a floating screen that stretches from pillar to pillar. With a screen size of 99.3 cm (39.1 inches), it is the largest display ever fitted to a Mercedes-Benz till date. It boasts superior clarity to the previous versions and vivid colour due to a high resolution and innovative matrix backlight technology with over 1,000 individual LEDs. It also features intelligent zone dimming, which allows for the simultaneous adjustment of two display areas via sliders. This means key information is always clear and accessible, reducing distraction and enhancing comfort on every journey. Mercedes-Benz has filed a patent for this groundbreaking technology.
The New Mercedes-Benz Operating System
The interior design unifies the centre console and instrument panel. Depending on the options selected, the console integrates up to two trays for inductive and rapid smartphone charging, followed by a new hard‑key control strip (including hazard warning button). The Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS) integrates and controls every aspect of the vehicle from infotainment and automated driving to body comfort and charging. At the heart of this system lies advanced artificial intelligence, enabling the vehicle to learn driver preferences, adapt to changing conditions and make decisions in real time for a safer, more intuitive experience. This AI-driven superbrain interacts naturally with occupants, ensuring a seamless and intelligent journey.
The MB.OS leverages extremely powerful chips capable of 254 trillion operations per second. As an option, the sky control panoramic roof is available with switchable glass and ambient lighting that illuminates 162 stars in the night sky, and can be operated via voice, touch or gesture. Another update comes in the form of connectivity, users had to use Apple Car Play and Android Auto and connect their smartphone to the infotainment system. But with the new MBUX Entertainment Plus they can now install apps from various third-party providers directly within Mercedes-Benz and personalise them.
The new GLC uses the fourth generation MBUX system, a world’s first first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence from both Microsoft and Google giving personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle. The MBUX Virtual Assistant uses a “Multi Agent Approach” where the driver can talk the system, and it can provide detailed responses. For the front passenger, the system includes over 40 appications, and video streaming services. The only drawback of this system is the amount of energy it uses. To put it into perspective, an AMG V8 engine uses less energy.
The new MBUX Hyperscreen is a modern technology that merges multiple displays into a single glass panel. Though, some may find the use of touch screen unnecessary if compared to the the use of physical buttons where drivers can feel the vibration. It does raise an important question whether so much screen is necessary or is it only diverting the minds of the drivers. It makes us realise that innovation does come with substitutions.
