KUALA LUMPUR: The all-new S-Class will be the first car in the automaker’s lineup to feature the second-gen Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) infotainment system. The new S-Class is scheduled to make its debut later this year.

The second-gen MBUX system, in addition to the increased voice controls, takes over features formally controlled by hardware buttons. The new and improved package includes touch and gesture control, smartphone connectivity, automation settings, and security.

Let’s talk about each screen individually -

3D instrument cluster

It tracks the driver’s eye via stereo camera and can create a 3D-looking interface. The set includes a traditional LCD display along with an adjustable LCD aperture grille. For driver’s not interested in the 3D dash cluster, the system can be turned off.

Infotainment screen

In the S-Class, Mercedes has moved the 12.8-inch OLED display from the dash to the centre stack. The system is accompanied by new swiping and gesture controls. This screen has replaced the earlier 27 hard keys. So, if you are a fan of physical knob and buttons, it is not for you. For added convenience, the climate controls will always be available on the screen.

The screen layout is also improved, the latest MBUX version gets a table grid design, so no more swiping left and right to access features. According to Mercedes, the new system will have 50 percent more processing power than the predecessor.

Voice assistance

The voice assistant can now serve the driver better. Like it can point users to the location of the first aid kit and walking passengers via Bluetooth pairing. The system can take comments in 27 languages and can even answer general knowledge questions.

‘Hey Mercedes’ activated voice assistance is also present and can be operated by both front and rear passengers, as there are mics at both ends.

Rear screen (optional)

For added convenience, the S-Class offers three optional screens at the rear, two of which are positions behind the front headrests. Through these screens, passengers can share their media quickly by dragging and dropping action. Also, they can set and share a navigation destination without having to interrupt front-seat conversations.

Head-up Display (HUD)

The HUD gives the driver navigation augmented-reality treatment that we have seen in the MBUX-enabled Mercedes information system. The pop-up arrows are now in the driver’s eye line, making them useful and easy to navigate.

Security

The S-Class infotainment system uses a biometric security feature for logging into the Mercedes Me app to set the driver’s profile and purchases. Apart from a PIN, the system has a fingerprint sensor and two facial recognition cameras.

A Mercedes-Benz spokesperson told Car and Driver that existing owners with current MBUX version could catch hold of certain features (mentioned above) at the Mercedes Me store.

Also Read: Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia collaborated to develop self-driving technology