Mercedes-Benz wants to improve the digital experience in the S-Class with a range of new functions delivered via over-the-air updates to the MBUX infotainment system. These updates enhance navigation, expand the voice assistant, and integrate new digital features.Mercedes-Benz AG
For the 2025 model year, Mercedes-Benz refines its automotive flagship with expanded personalisation options, a smarter infotainment experience powered by AI, and an enhanced Drive Pilot.
Mercedes-Benz is enhancing the S-Class with targeted updates for the 2025 model year. Highly automated driving will be available at higher speeds in Germany. New colours and materials expand personalisation options, while the infotainment system responds intelligently to the driver.
Drive Pilot can take over the driving task under certain conditions. Until now, this was limited to speeds up to 60 km/h in traffic jams. Now, in Germany, Drive Pilot can operate at speeds of up to 95 km/h in regular traffic flow behind another vehicle in the right-hand lane. This allows customers to drive in automated mode more often and for longer.
The system is built with redundancy—critical functions like power supply, steering, and braking have backup components. According to the German manufacturer, it can always return control to the driver if necessary. If he or she does not respond, Drive Pilot initiates a safe emergency stop, controlled to minimise risk to following traffic. More than 35 sensors, including cameras, radars, ultrasonic sensors, and LIDAR, are used. These operate based on different physical principles, creating redundancies for precise real-time environmental perception. From SAE Level 3 onward, Mercedes-Benz considers LIDAR essential for safe automated driving.
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A positioning system, in combination with detailed digital maps, enables Drive Pilot to determine the vehicle’s exact location in its lane. To increase transparency for other road users, Mercedes-Benz is currently testing turquoise-coloured indicator lights in the U.S. and Germany, which signal the system status of the automated driving feature.
Enhanced infotainment and navigation
Mercedes-Benz wants to improve the digital experience in the S-Class with a range of new functions delivered via over-the-air updates to the MBUX infotainment system. These updates enhance navigation, expand the voice assistant with artificial intelligence, and integrate new digital features—creating an even smarter and more intuitive driving experience.
Not an unusual name in Germany: The famous engineer might not be addressed here, but 'Carl Benz' serves as the German equivalent of 'Joe Public'.Mercedes-Benz AG
According to the manufacturer, the integration of ChatGPT into the MBUX voice assistant via Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service enables more natural and versatile voice interactions: drivers can access general knowledge, receive current updates via Microsoft Bing, and hold contextual conversations—all without taking their hands off the wheel. The system is activated by the key phrase “Hey Mercedes”. It can answer follow-up questions and maintain ongoing conversations.
Navigation is also visually enhanced: Google satellite view provides a high-resolution bird’s-eye perspective. The entertainment offering has also been expanded: the Premium Entertainment Package is now available via the Mercedes-Benz Store. Customers can access popular streaming services like the YouTube web app and Sony Pictures Entertainment’s Ridevu directly in the vehicle.
