When introducing a new model, car companies often mention how it was designed from ‘the inside out’. Now the Mercedes-Benz PR people are also taking that approach in introducing the next generation of one of their core models, the E-Class. The first official pictures and details of the new W 214 series, to be launched later in the year, are not of the exterior but the inside.
In particular, Mercedes-Benz is providing a preview of the cabin appearance and all the digital innovations customers can expect. The electronic architecture is more software-driven and less hardware-driven, which allows for more individual updating of the interior systems in the future.
The MBUX Superscreen
While the dimensions have not been given, the MBUX Superscreen will have a large glass surface over the entire dashboard. Visually detached from this is the high-resolution instrument cluster display in the driver’s field of vision. The instrument panel shapes the digital experience in the interior and has newly designed icons colour-coded to match smartphone tiles.
The contour of the cover glass is dynamic in design. For the central display, the glass surface is extended downwards accordingly. The profile becomes flat towards the outer edges. A narrow nozzle band nestles against the upper contour of the glass surface, connecting the central nozzle with the outer nozzles to form a single unit.
More advanced electronic architecture
As in other models, the centrepiece is the MBUX Infotainment system which has reached the third generation and is powered by a new, very powerful central onboard computer. This is a departure from before where computing functions in different domains (including the screens) were processed separately. This new and more unified form of networking improves performance as the data streams can be transmitted significantly faster.
Perhaps in anticipation of reduced driving involvement in future as cars operate more autonomously, entertainment for the occupants has been given a lot of attention. In the new E-Class, Mercedes-Benz will offer an immersive entertainment experience with music, games and streaming content and greater interaction.
Seeing and feeling sound
The immersive aspect will be achieved for three senses – sight, sound and touch (perhaps taste and smell will come in future too!). With the new Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation, occupants in the cabin can hear and see audio and visual content and even feel it (by means of sound resonating transducers in the optional Burmester 4D surround sound system).
Visualisation takes place on the light strip of the Active Ambient Lighting. For example, fast sequences of beats can cause rapid light changes, while flowing rhythms can create softly merging lighting moods. It remains to be seen if this feature will be appreciated or found to be a distraction.
TikTok and ‘Angry Bird’ on the dashboard
In recent times, with the availability of Apple Car Play or Android Auto connectivity, smartphone apps have been mirrored on the centre display and can be accessed on the touchscreen. With the E-Class, the software experts at Mercedes-Benz have developed a new compatibility layer that allows the installation of third-party apps. Initially, these are TikTok, the ‘Angry Birds’ game, Webex collaboration application, Zoom, and Vivaldi browser. In addition, the ZYNC entertainment portal will offers video streaming and on-demand content on the central and passenger displays.
For those who need to have face-to-face interactions with friends or while having online meetings, there’s a selfie and video camera (part of the optional MBUX Superscreen) on top of the dashboard. If the driver wants to participate in the video conferences, the vehicle has to be stationary for obvious safety reasons.
There are also various measures taken to reduce the risk of distraction for the driver from the display which the front passenger views dynamic content on. Intelligent technology is used for a ‘visual shield’ which prevents the content from being seen peripherally by the driver. The concept is a great advancement over the SplitView LCD which was in the S-Class 14 years ago and presented two different displays on one screen.
Relaxed and fresh for the board meeting
As for seating comfort, customers will be able to order their new E-Class with options such as ENERGIZING COMFORT and THERMOTRONIC with Digital Vent Control. These have a comprehensive wellness programme with soothing sounds, mobilising massage and activating light to help a passenger relax during the journey and arrive fresh to attend a board meeting or a enjoy round of golf.
The E-Class will also see the debut of a new feature – the Motion sickness prevention programme (within ENERGIZING COMFORT). Also helping to reduce stress will be a bio‑feedback offered with for the ENERGIZING COACH in the medium term.
