Mercedes-Benz has revealed details of the technical innovations coming to the interior of its 2023 E-Class saloon and estate.
Highlights inside the new executive car include extensive use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to help develop routines, along with a display screen for the front-seat passenger. Oh, and an integrated selfie camera.
The optional front-passenger screen will be able to display TV or video streaming content even when the car is in motion.
An advanced, camera-based ‘visual shield’ will prevent the driver from seeing what is being watched, or being distracted by the screen’s brightness.
Just ‘appy to be here
A key part of the updated MBUX infotainment system inside the new E-Class is a plethora of smartphone-style apps.
Included from launch are the TikTok social media app, along with the Angry Birds game, plus collaboration platforms Zoom and Webex.
The latter pair will be familiar to anyone who has worked from home in recent years. However, the optional MBUX Superscreen will create the potential for working from your (stationary) E-Class, too.
An integrated interior camera atop the dashboard allows for video conferencing, along with the potential to take selfies.
AI becomes a creature of habit
Mercedes-Benz wants the E-Class to learn and adapt to the routines of its driver through the use of AI.
Initially, this will involve the driver creating routines for themselves. For example, telling your E-Class to automatically turn on the heated seats and set ambient lighting to orange whenever the temperature drops below a certain level.
Over time, Mercedes wants the E-Class to notice and automate recurring tasks by itself. AI-generated routines will be limited to heating and ventilation initially, but their scope will be expanded in future.
The first completed examples of the new E-Class should reach European dealers this summer, with North American deliveries beginning in the autumn.
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