Mercedes drivers will soon experience enhanced interactions with their vehicles through a free update to the MBUX infotainment system. The upgrade integrates artificial intelligence, leveraging Microsoft Azure OpenAI and Bing web search to enable human-like conversations and deliver detailed answers to a variety of questions.

Mercedes screen

Compatible with over three million vehicles, the MBUX Voice Assistant can respond to inquiries about topics like pop culture, geography, science, and history, while also providing updates on weather, news, and sports. Drivers simply say “Hey Mercedes” to activate the system, which can handle follow-up questions for seamless interactions.

Mercedes AI system

Markus Schäfer, a board member of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, highlighted the innovation as a way to make vehicle interactions “entertaining and rewarding,” enhancing the connection between car and driver. The update will roll out remotely, with owners prompted to install the software directly in their vehicles.