Mercedes introduces new EV functions via OTA update
The function ‘Alternative Live Routes’ within the MBUX infotainment system, when used in conjunction with ‘Navigation with Electric Intelligence’ (Mercedes’ name for its charge route planner), now intelligently calculates multiple routes to the destination. Until now, the system only suggested one route, while charging stops for alternative routes would only be calculated after a route was selected. The selected route includes necessary charging stops as waypoints and is continuously updated during the journey, taking into account key factors such as driving distance, traffic conditions, and estimated charging times, according to Mercedes.
The new function is available for electric vehicles equipped with the second-generation MBUX infotainment system. These include the electric G-Class, EQS, EQS SUV, EQE, EQE SUV, EQA, and EQB – although the latter two only from model year 2023/2 onwards. Mercedes does not specify the total number of electric vehicles affected, only stating the overall figure of two million vehicles, including combustion engine models.
For off-road capable electric vehicles – namely the G-Class, EQS SUV, and EQE SUV, according to Mercedes’ definition – a new feature called ‘Offroad Track’ is also being introduced. Via an app (iOS and Android) and with the digital ‘Offroad Track’ add-on in the vehicle, customers can record off-road routes, share them, and explore the collection of uploaded tracks from other users. Using a smartphone mounted on the windscreen, videos of the drive can also be shared. Additionally, the vehicle records some telemetry data, such as tilt angle, speed, altitude, and GPS location. However, this is a paid feature, and pricing is not mentioned in the announcement.
For all electric Mercedes models – as well as combustion engine vehicles equipped with the second or third generation of the modern MBUX system – the navigation display will include Google Satellite View. This feature offers high-quality aerial imagery and is intended to simplify navigation using visual cues – ‘particularly when driving through open countryside where there are few landmarks to reference’, according to Mercedes.
Since the end of last year, the rollout of the free ChatGPT update has also been underway, bringing the AI assistant to older vehicles with the first generation of the MBUX system. “Customer feedback was incredibly positive, resulting in six times higher usage rates of the voice-recognition technology,” says Mercedes. “Using AI, it can provide up-to-date answers to knowledge-based questions by initiating a Microsoft Bing search. It then creates natural language responses using ChatGPT through Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service.”
“Our latest MBUX 2.6 software update introduces exciting new features over-the-air. Updates to our navigation technology, Mercedes-Benz Stories app and MBUX Voice Assistant further enhance the in-car digital experience for our customers,” says Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer at Mercedes‑Benz AG. “It’s also part of our ongoing commitment to keep our vehicles feeling up-to-date after purchase.”
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