Mercedes-Benz started the year with a global novelty - MBUX Hyperscreen. It is a panel-screen that extends the entire width of the machine from one door to another. Visually impressive and radically easy to operate.
Added to this is artificial intelligence (AI): With software capable of learning, the display and operating concept adapts completely to its user and makes personalised suggestions for numerous infotainment, comfort and vehicle functions. The first MBUX Hyperscreen is expected to be available to buyers of the new EQS sedan.
The MBUX Hyperscreen has three zones: the instrument panel opposite the driver, the multimedia system and climate control zone in the middle of the panel, and also a separate zone opposite the front passenger. To ensure excellent screen image quality on all displays is used OLED technology. The MBUX Hyperscreen is equipped with an 8-core processor and 24 gigabytes of RAM. The brightness of the screen is adjusted to the surrounding conditions via a multifunction camera and a light sensor. Analogue air vents are integrated into this large digital surface to connect the digital and physical world.
The screen is made of very durable aluminum silicate glass and covered with a special three-layer coating called "Silver shadow". This coating is scratch resistant, prevents glare and facilitates cleaning. The integrated lighting at the bottom of the panel gives the impression that the displays are "floating".
Thanks to the so-called zero layer, the user does not have to scroll through submenus or give voice commands. The most important applications are always offered in a situational and contextual way at the top level in view. In this way, numerous operating steps are taken away from the EQS driver. Mercedes-Benz has studied the usage habits of the first generation of MBUX. Most drivers use navigation, radio / multimedia features, and phone calls. That's why these features are always at the center of the Hyperscreen with full functionality.
"The MBUX Hyperscreen is both the brain and nervous system of the car", says Sajjad Khan, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG and CTO. "The MBUX Hyperscreen continually gets to know the customer better and delivers a tailored, personalised infotainment and operating offering before the occupant even has to click or scroll anywhere."
The entertainment functions for the passenger are available only during the journey. The screen has an integrated camera that captures the driver's gaze, and the "pause" function is activated when the driver deviates from the road. If the passenger seat is not occupied, the screen becomes a digital decoration - in this case, animated Mercedes-Benz three-beam stars appear on the dashboard.
Over 20 further functions – from the active massage programme through the birthday reminder, to the suggestion for the to-do list – are automatically offered with the aid of artificial intelligence when they are relevant to the customer. "Magic Modules" is the in-house name the developers have given to these suggestion modules, which are shown on the zero-layer.
Here are four use cases. The user can accept or reject the respective suggestion with just one click:
- If you always call a certain friend on the way home on Tuesday evenings, you will be asked to make a corresponding call on that day of the week and at this time of day. A business card with its contact information appears, and - if stored - its image appears. All MBUX suggestions are linked to the user's profile. If someone else drives the EQS on a Tuesday night, this recommendation is not made – or there is another, depending on the preferences of the other user.
- If the EQS driver regularly uses the massage function according to the hot stone principle in winter, the system learns and automatically suggests the comfort function in wintry temperatures.
- If the user regularly switches on the heating of the steering wheel and other surfaces for seat heating, for example, this is suggested to him as soon as he presses the seat heating.
- The chassis of the EQS can be lifted to provide more ground clearance. A useful function for steep garage entrances or sleep policemen. MBUX remembers the GPS position at which the user made use of the "Vehicle Lift-Up" function. If the vehicle approaches the GPS position again, MBUX independently proposes to lift the EQS.
