Mercedes Details New Infotainment System for Small Cars
Coming to the A-Class this spring
When you think of the Consumer Electronics Show, you may picture wild concept cars whose technologies we won't see for quite some time. But Mercedes is showing off a new infotainment system that leverages artificial intelligence and augmented reality, and it should enter production this year.
The infotainment system will make its way into the entire compact car generation from Mercedes, including the new A-Class that arrives this spring. Mercedes previewed the A-Class interior late last year, but now the company is giving us more details on what to expect when the new system rolls out.
It may be an entry-level model, but that doesn't mean Mercedes scrimped on technology for the A-Class. Like other new Mercedes, it features a wide screen as well as touch control buttons on the steering wheel. For the first time, the main screen can be operated by touch instead of just a touchpad on the center console. The A-Class features a newly redesigned touchpad, but it's just one option of how to navigate the menus.
Mercedes will offer the cockpit screens in three different configurations comprising the instrument cluster and infotainment system: two 7-inch displays, a 7-inch display and a 10.25-inch display, and two 10.25 inch displays. It also includes a voice control system with natural language recognition, capable of learning new words. To command the vehicle to do something, users can simply say "Hey Mercedes." The system is set up to accommodate over-the-air updates to keep it fresh.
