Mercedes-Benz is preparing to whip the wraps off its new W214-generation E-Class. But before we see the outside, the Stuttgart-based firm has given us our first official look at the cabin, which will be available with a new MBUX Superscreen featuring an integrated selfie camera and built-in apps such as TikTok and Angry Birds.
The German automaker promises the next-gen E-Class will provide its occupants with a “particularly immersive entertainment experience”. In addition, the company says the electronic architecture is “more software-driven and less hardware-driven” that previous iterations, which should allow for fuss-free updating of the various interior systems in the future.
Like the Hyperscreen arrangement in the likes of the S-Class and the EQS, the new E-Class dashboard is dominated by digital displays. If the optional front passenger screen is specified, the large glass surface of the MBUX Superscreen extends to the central display, too.
The main icons are now simpler in design and colour-coded to match smartphone tiles.
Mercedes says the front passenger has the option of enjoying video streaming “even when the driver at the wheel is looking over at them”. Won’t that distract the driver? Well, the company claims an “advanced camera-based visual shield function” reduces the display’s brightness and thus “reduces the risk of distraction for the driver”.
Interestingly, the new system will also allow the installation of 3rd-party apps. At launch, Mercedes says TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom and Vivaldi will be available on the central display. In addition, the ZYNC entertainment portal will optionally offer video streaming, on-demand content, interactive experiences, local video programmes, sports, news, games and more on the central and passenger displays, via a single user interface.
The optional MBUX Superscreen will furthermore come with a selfie and video camera sited on top of the dashboard. Provided the vehicle is stationary, the driver will be able to participate in online video conferences or take “personal” photos and videos (for the record, Mercedes says it is “currently looking into” getting this technology approved in various markets). What about music? Well, there’s a new (optional) Active Ambient Lighting with Sound Visualisation arrangement, which produces a visual interpretation of any audio content played through the entertainment system.
Though an official reveal date has yet to be confirmed, we do know the new E-Class will hit Europe (in saloon form first) in the 3rd quarter of 2023. As a reminder, the E-Class and its predecessors together form the best-selling model series in the history of Mercedes-Benz.
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