Stuttgart/Las Vegas. Mercedes-AMG announces the launch of their first of its kind, state of the art technology, MBUX SOUND DRIVE – an industry-first partnership with creative artist, innovator and entrepreneur, will.i.am, to deliver a ground-breaking interactive music experience. The technology uses software that allows the music to react to the way the car is being driven, creating a harmonious relationship between motion and melody. This turns the car into a virtual musical instrument, transforming an already exceptional Mercedes-AMG driving experience into an emotional, musical journey.
Utilizing a suite of sensors and advanced software, MBUX SOUND DRIVE interprets various driving dynamics – such as recuperation, acceleration, steering, and braking – and converts them into musical expressions, allowing the driver to ‘compose’ in real-time.
“At Mercedes-Benz, we want digital innovation to bring a smile to our customers’ faces through exciting new features that make a real difference to every journey. With MBUX SOUND DRIVE, AMG drivers are in control of the way their music sounds. It makes in-car entertainment much more immersive.”
Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer
“Imagine a world where your car can become an instrument creating musical journeys. MBUX SOUND DRIVE enhances driving and sound technology, letting motorists reshape music just by driving. I’m excited to see how composers, producers, and songwriters will harness this to create new works and reimagine classics for motorist to drive to. MBUX SOUND DRIVE is not only a new frontier for music creation, but also opens up fresh, exciting and interactive listening experiences for drivers.”
will.i.am, Creative Artist, Innovator and Entrepreneur
From the studio to the streets – a unique sound experience on the road
The creation of MBUX SOUND DRIVE takes the long and successful brand partnership between Mercedes-AMG and the multi-platinum rapper will.i.am into exciting new territory. As the project progressed, will.i.am fostered the idea of using his skills as a record producer to develop an interactive music experience for the car. The technology connects the car hardware with the music software through precise ‘in-car signals’ that enable the music to react to the driving characteristics in real-time. These pre-determined parameters range from acceleration and braking to energy recuperation and steering angle. The technology is also capable of syncing with other in-car ‘signals’. One example could be the windscreen rain sensors that provide soothing rhythms during inclement weather to reduce stress and enhance concentration.
Platform power – digital driving music for everyone
Providing an immersive sound experience is just one part of the story. The long-term goal with MBUX SOUND DRIVE is to turn the technology into an open music platform. As a result, artists from around the world could create tracks, representing any music genre, in a new immersive audio format using MBUX SOUND DRIVE studio software.
MBUX SOUND DRIVE rollout starts from mid-2024 and it will be available on Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes- Benz vehicles equipped with the second-generation MBUX system.1 Existing Mercedes customers can access the MBUX Software Update via an over-the-air (OTA) update using the Update Wizard on their MBUX display or the Mercedes me app after receiving a notification that it is available in their region.
Dynamic demos at CES – immersive music on the road
To fully demonstrate the capabilities of MBUX SOUND DRIVE, Mercedes-AMG offers exclusive test drives at CES 2024. Visitors can head outside to the MBUX SOUND DRIVE stand at the Diamond Lot and book an experience in a Mercedes-AMG EQE or EQE SUV.
Talking tech – an extensive guide to the musical masterpiece
Mercedes-Benz is also offering media and visitors the opportunity to take part in an entertaining and informative discussion on this exciting technology. The topic will be presented by Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer together with will.i.am, who will explain the creative vision, the science, and future plans. The presentation will take place on January 9 at 2:30 PM PST at the Mercedes-Benz booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, West Hall, Booth 4941).
1MBUX Entertainment Software Update (FUP5) is available over-the-air (OTA) for several vehicle models. The availability, scope, and pricing of the features depend on the respective market, the technical conditions of the vehicle model and the individual configurations and settings in the vehicle.
The basis for this is the sustainable business strategy of the Mercedes-Benz Group. The company thus takes responsibility for the economic, ecological and social effects of its business activities and looks at the entire value chain.
Mercedes-Benz AG | 70546 Stuttgart | P +49 711 17 0 | F +49 711 17 2 22 44 | dialog@mercedes-benz.com | www.mercedes-benz.com
Mercedes-Benz AG, Stuttgart, Germany | Domicile and Court of Registry: Stuttgart, Commercial Register No.: 762873
Chairman of the Supervisory Board: Bernd Pischetsrieder
Board of Management: Ola Källenius, Chairman; Jörg Burzer, Renata Jungo Brüngger, Sabine Kohleisen, Markus Schäfer, Britta Seeger, Hubertus Troska, Harald Wilhelm
The figures are provided in accordance with the German regulation “PKW-EnVKV” and apply to the German market only. Further information on official fuel consumption figures and the official specific CO₂ emissions of new passenger cars can be found in the EU guide “Information on the fuel consumption, CO₂ emissions and energy consumption of new cars”, which is available free of charge at all sales dealerships, from DAT Deutsche Automobil Treuhand GmbH and at www.dat.de.
Contact:
Rob Halloway, phone: +44 (0) 781 07 945 32, rob.halloway@mercedes-benz.com
Lena Kastner, phone: +49 (0) 176 30 994 400, lena.kastner@mercedes-benz.com
Felix Siggemann, phone: +49 (0) 176 30 934 605, felix.siggemann@mercedes-benz.com
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Mercedes-Benz AG at a glance
Mercedes-Benz AG is part of the Mercedes-Benz Group AG with a total of around 170,000 employees worldwide and is responsible for the global business of Mercedes-Benz Cars and Mercedes-Benz Vans. Ola Källenius is Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz AG. The company focuses on the development, production and sales of passenger cars, vans and vehicle-related services. Furthermore, the company aspires to be the leader in the fields of electric mobility and vehicle software. The product portfolio comprises the Mercedes-Benz brand with Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and G-Class with their all-electric models as well as products of the smart brand. The Mercedes me brand offers access to the digital services from
Mercedes-Benz. Mercedes-Benz AG is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of luxury passenger cars. In 2022 it sold around two million passenger cars and 415,300 vans. In its two business segments, Mercedes-Benz AG is continually expanding its worldwide production network with around
35 production sites on four continents, while gearing itself to meet the requirements of electric mobility. At the same time, the company is constructing and extending its global battery production network on three continents. As sustainability is the guiding principle of the Mercedes-Benz strategy and for the company itself, this means creating lasting value for all stakeholders: for customers, employees, investors, business partners and society as a whole.
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