CES 2016: It's all about me, says Benz

German giant Mercedes-Benz has used this week's Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas to showcase its current thinking on the automobile’s future.

Beyond the connected vehicle and digital lifestyle technologies on display, Mercedes-Benz is using the CES to preview the upcoming new E-Class via a display of its innovative cockpit.

The upcoming E-Class, first images of which were leaked this week ahead of its world debut at next week's Detroit motor show, provides a new era in digitisation via the use of high-res animations, visualisations and touch-sensitive controls.

Smartphone integration for the new prestige sedan, the interior of which was officially revealed in December, are also being showcased. It uses a capacitive aerial coupling and allows wireless phone charging.

The Concept Intelligent Aerodynamic Automobile Show Car, initially shown in Frankfurt last year, is also on display. A ‘digital transformer’, it can automatically morph from a four-door coupe to a wind-cheating shape with a staggering 0.19Cd drag co-efficient.

CES also showcases 'Mercedes me', the brand’s next-generation connectivity program. To be rolled out in the US before Europe and eventually Asia, Mercedes.me will allow users to access vehicle information on the go, via the car’s internet system. It will provide a multitude of services, from electronic servicing arrangements to competitive financing packages.

Mercedes me connected services apps are also being demonstrated via the Mercedes-AMG GT S and C 63 Coupe on display.

"The future belongs to the digital car in which people are the point of focus," said Prof Dr Thomas Weber, responsible for Group Research and Mercedes-Benz Cars Development.

"Unlike any other automotive manufacturer, Mercedes-Benz is making successful inroads into the intelligent networking of the car and the individual living environment of the driver. As part of this, Mercedes me is the interactive interface between people, vehicle and the Mercedes-Benz brand. At the CES we are enabling visitors to experience all of this under the motto 'It's all about me'."