New Mercedes S-Class MBUX infotainment previewed

Mercedes-Benz has completely rethought its in-car MBUX infotainment for the next S-Class to give those in the rear exactly the same tech and comfort as up front.

Releasing images of the radically redesigned second-generation infotainment system overnight, the German car-maker revealed that it will operate with five separate screens positioned around the big S-Class' cabin.

The biggest display is a huge 12.8-inch portrait style screen centrally mounted on the dash that flows seamlessly into the centre console.

Featuring OLED technology and haptic feedback lifted from the latest smartphones, the new system is navigated via touch and swipe motions.

In total, designers and engineers claim they eliminated more than 27 physical buttons, switches and controls from the seventh-generation S-Class while introducing a completely new interface.

Ahead of the driver, the instrument cluster now employs advanced three-dimensional graphics that can be customised.

A huge heads-up display has also been introduced that has been created to slash driver distraction. Incorporating advanced augmented reality, the system can project live arrows on the road ahead to help direct you to the correct highway exit or road you're looking for in a built-up urban area.

In the second row, two new entertainment displays are fitted to the rear backrests while a removable tablet display becomes a new option.

As well as the Siri-like on-board butler, Benz has also introduced an Interior Assist feature that uses cameras overhead to quietly watch all on board. It may sound creepy, but if a driver reaches over to the passenger side to grab something, the lamp above the seat will illuminate automatically.

The same system monitors driver distraction and fatigue and also keeps a watchful eye over kids in the rear seats and ensures their belts are properly fastened.

Finally, if a passenger tries to leave the vehicle as another car approaches the car flicks the ambient lighting to flash red to warn of the danger.

The democratisation of comfort and tech extends to creating individual profiles for each seat in the S-Class. This means the driver and up to four passengers can individually store their seating position, climate setting, entertainment preference and even ambient lighting setting.

The system works by linking the infotainment system to each smartphone.

Mercedes says all its vehicles will soon adopt its latest MBUX in the near future.