Driving First Class: Mercedes-Benz Gives Ultra-Luxury, Performance the AI Treatment

Mercedes-Benz extends NVIDIA-powered infotainment to Maybach SUV, AMG models.
by Katie Burke

AI is now riding in the lap of luxury.

Mercedes-Benz just took the wraps off the much-anticipated Mercedes-Maybach GLS SUV — the largest model under the ultra-luxury brand today. The marquee feature of the vehicle’s interior is the MBUX intelligent cockpit, powered by NVIDIA.

The debut, which took place at the Guangzhou Auto Show, follows the launches of the automaker’s latest performance SUVs — the Mercedes-GLS AMG 63 and the Mercedes-GLE AMG 63 S — on the other side of the globe at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Both models will also feature MBUX.

With these three latest additions, there are now nearly 20 Mercedes models — including the all-electric EQC SUV — equipped with MBUX, kickstarting the transition to more intelligent transportation.

High Intelligence for the High Class

The Mercedes-Maybach GLS was designed with comfort, convenience and the utmost decadence in mind. While passengers recline in the spacious rear massaging seats, they can enjoy champagne chilled in the console’s fridge and take in the vehicle’s dedicated white osmanthus blossom fragrance.

And the luxury doesn’t end with the ride. The SUV automatically lowers when passengers enter and exit, for the smoothest experience possible.

The pièce de résistance, however, is up front, with the AI-powered MBUX infotainment system. MBUX combines natural language processing, silky-smooth 3D graphics and an augmented reality boosted navigation system to bring new levels of intuitive interaction and safety to the vehicle. To achieve this, Mercedes-Benz uses NVIDIA technology with the highest performance any automaker has ever shipped in an infotainment system.

MBUX is also updateable over the air, able to add new capabilities in the future to ensure passengers are always on the forefront with the latest connected features and apps.

Smart Performance

AI also enhances the experience for the performance-minded driver. The Mercedes-AMG GLS 63 and GLE 63 S are the first-in-class vehicles for luxury performance in an SUV package.

Launched at the LA Auto Show, these sporty models turned the heads of press and auto enthusiasts alike. The GLS 63’s 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine packs 603 horsepower, with greater dynamic capabilities courtesy of AMG Active Ride Control air suspension and AMG Performance 4Matic+ all-wheel drive.

The GLE 63 S features advanced off-road capabilities, enabling adventurous drivers to seamlessly go from paved road to trails and sand.

Both models enhance the driving experience further with MBUX. The NVIDIA-powered system delivers all the information drivers need via a smooth, easy-to-understand interface spread across two 10.25-inch digital displays. A combination of 3D graphics and augmented reality navigation offer a comprehensive cockpit display, so drivers always know what’s on the road ahead.

The system understands verbal commands using AI-powered natural language processing, facilitating effortless interactions between the driver, passengers and the car.

Whether passengers are living the high life in the backseat, or blazing new paths in the driver’s seat, MBUX delivers the most intelligent experience to vehicles on the market today.