Mercedes-Benz has announced the development of a new operating system, MB.OS, for its upcoming generation of electric vehicles. The automaker revealed the system at an event held in California, explaining that it will deliver improvements in safety, automated driving, and navigation.
Mercedes is partnering with several companies to build the new software stack, including NVIDIA, Luminar, and Google. NVIDIA will provide its expertise in software, data, and AI, with its Orin chipset powering the first generation of electric cars built on Mercedes’ Modular Architecture platform.
Luminar will offer its LiDAR technology, while Google will collaborate on a branded navigation experience that incorporates features from Google Maps. Mercedes is also working with Google to integrate the “Place Details” feature into its MBUX infotainment system. The company plans to open MB.OS to other partners, including TikTok, Zoom, and Rovio.
All MMA EVs will come with the hardware for Level 2 automated driving, with Mercedes working with NVIDIA and Luminar to offer a Level 3 system called Drive Pilot, expected to launch later this year in the 2024 EQS and S-Class models. MB.OS will also enable over-the-air updates, allowing Mercedes to add new features to existing cars.
Mercedes plans to offer software bundles to customers, such as MB.Connect, which combines the company’s navigation, entertainment, and communication features in one package, and MB.Charge, which provides priority access to Mercedes charging stations. The company expects software revenue from bundles like MB.Connect to contribute “a low-to-mid single-digit billion euro figure” to its bottom line by mid-decade.
Mercedes’ strategic approach to software and hardware development is expected to be the foundation for lifetime revenues and additional contributions, according to the company.
