Mercedes-Benz rolled into Las Vegas this week for their first CES show and in usual style, went big. Not only did the company demo its solutions for the connected car on the show floor, but also on hand was Daimler AG Chairman of the Board, Dieter Zetsche. The dapper doctor spoke at a keynote about the company's vision for platforms such as cloud-based computing, and its proprietary telematics solution mbrace, which attendees could experience at MB's North Hall booth.
The advanced in-car communications system was definitely the main event for the Stuttgart-based company, which showed its newest iteration -- the mbrace2. The automaker bills this latest version as "the most comprehensive cloud-based telematics system to date," and makes a pretty good case with a robust feature set that touches virtually every aspect of the driving experience including safety, information, entertainment, personal assistance and vehicle care.
Some of the specific functions include cloud-based apps (including special in-car versions of Facebook and Yelp), traffic and navigation assistance, speech recognition, internet browsing and searching, concierge services and collision notification. Starting this spring with the launch of the all-new SL-Class, mbrace2 will be included as standard equipment on most Model Year 2013 vehicles.
Integrated with the system is a car control app, the mbrace2 smartphone app, which like the previous version, allows users to remotely communicate with their vehicle and perform functions including finding their car and locking and unlocking doors. The new version takes it to the next level with functions that let users track vehicle use and set geo-fencing limits. There's even a social function that lets drivers connect with friends and navigate to them.
Mercedes-Benz also demonstrated they're serious about "intelligent" safety systems, showcasing their latest Advanced Driver Assistance System technology, which includes features such as active blind spot detection to prevent potential accidents before they happen.
Some cool concepts and upcoming debuts were also on the docket, including the DriveStyle iPhone app, due for release later this year, which was demoed in C350 coupe. The app is designed to utilize smartphone connectivity while minimizing driver distraction by keeping the user experience focused on the vehicle itself.
The marque is also celebrating 125 years of the automobile (and Karl Benz's invention) and their long history in the luxury segment by showing off the F125! concept. Besides its large-and-in-charge luxury cred, the vehicle also boasts a green streak, with an emission-free driving range of 621 miles.
Finally, the company's DICE, or Dynamic & Intuitive Control Experience simulator, showed that Apple's Lion OS isn't the only place where you'll find gesture-based controls. In the future, you just might be able to wave your lane change in your E-class.
-- Eric Hiss, Contributor
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