Mercedes-Benz Transforms Vehicle Cockpit with NVIDIA-Powered AI

56-inch wide MBUX Hyperscreen learns driver preferences for an intuitive experience.
by Danny Shapiro

The AI cockpit has reached galactic proportions with the new Mercedes-Benz MBUX Hyperscreen.

During a digital event, the luxury automaker unveiled the newest iteration of its intelligent infotainment system — a single surface extending from the cockpit to the passenger seat displaying all necessary functions at once. Dubbed the MBUX Hyperscreen, the system is powered by NVIDIA technology and shows how AI can create a truly intuitive and personalized experience for both the driver and passengers.

“The MBUX Hyperscreen reinvents how we interact with the car,” said Sajjad Khan, executive vice president at Mercedes-Benz. “It’s the nerve center that connects everyone in the car with the world.”

Like the MBUX system recently unveiled with the new Mercedes-Benz S-Class, this extended-screen system runs on high-performance, energy-efficient NVIDIA GPUs for instantaneous AI processing and sharp graphics.

A vehicle’s cockpit typically requires a collection of electronic control units and switches to perform basic functions, such as powering entertainment or adjusting the temperature. Using NVIDIA technology, Mercedes-Benz consolidated these components into one AI platform — with three separate screens under one glass surface — to simplify the architecture while creating more space to add new features.

“Zero Layer” User Interface

The driving principle behind the MBUX Hyperscreen is that of the “zero layer” — every necessary driving feature is delivered with a single touch.

However, developing the largest screen ever mounted in a series-built Mercedes-Benz was not enough to achieve this groundbreaking capability. The automaker also leveraged AI to promote commonly used features at relevant times while pushing those not needed to the background.

The deep neural networks powering the system process datasets such as vehicle position, cabin temperature and time of day to prioritize certain features — like entertainment or points of interest recommendations — while always keeping navigation at the center of the display.

“The system always knows what you want and need based on emotional intelligence,” Khan explained.

And these features aren’t just for the driver. Front-seat passengers get a dedicated screen for entertainment and ride information that doesn’t interfere with the driver’s display. It also enables the front seat passenger to share content with others in the car.

Experience Intelligence

This revolutionary AI cockpit experience isn’t a mere concept — it’s real technology that will be available in production vehicles this year.

The MBUX Hyperscreen will debut with the all-electric Mercedes-Benz EQS, combining electric and artificial intelligence. With the first generation MBUX now in 1.8 million cars, the next iteration coming in the redesigned S-Class, and now, the MBUX Hyperscreen in the EQS, customers will have a range of AI cockpit options.

And with the entire MBUX family powered by NVIDIA, these systems will constantly deliver new, surprising and intelligent features with high performance and a seamless experience.