The MBUX AI cockpit just added another “B” to its résumé — beauty, brains, and now, brawn.
Mercedes-AMG, the performance subsidiary of Mercedes-Benz, took the wraps off its next-generation SL on Thursday, bringing its long heritage of sport into the age of AI. The SL seamlessly combines performance and luxury with the latest MBUX intelligent cockpit, powered by NVIDIA.
MBUX runs on the high-performance, energy-efficient compute of NVIDIA GPUs for instantaneous AI processing and sharp graphics. In the Mercedes-AMG SL, these industry-leading capabilities are tuned for its sporty character, adding items such as “AMG Performance” or “AMG Track Pace” to driver controls.
The expansion of the latest generation MBUX from ultra luxury, such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class, and everyday comfort, as in the C-Class, to the highest levels of performance driving show the versatility and vast potential of in-vehicle AI.
An Intelligent Icon
The MBUX system in the SL takes the best convenience and luxury features of the S-Class and amps up the volume on driving controls.
AI cockpits orchestrate various in-cabin features on a single, centralized compute platform, constantly learning to continuously deliver joy to the customer. Similarly, the MBUX system serves as the central nervous system of the vehicle, intelligently networking all its functions, leveraging the high performance of NVIDIA GPUs for brilliant graphics.
In contrast to its more passenger-focused cousins, the SL cockpit is geared toward the driver, right down to the adjustable central display with crystal-clear graphics. It sports a fully digital 12.3-inch high-resolution instrument cluster, which is integrated into a three-dimensional visor. And with MBUX, drivers have the freedom to customize the display style and driving modes.
Drivers can operate MBUX using the “Hey Mercedes” intelligent voice assistant, which can understand up to 28 languages.
While the SL was made for those who love the open road, it incorporates intelligent driving features for moments that don’t feel as recreational. Using camera and radar sensors around the vehicle, driver assistance systems observe the surrounding environment and, if necessary, can quickly intervene.
The driver can see how this system operates using a display in the instrument cluster. The driver assistance system shows a real-time 3D view of the car, lanes, lane markings and other road users such as cars, trucks and two-wheelers. The display also visualizes the status and operation of these features. Dynamic, high-quality graphics make the driver assistance system transparent and easy to understand.
This intelligent design blends effortlessly into the roadster’s iconic analog controls for a look that’s both timeless and embraces the future.
“The SL was a great opportunity and challenge for design because every designer wants to create icons,” said Gorden Wagener, chief design officer at Daimler Group. “The result is a revolutionary interior experience caught between digital and analog luxury. We created the most iconic SL ever.”
Form Meets Function
The SL carries on its decades-long heritage of performance with new features that add comfort and convenience.
The roadster calls back to its predecessors with a soft top, while suited for everyday use as a 2+2-seater. This SL is also the first ever to feature all-wheel drive for dynamic driving in any conditions.
The body of the SL is entirely unique — no other Mercedes-AMG model nor previous roadsters share the same shell components. The chassis consists of a lightweight composite aluminium structure with a self-supporting aluminium space frame. This innovative design is architected for precise driving dynamics, high comfort and a sporty exterior.
The first two SL variants to launch will feature the AMG 4.0-liter V8 biturbo engine, with a performance hybrid to follow. The eight-cylinder engine delivers exceptional power and acceleration with maximum efficiency.
With the latest generation SL, the cutting edge in performance driving meets the latest in AI innovation for an experience that is truly thrilling and intelligent.