CLA The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: gorgeous, effortless, intuitive, and flexible


The Mercedes-Benz CLA is a series of luxury subcompact executive cars manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 2013. The first generation was a four-door sedan based on the platform of the W176 A-Class and W246 B-Class compact cars, marketed as a four-door coupé. In 2015, Mercedes-Benz expanded the CLA family to include a station wagon configuration which it markets as a Shooting Brake. As the V177 A-Class sedan took its place as the budget-conscious sedan, the second generation got longer and wider than the W205 C-Class.
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#mercedesbenz #cla #newcla #newmercedes #mercedescla #mercedesbenzcla #allnewcla

The new CLA offers more to customers in every dimension: more space, more refinement, more comfort, more intelligence, and more efficiency compared to its predecessor. It is the cleverest car Mercedes Benz ever made – and the first model in a completely new family of vehicles. Each new model will be available with both electric and high-tech hybrid drives. The debut is made by the all-electric CLA.

The all-new Mercedes-Benz CLA: the highlights

Intuitive: The most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever thanks to the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS)

Up-to-date for years and always ready for new features: regular over-the-air updates

The new CLA is the first vehicle to fully operate on the in-house developed Mercedes‑Benz Operating System (MB.OS), making it the most intelligent Mercedes-Benz ever. The new AI-enhanced system makes it possible to equip every vehicle with a supercomputer connected to the Mercedes‑Benz Intelligent Cloud. This enables regular over-the-air updates[1] for the most important vehicle functions, including driving assistance systems for the first time. This keeps the CLA up-to-date and attractive for years to come.

On the way to a hyper-personalised digital experience: the fourth MBUX generation
MB.OS marks the start of the fourth MBUX generation. It opens up a new world of personalised experiences and intuitive interaction between human and vehicle, setting new standards in the automotive industry. The new MBUX generation is the first in-car infotainment system to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from both Microsoft and Google. This combines multiple AI agents in one system for the first time. MB.OS offers maximum flexibility to seamlessly integrate content from third-party providers. The typical Mercedes interface remains, delivering the familiar customer experience.

Exceptionally intuitive and individual: the new MBUX UI/UX concept
The MBUX Superscreen is powered by state-of-the-art high-performance chips and real-time graphics from the Unity Game Engine. The new control and display concept is tailored to individual customer preferences. The further developed MBUX Zero Layer on the central display shows the most important information, suggestions and, for the first time, the most recently used apps1. In the app view, apps can now be moved and grouped into individually named folders, similar to how it works on a smartphone. When an app is open, a simple swipe to the left returns to the app view. Another swipe takes the user back to the Zero Layer. Alternatively, they can still go directly to the Zero Layer at any time via the home button.

Intelligent, easy to talk to and empathetic like a friend: the new MBUX Virtual Assistant
With generative AI, the new MBUX Virtual Assistant revolutionises the relationship between vehicle and driver. It enables the kinds of complex, multi-turn dialogues one might have with a friend and has short-term memory. Based on ChatGPT4o and searches with Microsoft Bing, it unites the collective knowledge of the internet. Thanks to Google Gemini, the virtual assistant is also well-versed in navigation-related questions. It can access information from the Google Maps platform to provide users with detailed and personalised answers to questions about navigation, points of interest and much more. The MBUX Virtual Assistant is always present on the Zero Layer as a “living” avatar in the form of the Mercedes‑Benz star. During an active dialogue, it recognises emotions and can respond accordingly.
Intelligent navigation you can trust: bespoke Google Maps solution

In the new CLA, the navigation experience is based on Google Maps[2]. The navigation solution developed as part of the partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz is one of the first integrations of Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent for in-vehicle conversation services with Google Maps. Mercedes‑Benz Navigation with Electric Intelligence plans the fastest and most convenient route, including charging stops, based on numerous factors. Integrated visual communication also reaches a new dimension with MBUX Surround Navigation. It seamlessly integrates the driver-assistance view with a 3D representation of the surroundings and route guidance in real-time on the driver display. Drivers benefit from improved situational awareness, seeing what the CLA sees and how the assistance systems support them.

MB.DRIVE sets a new standard with state-of-the-art driving assistance and parking systems
The new CLA models in Europe come as standard with extensive safety features and the DISTRONIC Distance Assist. Additional comfort assistance systems are bundled by Mercedes-Benz under the name MB.DRIVE². MB.DRIVE ASSIST will be optionally available in Europe from market launch. It complements Distance Assist DISTRONIC with Steering Assist, making it a state-of-the-art SAE Level 2 driving assistance system. New in the CLA is Lane Change Assist, which facilitates lane changes with a simple click of the indicator lever. The safety assistance systems can prevent a multitude of accidents.
Effortless on the road: The CLA with EQ technology is the “one-litre car” for the electric age
Remarkably low consumption and high range

The carbon footprint of the new all-electric CLA is reduced by 40 per cent over the entire value chain compared to its non-electrified predecessor. With remarkably low consumption and an impressive range in this segment, the CLA is taking electric mobility in everyday life to a new level. The first models to come to markets are the CLA 250+ with EQ Technology (energy consumption combined: 14.1-12.2 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)[3] and the CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology (energy consumption combined: 14.7-12.5 kWh/100 km | CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km | CO₂ class: A)3. With a range of up to 792 kilometres according to the WLTP³, the 200 kW CLA 250+ with EQ Technology offers a large radius in its class. The CLA 350 4MATIC with EQ Technology with 260 kW is positioned as the performance version at the top end of the model range.
The 800-volt electric architecture makes charging almost as fast as refuelling
The 800-volt system can significantly reduce charging time in conjunction with the new battery generation. The CLA 250+ with EQ Technology can be recharged to a range of up to 325 kilometres[4] within ten minutes. Fast DC charging with up to 320 kW is possible for the CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC.
New battery generation with high energy density and a smaller carbon footprint
The new all-electric models CLA 250+ and CLA 350 4MATIC feature the top variant of lithium-ion batteries with a usable energy content of 85 kWh. The cells have anodes that mix silicon oxide with graphite. Compared to the previous battery with conventional graphite anodes, the gravimetric energy density has been increased by up to 20 per cent. The volumetric energy density of the cell chemistry is 680 Wh/l. The cobalt content has been further reduced. The new battery generation reduces the carbon footprint by about 30 per cent per cell compared to its predecessor. This is thanks to carbon reduction measures, net carbon neutral[5] cell production and the use of electricity from renewable energy sources in anode, cathode and cell housing production.

Sprinter and marathon runner in one: the new two-speed transmission
The two-speed gearbox on the main drive at the rear axle combines dynamism with high efficiency in all situations. The first gear enables excellent acceleration right from the start and a high towing capacity. It also offers great efficiency in urban traffic. The second gear is designed for power delivery at high speeds and high efficiency on the motorway. It ensures outstanding range and long-distance comfort. The top speed is also achieved in the second gear.

“Free” heat for efficient pre-conditioning: multi-source heat pump as standard
The electric CLA is the first Mercedes-Benz vehicle to feature an air-to-air heat pump. It no longer takes the detour through a water circuit and, as a so-called multi-source model, can use three energy sources in parallel: the waste heat from the electric drivetrain, the battery, as well as the ambient air. By using this “free” heat, the air-to-air heat pump contributes to the high efficiency of the CLA. It requires only about one-third of the electrical energy that a comparable auxiliary heater would need for the same output.

Flexible for individual needs: all-electric or with high-tech 48-volt hybrid drivetrain

A modern hybrid with three power levels will follow towards the end of the year

All-electric models play a key role in implementing Mercedes‑Benz’s sustainable business strategy. However, the wishes and mobility needs of customers in different regions of the world determine the pace of this transformation. Towards the end of the year, the new CLA will also be available as a hybrid with 48-volt technology and an electric motor integrated into the transmission. The modular architecture of the CLA model family allows Mercedes‑Benz maximum flexibility in the drive concept and production. The state-of-the-art combustion engine of the CLA hybrid will initially be available in three power levels. Customers will have the choice between front-wheel drive and 4MATIC all-wheel drive.

CLA hybrid models can drive all-electrically and recuperate
The electric motor, inverter and transmission form a highly integrated unit. The electric motor provides intelligent support across the entire speed range. At urban speeds and when less than 20 kW is needed, the hybrid models can drive on electric power alone. So-called electric cruising is possible at speeds of up to around 100 km/h. A special feature of the combustion engine is its ability to recuperate in all eight gears, recovering up to 25 kW of energy.

Gorgeous: emotional expression of athletic power

A desirable statement: athletic proportions and striking character lines

The CLA with EQ Technology captivates with an exciting interplay of intelligence and emotion, redefining desire. The long wheelbase, short overhangs and a powerful GT rear are an emotional expression of athletic power. The car’s sporty proportions are enhanced by a low greenhouse, long bonnet with power domes and large wheels. The car’s muscular and athletic shoulders start at the front wheel arches and extend to the sculptural rear. The clear design language emphasises the sculpted surfaces with reduced lines and precise joints. The striking character lines on the flank create an interesting interplay of light and shade when viewed side-on.

Radiant “face”: panel with illuminated Mercedes-Benz pattern
The iconic and sporty A-shape grille has been reinterpreted for the electric age. The innovative seamless star panel is fully illuminated for the first time on a Mercedes‑Benz production vehicle. A total of 142 individually animated LED chrome-effect stars create a distinctive brand signature. One of the few visual differences distinguishing the CLA hybrid is its classic radiator grille. It features a Mercedes-Benz pattern in chrome, framed by an LED lightguide as standard.

Brightens the day and night: star-shaped headlights and taillights
With the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, the daytime running lights take the form of a Mercedes‑Benz star. Connecting the headlights is a band of light. The taillights are also star-shaped and connected by an illuminated design element. This combination gives the CLA a strong and unique visual presence. In conjunction with the optional MULTIBEAM LED headlights, it forms the new Mercedes‑Benz signature. It makes a Mercedes instantly recognisable at all times of the day or night – an unmistakable statement of iconic luxury. The standard-fit LED High Performance headlights have a chrome-plated design element in the shape of a star.

Light-flooded ambiance: panoramic roof fitted as standard for a generous interior feel
All CLA models come as standard with an expansive panoramic roof. This one-piece fixed glass roof has no central brace and extends seamlessly from the windscreen frame to the rear. It provides a new interior experience with an almost unobstructed view upwards. At the same time, the panoramic roof contributes to more generous headroom compared to its predecessor. Heat-insulating laminated safety glass, infrared film and low-emissivity (LowE) coating protect against sunlight and heat.

New spatial experience: minimalist interior design focusing on three iconic high-tech elements
The interior of the CLA offers a new luxury experience in this vehicle class. The design follows the principle of reduction to the essentials. It de-emphasises the underlying structure and focuses on a few iconic high-tech elements. The highlight is the optional, floating MBUX Superscreen, which extends across the entire width of the interior. Behind a large glass surface are the 26-centimetre (10.25-inch) driver display and the 35.6-centimetre (14-inch) centre display. After market launch of the CLA, the MBUX Superscreen will be available as an optional extra with an additional 35.6-centimetre (14-inch display) for the front passenger. Another eye-catcher is the centre console. Appearing to float in mid-air, its high position enhances the sporty feel. As in higher vehicle classes, it is split into two levels. The upper section offers an expansive, three-dimensional trim surface – with an integrated double cup holder and optional wireless smartphone charging cradle. The third high-tech element is the large leather-clad door centre panels, which likewise seem to float. They wrap three-dimensionally over the profile of the pull handle, which is designed in a classic tubular form.

Best-in-class equipment: a reinterpretation of modern luxury at Mercedes-Benz
An attractive and versatile range of colours and materials underscores Mercedes‑Benz’s commitment to exceptional design and distinctive features. Options include the new paint colours aqua mint and clear blue metallic as well as newly developed seat upholstery with a technical-looking pearl effect in black/clean white pearl. Also available are trim elements made of open-pore wood, brushed aluminium, a coating with an anodised look and a decorative paper surface that is new in the automotive industry.

Continue reading...

[1] A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed for a fee, provided they are at that point still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
[2] A personal Mercedes me ID and agreement to the Terms of Use for the Mercedes-Benz Digital Extras are required to use the services. In addition, the vehicle must be paired with the corresponding user account. Upon expiry of the initial term, the services can be renewed for a fee, provided they are at that point still offered for the corresponding vehicle.
[3] The specified values were determined in accordance with the prescribed WLTP (Worldwide harmonised Light vehicles Test Procedure) measurement method. The ranges given refer to the European market. The energy consumption and CO₂ emissions of a car depend not only on the efficient utilisation of the fuel or energy source by the car, but also on the driving style and other non-technical factors.
[4] At DC fast-charging stations with 500 amps based on the WLTP range.
[5] Net carbon-neutral means that carbon emissions that are not avoided or reduced at Mercedes-Benz are compensated for by certified compensation offsetting projects.
 

Attachments

Interesting article on JESMB about the highway range of the EV.

Mercedes CLA with bombastic motorway range

1743932628677.webp


Game-changer: The Mercedes CLA is as suitable for everyday use on the motorway as a combustion engine

The new Mercedes CLA EQ does not simply rely on a large battery, but turns every screw of efficiency.

A very low cd value of 0.21 (the details of the aerodynamics can be found here). Tires with a width of 225 mm contribute to efficiency, as does a low frontal area of 2.28m².

The eATS2.0 powertrain, developed and produced by Mercedes itself (both in Stuttgart Untertürkheim), impresses with a maximum efficiency of 93%. This is due to the efficient PSM electric motor (with a reduced proportion of neodymium), the power electronics made of silicon carbide and the 2-speed gearbox on the rear axle.

The world record in Nardo, in which the CLA managed 3,717 km in 24 hours, already indicated that the extreme efficiency paired with the 800 volt fast-charging capability (up to 320 kW charging speed) of the new Mercedes CLA EQ would become a real game-changer on the motorway.

According to WLTP, the CLA 250+ EQ already achieves a range (792 km) that is unmatched even in higher segments (only an EQS 450+ and a Lucid Air) and makes it 20-30 km further with significantly larger batteries.

But how do higher highway speeds affect range?
The range calculation is based on the physical calculation of the air resistance to be overcome as well as the rolling resistance.

The following parameters were used for the CLA 250+ EQ:
  • Outside temperature 20 degrees (air density at 1.204 kg/m³)
  • 0% gradient
  • 0 km/h headwind
  • Constant speed (no acceleration)
  • Electric powertrain efficiency 93%
  • Power consumption of auxiliary units 0.4 kW/hour
  • Rolling resistance of tires A+ = 0.006 (fR)
  • Cd value 0.21
  • Frontal area 2.28m²
  • Battery size 85 kWh net usable
CLA 250+Calculation: jesmb.de
VelocityConsumptionReach
[km/h][kWh/100 km][km]
506,071.400
606,671.274
707,441.143
808,361.016
909,44901
10010,66798
11012,01707
12013,51629
13015,15561
14016,92502
15018,83452
16020,87407
17023,05369
18025,36335
19027,80306
20030,38280
21033,10257

It turns out that anyone who drives a constant 100 km/h with the CLA 250+ EQ achieves the WLTP range of around 800 km.

If you drive the recommended speed of 130 km/h on the German motorway (due to the speedometer lead, you would have to set the Distronic to around 134 km/h), you can drive an incredible 561 km. The question is on which German motorway you can drive 130 km/h for 561 km at a time, if you e.g. in NRW? This high number shows that many trips will probably be made without a charging stop.

The values are phenomenal and show how suitable the CLA 250+ EQ is for everyday use. Coupled with the fast-charging capability, you can also drive faster. This is e.g. with the EQA does not make sense at the moment. Due to its slow charging power of 100 KW, a faster travel speed did not make the overall travel time faster, but slower because you spent more time at the charger. This is now a thing of the past with the Mercedes CLA EQ.

At 130 km/h, an EQA 250 requires 80% more energy than the new CLA 250+ EQ.

1743932717910.webp


Result: With these capabilities, the Mercedes CLA EQ becomes a real all-rounder. Thanks to the 101-liter frunk (front trunk) and the 405-liter trunk, it is not only a formidable touring car in terms of range on the highway and fast charging speed of up to 320 KW. At the same time, its maintenance interval has now been extended to 24 months and 30,000 km.
Appendix: Detailed calculations

1743932745415.webp


 
I would be very surprised if it can get over 200 km range at around 200 km/h speed. I think those values are 15% optimistic.
 
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This is about as good as this car can possibly look.

M
 
I hope the way they sit, they offer a far better clear view and not just increasing the cost of the mirror for the customer
I wonder if this is first or other cars has it?Screenshot 2025-04-10 at 10.29.41.webp
 
I would be very surprised if it can get over 200 km range at around 200 km/h speed. I think those values are 15% optimistic.
At 200km/h you would need with that CLA around 60kW, which means nearly 30kWh/100km.
60kW, around 0,7 C allows 88% of akku capacity, or 230km with 90% (of usable) SoC usage.
Air conditioning would reduce the range only 10-15km.
Seems real.
 
Interesting article on JESMB about the highway range of the EV.

Mercedes CLA with bombastic motorway range

1743932628677.webp


Game-changer: The Mercedes CLA is as suitable for everyday use on the motorway as a combustion engine

The new Mercedes CLA EQ does not simply rely on a large battery, but turns every screw of efficiency.

A very low cd value of 0.21 (the details of the aerodynamics can be found here). Tires with a width of 225 mm contribute to efficiency, as does a low frontal area of 2.28m².

The eATS2.0 powertrain, developed and produced by Mercedes itself (both in Stuttgart Untertürkheim), impresses with a maximum efficiency of 93%. This is due to the efficient PSM electric motor (with a reduced proportion of neodymium), the power electronics made of silicon carbide and the 2-speed gearbox on the rear axle.

The world record in Nardo, in which the CLA managed 3,717 km in 24 hours, already indicated that the extreme efficiency paired with the 800 volt fast-charging capability (up to 320 kW charging speed) of the new Mercedes CLA EQ would become a real game-changer on the motorway.

According to WLTP, the CLA 250+ EQ already achieves a range (792 km) that is unmatched even in higher segments (only an EQS 450+ and a Lucid Air) and makes it 20-30 km further with significantly larger batteries.

But how do higher highway speeds affect range?
The range calculation is based on the physical calculation of the air resistance to be overcome as well as the rolling resistance.

The following parameters were used for the CLA 250+ EQ:
  • Outside temperature 20 degrees (air density at 1.204 kg/m³)
  • 0% gradient
  • 0 km/h headwind
  • Constant speed (no acceleration)
  • Electric powertrain efficiency 93%
  • Power consumption of auxiliary units 0.4 kW/hour
  • Rolling resistance of tires A+ = 0.006 (fR)
  • Cd value 0.21
  • Frontal area 2.28m²
  • Battery size 85 kWh net usable
CLA 250+Calculation: jesmb.de
VelocityConsumptionReach
[km/h][kWh/100 km][km]
506,071.400
606,671.274
707,441.143
808,361.016
909,44901
10010,66798
11012,01707
12013,51629
13015,15561
14016,92502
15018,83452
16020,87407
17023,05369
18025,36335
19027,80306
20030,38280
21033,10257

It turns out that anyone who drives a constant 100 km/h with the CLA 250+ EQ achieves the WLTP range of around 800 km.

If you drive the recommended speed of 130 km/h on the German motorway (due to the speedometer lead, you would have to set the Distronic to around 134 km/h), you can drive an incredible 561 km. The question is on which German motorway you can drive 130 km/h for 561 km at a time, if you e.g. in NRW? This high number shows that many trips will probably be made without a charging stop.

The values are phenomenal and show how suitable the CLA 250+ EQ is for everyday use. Coupled with the fast-charging capability, you can also drive faster. This is e.g. with the EQA does not make sense at the moment. Due to its slow charging power of 100 KW, a faster travel speed did not make the overall travel time faster, but slower because you spent more time at the charger. This is now a thing of the past with the Mercedes CLA EQ.

At 130 km/h, an EQA 250 requires 80% more energy than the new CLA 250+ EQ.

1743932717910.webp


Result: With these capabilities, the Mercedes CLA EQ becomes a real all-rounder. Thanks to the 101-liter frunk (front trunk) and the 405-liter trunk, it is not only a formidable touring car in terms of range on the highway and fast charging speed of up to 320 KW. At the same time, its maintenance interval has now been extended to 24 months and 30,000 km.
Appendix: Detailed calculations

1743932745415.webp




All this range talk all the time is so f' ing annoying. Who the fuc k cares if it drives 500 km or 560 km!
Is there any word on how this car actually..........drives? Or is that too much to ask for in these days of charging and range?

I don't think I've read a single word yet on the actual driving. But probably I haven't been paying enough attention and the actual driving is somewhere between the lines. Of course, it's totally not important how cars drive anymore these days, so it's really not a big deal. I have very, very low expectations anyways.
 
All this range talk all the time is so f' ing annoying. Who the fuc k cares if it drives 500 km or 560 km!
Is there any word on how this car actually..........drives? Or is that too much to ask for in these days of charging and range?

I don't think I've read a single word yet on the actual driving. But probably I haven't been paying enough attention and the actual driving is somewhere between the lines. Of course, it's totally not important how cars drive anymore these days, so it's really not a big deal. I have very, very low expectations anyways.
Driving will be no rocket step forward. And that's not necessary, any cars since around ten years are really fine in riding.
There's more to adjust with choosing the right wheel, with taking the right tire pressure.
Steering always gets better.

Annoying for me is that nearly nobody seems to be interested in nice instruments.
VW, just micro, not informative.
BMW, ugly as hell with that edges, soon totally crazy with small displays widely under the window.
Smart, nowhere to get informations.
CLA, unclear whether there will be nice display variants to be continued.

That I hate mostly. Even Porsche reduces their nice five gauges to undefined rubbish contents.
 
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This is about as good as this car can possibly look.

M
This video has really good quality video shootage that seems to show the good angles of this car that makes a positive impression of it's appearance. I think the interior looks really good for this class I like it even more than the C-class interior as it has more luxurious looking seats and better door cards.
 
This video has really good quality video shootage that seems to show the good angles of this car that makes a positive impression of it's appearance. I think the interior looks really good for this class I like it even more than the C-class interior as it has more luxurious looking seats and better door cards.

I suspect that as soon as we start seeing more of these on public roads and in real life environments, many will recognize that the new CLA does not look all that bad at all. The sort of car with an appearance that "grows on you". Not unlike the previous CLAs actually.
 
In person especially in those blue/green colours its even more bubble gum effect. I think this one thanks to its badge and how it looks will sell very well for the teenagers. But it looks great, better than the first gen Cla for sure
But i would love to see a more metallic/pearl effect paint
 
Interesting question and answer from the AI

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Why is the brand proud of its virtual assistant when they've got f'ing nothing to do with it?
What exactly are they proud of? Google?

1744585545106.webp


Not ever in the life of this car will a family let the car take them to some random restaurant it picked for them. Not once.
And this is the best example the MB marketing team can come up with, a completely irrelevant question.

It's all smoke and mirrors. Nothing of actual use.
 
Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent platform promises to “continue conversations and reference information” throughout users’ drives, and the first car announced with it is the new Mercedes CLA. That car has the next-generation MB.OS operating system with an upgraded MBUX Virtual Assistant.
When Mercedes revealed it at CES in 2024, it didn’t say which company’s LLM it was running on. Meanwhile, the existing MBUX Voice Assistant system that could handle about 20 commands triggered with “Hey Mercedes” now includes results provided by OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft Bing, but it’s not a conversational platform. According to Mercedes, there’s a plan to roll out this upgraded system to “further models” that run the older Voice Assistant, but it didn’t specify which ones.
The new MBUX Virtual Assistant will feature four “personality traits,” including natural, predictive, personal, and empathetic. It can also ask you questions for additional clarity to get you what you need.

Google’s new AI Agent is tailor-made to automotive uses, leveraging Google Maps data to find points of interest, look up restaurant reviews for you, give you recommendations, answer follow-up questions, and more. Google says MBUX Virtual Assistant users will get access to “nearly real time” Google Maps updates. It also says it can “handle complex, multi-turn dialog.”
The agent uses Gemini and runs on Google Cloud’s Vertex AI development platform, designed to help companies build out AI experiences. “This is just the beginning of how agentic capabilities can transform the automotive industry,” Google CEO Sundar Pichai stated in a press release.

-->>https://www.theverge.com/2025/1/13/...-virtual-assistant-google-automotive-ai-agent
 
I just don’t like the idea of signing in to my gmail in the car. This Is why CarPlay and Android auto are appealing. All your personal data remains on the phone.
 
It's all smoke and mirrors. Nothing of actual use.

I think its just rapidly reached diminishing returns on the technology. Having a smartphone in the car was a quantum leap over what most people had before in terms of navigation and finding destinations. How that info is accessed is important - to a degree, but the 'advances' now are trivial in comparison to how the underlying usefulness of the tech shifted in the mid/late 00's.
 
Why is the brand proud of its virtual assistant when they've got f'ing nothing to do with it?
What exactly are they proud of? Google?

1744585545106.webp


Not ever in the life of this car will a family let the car take them to some random restaurant it picked for them. Not once.
And this is the best example the MB marketing team can come up with, a completely irrelevant question.

It's all smoke and mirrors. Nothing of actual use.

While I generally agree, I did find myself using ChatGPT in the car in a way last weekend that would’ve matched this scenario perfectly. I asked it to give me 2 restaurant choices that didn’t require reservations and had a view of the lake we were near. I then asked it which had a higher Yelp score.

I could’ve asked the CLA that question and then proceed to have the car give me directions or call the restaurant.

Still not something to jump up and down about like it’s a lifesaver though.
 
While I generally agree, I did find myself using ChatGPT in the car in a way last weekend that would’ve matched this scenario perfectly. I asked it to give me 2 restaurant choices that didn’t require reservations and had a view of the lake we were near. I then asked it which had a higher Yelp score.

I could’ve asked the CLA that question and then proceed to have the car give me directions or call the restaurant.

Still not something to jump up and down about like it’s a lifesaver though.

Fair enough, it has its use I guess. But like you said, you did it all with your phone. No need to put the exact same thing prominently in the car as a feature.
Just like this gaming fad they (BMW in this case) are pushing. No-one is going to play crappy mobile games on the OS of a car.
 
Seeing the W124’s renaissance in the design world and on social media how is it possible to create such a thing?

Instead looking back to their heritage and design a solid and emotional car that would combine top-notch tech, design and brand indentity.

IMG_9032.webp

IMG_9030.webp
 

Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz Group AG is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany. Established in 1926, Mercedes-Benz Group produces consumer luxury vehicles and light commercial vehicles badged as Mercedes-Benz, Mercedes-AMG, and Mercedes-Maybach. Its origin lies in Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft's 1901 Mercedes and Carl Benz's 1886 Benz Patent-Motorwagen, which is widely regarded as the first internal combustion engine in a self-propelled automobile. The slogan for the brand is "the best or nothing".
Official website: Mercedes-Benz (Global), Mercedes-Benz (USA)

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