Skip advert
Advertisement
Tips & advice

MBUX: Mercedes’ infotainment technology explained

What does MBUX mean, which Mercedes cars have it and what can it do? All is explained here

MBUX is a term you may have heard if you’ve done any research on the latest Mercedes car range. It stands for Mercedes-Benz User Experience, and is the name given to the latest version of the brand’s in-car media and navigation system, otherwise known as infotainment.

The first car to get the MBUX infotainment system was the Mercedes A-Class, in 2018. Since then, other models including the CLA, GLE, GLS, EQC and GLB have been launched with the tech included.

Advertisement - Article continues below

Eventually all Mercedes models will use it. More recently, the E-Class range has been updated to include MBUX and we expect the next CLS and C-Class models to use MBUX, too.

There are a few benefits to the MBUX set-up, the first being that it uses a faster computer behind the scenes than previous Mercedes systems. That means it’s faster and more responsive than before, emulating how snappy your smartphone feels to use.

There are all sorts of things that you can control using the settings menu including seat positions, ambient lighting, driving modes and lots of phone options including calls, contacts and navigation via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

The two most notable features are the clever voice control and ‘augmented reality’ sat-nav. Read more about those below.

MBUX screens

In the A-Class and some of Mercedes’ other small cars, MBUX is displayed on two 10.25-inch screens, but in larger models like the E-Class the screen size is a bit bigger - the displays are still in a twin configuration but they’re each 12.3 inches across.

The main screen in the middle of the dashboard is used to control nearly all the car’s functions, as well as displaying things like sat-nav maps and radio information while you’re driving. The second screen is behind the steering wheel and shows your speed and driving data, and can also show the sat-nav map if you wish.

Advertisement - Article continues below
Skip advert
Advertisement
Skip advert
Advertisement - Article continues below

Unlike the COMAND infotainment system found in older cars which has a rotary dial, the MBUX infotainment system uses a touchpad on the centre console. The screen is also a touchscreen, and the steering wheel has some buttons too, so there are plenty of control options.

Voice control using ‘Hey Mercedes’ 

These options also include voice control, which is activated when you say ‘Hey Mercedes’ - just like you might speak to activate your Android or Apple smartphone’s assistant.

Like those systems you can ask the car questions and get internet-sourced answers, including where nearby petrol stations or car parks are.

It will also respond to more natural speech such as ‘I feel cold’ or ‘play my favourite track’ to turn up the heating or pick a driving song respectively. You can set your sat-nav destination using voice control, too.

MBUX augmented reality navigation

Once you’ve put in where you want to go, the MBUX system can direct you in one of three ways. There’s the normal mapping on the screens, Google or Apple maps via a smartphone app, or augmented reality.

The clever augmented reality feature shows a live feed of the road ahead using a camera up front, and then overlays directions - giving you an arrow at the exact junction to turn at. It’s a slightly gimmicky addition but some of the Auto Express staff have found it very useful.

What's the best infotainment system you've ever used? Let us know in the comments... 

Skip advert
Advertisement

Find a car with the experts

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Get off that Porsche 911 configurator! New V8 Mercedes Concept AMG GT Track Sport is coming
Mercedes Concept AMG GT Track Sport - full teaser

Get off that Porsche 911 configurator! New V8 Mercedes Concept AMG GT Track Sport is coming

The new Mercedes concept is likely to be unveiled at the Munich Motor Show and points to a hardcore sports car that will target the Nürburgring lap re…
News
25 Jul 2025
Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs
Best electric car deals - header image

Best electric car deals: today's top discounts and incentives on new EVs

Making the switch to an EV? These car brands have an offer (or two) for you
Best cars & vans
24 Jul 2025
Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own
Best classic cars - July 25

Best classic cars - the classics we’d most love to own

These are our favourite classic cars, from British beauties to V8-engined beasts
Best cars & vans
8 Jul 2025
Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows
‘Labfiber Biotech Leather Alternative’ - tyre and leather

Luxury Mercedes ‘leather’ made from old tyres is great news for the planet, and cows

The new material was first seen in the radical AMG GT XX concept, but will be used in the brand’s road cars
News
26 Jun 2025

Most Popular

Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range
Auto Express team standing with a selection of EVs underneath a lightning storm

Electric cars driven until they die: the truth about EV range

Five EVs under £24k have joined Dacia’s Spring on the UK market. How far can you go on a budget? We find out
Features
30 Jul 2025
New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k
Citroen C5 Aircross - front

New Citroen C5 Aircross SUV undercuts the Volkswagen Tiguan by a huge £7k

Citroen’s revamped flagship C5 Aircross SUV is available to order now with hybrid or electric power
News
28 Jul 2025
Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price
Polestar 4 - cornering, low shot

Car Deal of the Day: Polestar 4 is a head-turning EV for a super cool price

The ‘car with no rear window’ is looking seriously cheap on lease right now. It’s our Deal of the Day for July 28
News
28 Jul 2025