During the commencement of CES 2024 in Las Vegas on Monday, Mercedes-AMG introduced a pioneering technological marvel, the MBUX SOUND DRIVE, marking an industry-first collaboration with the multifaceted artist, innovator, and entrepreneur, will.i.am. This cutting-edge technology delivers an interactive music experience that transcends conventional boundaries, creating a symbiotic relationship between the car’s movement and musical expressions. The result is an immersive journey, transforming the Mercedes-AMG driving experience into a virtual musical performance.
The MBUX SOUND DRIVE utilizes advanced software and a suite of sensors to interpret various driving dynamics, including recuperation, acceleration, steering, and braking. These inputs are translated into real-time musical expressions, empowering the driver to spontaneously ‘compose’ music while on the road.
This groundbreaking collaboration expands the longstanding partnership between Mercedes-AMG and will.i.am. The Black Eyed Peas frontman, also a renowned record producer, envisioned leveraging his music production skills to craft an interactive in-car music experience. The technology seamlessly connects the car’s hardware with the music software through precise ‘in-car signals,’ allowing the music to dynamically respond to driving characteristics. These predefined parameters cover a spectrum from acceleration and braking to energy recuperation and steering angle. Additionally, the technology can sync with other in-car signals, such as windscreen rain sensors, generating calming rhythms during adverse weather conditions to alleviate stress and enhance concentration.
Beyond providing an immersive sound experience, MBUX SOUND DRIVE aspires to evolve into an open music platform. The long-term vision is to enable artists worldwide to create tracks in various music genres using the MBUX SOUND DRIVE studio software, thereby ushering in a new era of immersive audio formats.
The rollout of MBUX SOUND DRIVE is scheduled to commence in mid-2024 and will be available on Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with the second-generation MBUX system. Existing Mercedes customers can access the MBUX Software Update through an over-the-air (OTA) update using the Update Wizard on their MBUX display or the Mercedes me app after receiving a notification about its availability in their region.
