Will.i.am + Mercedes-Benz Launch The Immersive MBUX Sound Drive Experience At CES 2024

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

On Monday in Las Vegas during the kick-off to CES 2024, Mercedes-AMG announced the launch of their first of its kind, state-of-the-art technology, MBUX SOUND DRIVE, an industry-first partnership with creative artist, innovator, and entrepreneur, will.i.am, to deliver a ground-breaking interactive music experience. The technology uses software that allows the music to react to the way the car is being driven, creating a harmonious relationship between motion and melody. This turns the car into a virtual musical instrument, transforming an already exceptional Mercedes-AMG driving experience into an emotional, musical journey.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

Utilizing a suite of sensors and advanced software, MBUX SOUND DRIVE interprets various driving dynamics such as recuperation, acceleration, steering, and braking — and converts them into musical expressions, allowing the driver to ‘compose’ in real-time.

The creation of MBUX SOUND DRIVE takes the long and successful brand partnership between Mercedes-AMG and will.i.am into exciting new territory. As the relationship progressed, the Black Eyed Peas frontman fostered the idea of using his skills as a record producer to develop an interactive music experience for the car. The technology connects the car hardware with the music software through precise ‘in-car signals’ that enable the music to react to the driving characteristics in real-time. These pre-determined parameters range from acceleration and braking to energy recuperation and steering angle. The technology is also capable of syncing with other in-car ‘signals’. One example could be the windscreen rain sensors that provide soothing rhythms during inclement weather to reduce stress and enhance concentration.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

And providing an immersive sound experience is just one part of the story. The long-term goal with MBUX SOUND DRIVE is to turn the technology into an open music platform. As a result, artists from around the world could create tracks, representing any music genre, in a new immersive audio format using MBUX SOUND DRIVE studio software.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz

MBUX SOUND DRIVE rollout starts from mid-2024 and will be available on Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with the second-generation MBUX system1. Existing Mercedes customers can access the MBUX Software Update via an over-the-air (OTA) update using the Update Wizard on their MBUX display or the Mercedes me app after receiving a notification that it is available in their region.

Photo Credit: Mercedes-Benz