Updating the navigation maps stored in the vehicle began with the E-Class in 2016. What previously required the insertion of a data medium such as a DVD, or a workshop visit, now takes place automatically over the air every three months, assuming the customer has activated this service in the Mercedes me Portal.
“Over-the-air updates are not new for us. Thanks to our many years of experience and many successfully run OTA campaigns over the years, our customers always have the latest software in the vehicle. With ‘over the air’, it is not just software updates that we can deliver to vehicles already sold, but also features which haven’t even been invented yet. OTA enables the vehicle to become a more and more effective tool for the customer as time goes on”, says Georges Massing, Head of Digital Vehicle & Mobility at Mercedes-Benz AG.
https://www.automoli.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/201214_Over_The_Air_EN_PI_16_9__H264_v02.mp4 How does over the air work in concrete terms? As soon as a new update is available from Mercedes-Benz, a message is shown in the central display; the download and installation of the update run in the background. Important note: the user then has to agree again explicitly to the activation. In this way, the vehicle is always up to date with software. To transmit the data, Mercedes-Benz relies on mobile radio technology and the communication module installed in the vehicle – this is the most secure way.
A further option for an updated and improved user experience is the additional booking of new functions in the Mercedes me Store: Smartphone Integration such as CarPlay or Android Auto, In-Car Office or the digital radio DAB+ for optimum radio reception are available there. And the best thing of all: services whose subscription has expired can also be renewed quickly and easily online via the Mercedes me Store.
However, some features and services will not even require an update in the vehicle. The reason being that MBUX is a hybrid system and draws upon data and software stored in the vehicle as well as upon information stored in the cloud. This applies, for example, to the voice assistant “Hey Mercedes”. It constantly learns new words and phrases through exchange with the cloud. Questions such as “Where is the nearest pizza place?” or “How did the national football team do today?” naturally also rely on the latest information in the cloud.
In addition, the latest traffic and weather information is constantly transferred to the vehicle, including associated data such as the snow depth in ski areas.
Currently, A-Class customers who have been using MBUX since 2018 are now receiving the additional streaming services TIDAL and Amazon Music, as well as access to the Mercedes me Store in MBUX, while in specific languages MBUX is switching to use the familiar form of “you”. In this way, updates become upgrades.
Depending on the age of the vehicle there are more functions available for downloading which are already on board more recently built models.
How Over-the-Air Updates Work
Over-the-air updates utilize the vehicle's built-in connectivity features, such as Wi-Fi or cellular networks, to download and install new software directly to the car's systems. This process is typically seamless for the driver, often occurring in the background or during scheduled maintenance windows. Owners are notified of available updates via the infotainment system or a connected app, and can usually choose when to install them. This approach minimizes downtime and ensures that vehicles are always running the latest software versions.
Benefits of OTA Updates for Drivers
OTA updates offer numerous advantages for Mercedes-Benz owners. They provide immediate access to new features, performance enhancements, and bug fixes without the need for a dealership visit. This not only saves time but also ensures that vehicles remain secure against emerging cyber threats. Additionally, OTA updates can improve the resale value of a car by keeping its systems current and competitive in the market.
Future Prospects: The Evolving Role of OTA in Automotive Innovation
As automotive technology advances, OTA updates are expected to play an even greater role in the evolution of connected vehicles. Mercedes-Benz is investing in expanding the capabilities of OTA, including updates for autonomous driving features, advanced driver assistance systems, and personalized user experiences. This ongoing innovation positions Mercedes-Benz at the forefront of digital transformation in the automotive industry.