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://media.autoiso.com.pl/automoli/files/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 are delivered to Mercedes-Benz vehicles via cellular or Wi-Fi connections. When a new update is available, the vehicle notifies the driver, who can then choose to install it at a convenient time. The process is designed to be user-friendly and typically takes only a few minutes, depending on the size of the update. Critical updates, such as those related to safety or system stability, may be prioritized and installed automatically to ensure optimal performance.
Benefits of OTA Updates for Drivers
OTA updates offer significant advantages for Mercedes-Benz owners. They eliminate the need for frequent dealership visits, saving time and reducing inconvenience. Drivers benefit from the latest infotainment features, navigation improvements, and enhanced safety systems. Additionally, OTA updates can address software bugs and security vulnerabilities quickly, ensuring a safer and more enjoyable driving experience.
Future Developments in OTA Technology
Mercedes-Benz is committed to expanding the capabilities of OTA updates in the coming years. Future updates may include more advanced driver assistance features, improved connectivity options, and integration with smart home devices. The company is also exploring ways to personalize updates based on individual driver preferences and usage patterns, further enhancing the ownership experience.