Mercedes-Benz is elevating the in-car experience for more than two million vehicles worldwide with its latest MBUX 2.6 over-the-air (OTA) update. The new software introduces key innovations across navigation, voice control, and off-road driving, helping drivers stay connected, informed, and entertained.
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Key Highlights of MBUX 2.6 Update
- Google Satellite View: Real-time, high-resolution imagery for bird’s-eye navigation.
- Live Alternative Routes: Smart rerouting for EVs using Navigation with Electric Intelligence.
- Offroad Track: Record and share 4×4 adventures through the Mercedes-Benz Stories app.
- MBUX Voice Assistant + ChatGPT: AI-powered conversations across even more vehicles.
- Entertainment Package Plus: Now available via in-vehicle touchscreen through the Mercedes-Benz Store.
Navigation becomes more intuitive with the integration of Google Satellite View, delivering a high-resolution, top-down perspective for clearer route visualization—especially useful in rural areas with few landmarks.
Electric vehicle owners benefit from Live Alternative Routes, part of the Navigation with Electric Intelligence system. It calculates optimized charging stops and adapts in real-time based on traffic, range, and charging time.
Availability:
- Google Satellite View: G-Class, EQS, EQE, EQB, EQA, GLS, GLE, GLC, GLB, GLA, S-Class, E-Class, C-Class, B-Class, A-Class, CLE, AMG GT, AMG SL.
- Live Alternative Routes: G-Class, EQS, EQE, EQB, EQA (2023+ models).
Expanded ChatGPT Support for MBUX Voice Assistant
The MBUX Voice Assistant now supports ChatGPT, bringing advanced natural language interaction to over 3 million vehicles—including those with the first-generation MBUX.
Drivers can engage in hands-free conversations ranging from trivia to real-time information, all powered by Microsoft Bing search and OpenAI’s ChatGPT via Azure. The system is context-aware, enabling follow-up questions and fluid dialogue.
This upgrade has led to a sixfold increase in voice assistant usage, highlighting its appeal among drivers seeking smarter, safer in-car assistance.
Explore Off the Grid with Offroad Track
Adventure seekers can now document and share their off-road journeys using Offroad Track, a new feature integrated into the Mercedes-Benz Stories app. This tool lets users:
- Discover and explore 4×4 trails contributed by other Mercedes-Benz drivers.
- Record routes with video and vehicle telemetry (e.g., descent angle, speed, elevation, GPS).
- Create and share dynamic highlight reels of their adventures.
App availability: Apple App Store & Google Play Store
In-car integration: Select models with the second-generation MBUX and AWD.
Supported Models:
- Offroad Track: G-Class, EQS SUV, EQE SUV, GLS, GLE, GLB, GLA (2023+ with hard disk navigation and all-wheel drive).
Availability Overview by Feature
| Feature | Eligible Models |
|---|---|
| Google Satellite View | G-Class (2023/2), EQS, EQS SUV, EQE, EQE SUV, EQB (2023/2), EQA (2023/2), GLS, GLE, GLC, GLB, GLA, S-Class, E-Class, C-Class (2021+), B-Class (2022/2), A-Class (2022/2), CLE, AMG GT, AMG SL |
| Live Alternative Routes | G-Class, EQS, EQS SUV, EQE, EQE SUV, EQB (2023/2), EQA (2023/2) |
| ChatGPT Voice Assistant | All MBUX generations starting from version E.800 |
| Offroad Track | G-Class (2023/2), EQS SUV, EQE SUV, GLS, GLE, GLB (2023/1), GLA (2023/1) with AWD and navigation |
Mercedes-Benz Enhancing the Digital Driving Experience
“Our latest MBUX 2.6 software update introduces exciting new features over-the-air. Updates to our navigation technology, Mercedes-Benz Stories app and MBUX Voice Assistant further enhance the in-car digital experience for our customers. It’s also part of our ongoing commitment to keep our vehicles feeling up-to-date after purchase.”
– Magnus Östberg, Chief Software Officer, Mercedes-Benz AG
With MBUX 2.6, Mercedes-Benz continues its commitment to providing continuous innovation, ensuring vehicles remain digitally relevant and technologically competitive long after they leave the showroom.
