Mercedes Hyperscreen: 56-Inch Curved Display for EQS

Three years ago, Mercedes-Benz introduced MBUX, an infotainment system that signified a substantial advancement within the automotive sector.

This system, characterized by its sharp visuals, user-friendly interface, and integrated voice assistant, offered an experience comparable to using a smartphone, moving away from the pixelated displays and complex layouts common in many contemporary infotainment systems.

Mercedes revealed on Thursday the latest version of MBUX: a 56-inch curved screen extending across the dashboard—the defining element of a next-generation infotainment system designed to adapt to the driver’s habits. Known as the MBUX Hyperscreen, it will be an available option in the 2022 Mercedes EQS, the flagship sedan from the company’s electric EQ line. Unveiled prior to the virtual CES technology event, the Hyperscreen boasts 8 CPU cores, 24-gigabyte RAM, and a RAM memory bandwidth of 46.4 GB per second. It also incorporates a multifunction camera and a sensor that automatically adjusts screen brightness based on ambient lighting.

The intention behind all this technology is to create an intuitive infotainment system that can be personalized for up to seven individuals. According to Mercedes-Benz CTO Sajjad Khan, the software powering the Hyperscreen continually learns user preferences, eliminating the need for occupants to navigate through menus or scroll for options.

“The MBUX Hyperscreen functions as both the brain and the central nervous system of the vehicle,” Khan stated.

Mercedes-EQ. MBUX Hyperscreen. Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

The curved screen, which is actually comprised of multiple individual displays housed under a single glass surface, is shielded by two layers of scratch-resistant aluminum silicate on the cover plate to minimize glare and simplify cleaning. Mercedes also engineered predetermined fracture points into the screen’s design for enhanced safety in the event of a collision.

Integrated into the screen on either side are two physical air vents.

Aside from its appearance and size, the user interface and its operation are particularly noteworthy. (However, it’s important to note that a comprehensive evaluation is still pending.) Mercedes has prioritized displaying information related to charging, entertainment, phone connectivity, navigation, social media, and even massage functions—directly on the screen. This eliminates the need to search through menus or utilize voice commands to access these features.

The system’s software, which will analyze the driver’s patterns, will proactively offer suggestions, removing the need to navigate through deeper sub-menus. The navigation map is consistently visible in the central area, with controls for phone and entertainment—or the most relevant feature for the current situation—located just below it, as indicated by the automaker.

Mercedes emphasized the system’s intelligent capabilities during Thursday’s presentation. For example, if the driver routinely calls a specific contact on the commute home on certain days, the system will anticipate this action. A contact card will appear, displaying their information and, if available, their photograph. This recommendation will not be presented to other drivers of the EQS.

Mercedes-EQ. MBUX Hyperscreen. Image Credits: Mercedes-Benz

Drivers can access more detailed settings or additional features by navigating further into the system. The front passenger has a dedicated section of the screen, termed the co-driver display, for use during travel. In select markets, passengers will also be able to view videos while in transit using Bluetooth headphones. An intelligent, camera-based locking mechanism will prevent the driver from viewing the passenger display to minimize distractions.