NEWS  AI  January 10, 2024  Reading time: 3 Minute(s)

Max (RS editor)

Mercedes-AMG has unveiled a concept that promises to transform the way we experience driving. Teaming up with musician and entrepreneur Will.i.am, the German automaker has introduced MBUX Sound Drive, an innovative feature that intertwines music with the rhythm of acceleration and steering, creating an immersive "interactive musical experience" for drivers.

Unveiled at CES 2024, MBUX Sound Drive utilizes advanced sensors and software to synchronize musical tracks with various driving functions such as recuperation, acceleration, steering, and braking. Mercedes-AMG envisions this feature as a way to turn each car into its own orchestra, where the vehicle's movements harmonize with a specially composed soundtrack. To engage in this auditory adventure, drivers simply need to opt in by selecting Sound Drive through their infotainment screen.

 MUSIC IN MOTION - MBUX SOUND DRIVE 

The real magic happens through precise "in-car signals" that establish a seamless connection between the car's hardware and the music software, enabling the soundtrack to dynamically respond to the driving characteristics in real-time. Imagine soothing melodies accompanying the rhythm of windshield wipers during rainy weather or an EDM beat syncing up with the acceleration on a highway.

The idea is not just revolutionary in its approach to driving entertainment but also recognizes the profound connection between sound and the driving experience. Whether it's the opening of Beethoven's 9th Symphony or the pulse-pounding beats in a high-speed chase, music has always played a central role in making journeys memorable.

In the age of electric vehicles, the absence of an internal combustion engine accentuates the significance of in-car sounds. While some opt for simulated exhaust notes through external speakers, Mercedes-AMG aims for a more pleasant approach with MBUX Sound Drive. This initiative aligns with the broader industry trend, exemplified by the Fiat 500e using classical music for low-speed sounds mandated for pedestrian safety.

 WILL.I.AM IN 2018 [IMAGE CREDIT: AUBREY GEMIGNANI] 

What sets MBUX Sound Drive apart is its ambition to be an "open music platform". Mercedes invites musicians worldwide to use its MBUX operating system and create unique tracks for various driving functions. This democratization of the driving soundtrack opens the door for aspiring Sound Drive musicians, offering them a chance to compose the next windshield wiper beat.

Given Will.i.am's involvement, this project seems tailor-made for the musician's fusion of creativity and technology. While his ventures like the Wink smart home startup faced challenges, MBUX Sound Drive harnesses Will.i.am's unique skill set to bring a fresh perspective to the world of connected car technology.

Starting in mid-2024, owners of Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes-Benz vehicles equipped with the second generation of the MBUX system can immerse themselves in the MBUX Sound Drive experience. This feature, reflecting the future of driving, can be easily downloaded via an over-the-air software update. While pricing details are not immediately available, the promise of a personalized symphony accompanying every drive heralds a new era of automotive innovation. Mercedes-AMG and Will.i.am have collaborated not just on a feature but on a transformative journey where music and motion converge, creating a driving experience like never before.

 MEDIA CREDITS: MERCEDES AMG