From 16 June 2023, North American customers with MBUX-equipped vehicles can join an optional beta test of the new feature. Sign-up is available through the Mercedes Me app or directly from your car by saying, “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.” Drivers will receive updates over the air, with ChatGPT integration made possible via Azure OpenAI Service, leveraging Microsoft’s cloud and AI platform.

More Voice Control For Mercedes Vehicles

Mercedes engineers believe ChatGPT-powered technology is the perfect opportunity to enhance the MBUX Voice Assistant, which is already a leader in the industry with its versatile voice control. With OpenAI’s technology, the voice assistant can now help with a broader range of queries, offering bespoke answers to drivers’ needs on practically any topic. Unlike most voice assistants limited by predefined tasks and responses, ChatGPT uses a large language model (LLM) to understand natural language and respond to virtually anything drivers ask.

Mercedes-Benz combines the validated data of MBUX Voice Assistant with the natural dialogue format of ChatGPT. Users can start by asking for directions and then follow up with questions about their destination, including the weather, what it’s famous for, or anything else they want to know, all while remaining focused on the road ahead.

How Mercedes-Benz Will Ensure Data Privacy

Given the sensitive nature of the technology, Mercedes-Benz is working hard to ensure data protection in its vehicles. The German automaker cares about privacy and consumer choice and is allowing customers to see what data is collected and why, letting them decide what to share. The goal is to reduce tampering and abuse, protecting drivers long-term.

Microsoft is helping the automaker’s effort to integrate ChatGPT, the company says, via a secure cloud environment. According to Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, Chief Technology Officer, Development & Procurement, Mercedes-Benz wants its customers to trust it with their data privacy at all times. One vision drives everything the company does, he says: refining drivers’ relationship with the brand and enhancing their experience. It is a significant step for the automaker toward making cars its customers’ “digital hub.”

Mercedes-Benz is now inviting customers to experience the latest technologies in their vehicles as early adopters. The ongoing beta program will last three months, providing the German car maker with valuable data it can use to improve the system. It will also prioritize further voice control developments, depending on what customers request during feedback. Ultimately, this testing phase will improve the intuitive voice assistant and let the brand plan the rollout strategy for large language models in more markets and languages.

If you’d like to test drive a Mercedes-Benz, book a test drive by clicking on the button below.

Please Note: The details of this article were accurate at the time it was written. Manufacturers may change the details of any vehicle’s specifications at any time without notice.