From Fingerprints to Voice Recognition: Third-Gen MBUX Customization in Mercedes-Benz

Mercedes-Benz's third-generation MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience) system delivers an AI-powered voice assistant, expansive digital displays, and personalized settings that learn your preferences. This infotainment platform responds to natural language commands, stores up to seven user profiles with 800+ parameters each, and syncs across multiple vehicles through your Mercedes me account.

What Makes Third-Generation MBUX Different?

The third-generation MBUX system builds on three core principles: personalization, natural interaction, and connectivity. An AI-powered voice assistant understands conversational requests, while biometric authentication loads your saved preferences instantly.

Key innovations include:

• Zero Layer Interface: Displays the most relevant information and recently used apps without requiring menu navigation
• Biometric Authentication: Fingerprint scanner recognizes individual users and loads personalized profiles instantly
• Voice Control with Natural Language Understanding: "Hey, Mercedes" activation responds to conversational requests across multiple languages
• Over-the-Air Updates: Your system receives new features and improvements wirelessly
• Dual 12.3-inch Displays: Digital instrument cluster and central touchscreen provide comprehensive control

The system learns from your habits—preferred climate settings, frequently visited destinations, entertainment choices—then proactively suggests these options based on time of day, weather conditions, or driving patterns.

Voice Assistant: Your Intelligent Co-Pilot

The MBUX voice assistant responds to "Hey, Mercedes" activation. This AI-powered system understands context, recognizes different occupants by voice, and executes complex multi-step commands without requiring precise phrasing.

What You Can Control by Voice:

• Climate settings ("My feet are cold" adjusts temperature and activates seat heating)
• Seat adjustments and massage programs
• Ambient lighting colours and intensity
• Navigation destinations and route preferences
• Entertainment sources and audio settings
• Window and sunroof operation
• Information requests (outside temperature, service appointments, charging status)

The system distinguishes which seat a command originates from and applies changes accordingly. If the front passenger requests warmer temperature, only their climate zone adjusts. This seat-specific recognition extends to multiple vehicle functions, creating personalized experiences for everyone in the cabin.

Beyond vehicle controls, the voice assistant answers general knowledge questions, provides weather forecasts, and engages in casual conversation. The system continues learning new phrases and commands through regular updates, expanding its capabilities over time.

Display Options: From Dual Screens to Hyperscreen

Third-generation MBUX offers multiple display configurations depending on your Mercedes-Benz model and trim level. The standard setup features twin 12.3-inch screens—one serving as your digital instrument cluster, the other as a central touchscreen for infotainment and vehicle settings.

Available Display Technologies:

• Standard Dual Display: Two 12.3-inch high-resolution screens with customizable layouts
• MBUX Hyperscreen (select models): Curved glass spanning the full dashboard width, integrating driver display, central touchscreen, and front passenger screen
• Front Passenger Display: Dedicated 12.3-inch or 14-inch screen for entertainment and comfort controls (available on equipped models)

The central touchscreen employs capacitive technology similar to modern smartphones, responding instantly to swipes, pinches, and taps. You can organize apps into custom folders, rearrange icons to match your priorities, and access your most-used functions with minimal interaction.

A front passenger display (when equipped) provides independent entertainment options—streaming video content, browsing navigation details, or adjusting climate zones—without interfering with your driving view. An intelligent camera system monitors your gaze, automatically dimming the passenger screen if you glance toward it to minimize distraction.

Personalization Through User Profiles

MBUX stores up to seven individual user profiles, each containing approximately 800 customizable parameters. These profiles remember everything from seat position and mirror angles to preferred radio stations, navigation history, and ambient lighting colours.

How Profile Recognition Works:

Creating your profile begins with the biometric fingerprint scanner, typically located on the centre console. Once enrolled, simply place your finger on the scanner when entering the vehicle, and MBUX instantly recalls all your settings. The system can also recognize users by voice, loading the appropriate profile during your first "Hey, Mercedes" command.

Profiles sync across multiple Mercedes-Benz vehicles through your Mercedes me account. Visit a different dealership for a loaner vehicle, authenticate with your fingerprint or credentials, and your preferences transfer—your favourite seat position, climate preferences, and navigation home address all appear as if you never left your own vehicle.

For families sharing a Mercedes-Benz, this eliminates the daily ritual of adjusting seats, mirrors, and settings. Each driver's profile activates automatically, ensuring optimal comfort and safety from the moment they settle behind the wheel.

Connectivity Features for Modern Drivers

MBUX integrates with your digital life through comprehensive smartphone connectivity and cloud-based services. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto eliminate cable clutter, allowing you to access phone apps, messages, and music through the central display or voice commands.

Connected Services Include:

• Mercedes me Connect: Remote vehicle access via smartphone (lock/unlock, climate pre-conditioning, vehicle locator)
• Live Traffic Updates: Real-time traffic information reroutes you around congestion automatically
• Online Music Streaming: Direct access to streaming services without phone intermediary
• Navigation with Electric Intelligence (EV models): Calculates optimal routes including charging stops based on battery level, weather, and topography
• Augmented Reality Navigation: Overlays directional arrows onto live camera feed of the road ahead for complex intersections

Multiple USB-C charging ports throughout the cabin keep devices powered, while wireless charging pads eliminate the need for cables entirely. The system supports simultaneous connections for multiple phones, allowing driver and passengers to access their own content independently.

At a Glance: Third-Generation MBUX Key Features

Comparing MBUX Across Mercedes-Benz Models

All Mercedes-Benz vehicles with third-generation MBUX share core functionality. Available features vary by model and trim level:

Entry-Level Models (GLC 300, E-Class base trims):

• Standard dual 12.3-inch displays
• Voice control with natural language understanding
• Biometric authentication
• Wireless smartphone integration
• Basic navigation (MB Navigation upgrade available)

Mid-Range Models (GLC 350e, AMG GLC 43):

• All entry-level features plus:
• MB Navigation with Augmented Reality
• Burmester sound system options
• Enhanced ambient lighting integration
• Front passenger display (select trims)

Premium Models (EQS, EQE, S-Class, AMG models):

• All mid-range features plus:
• MBUX Hyperscreen option (select models)
• 4-zone climate control integration
• Rear-seat entertainment systems
• Advanced sound visualization
• Digital Vehicle Key functionality

The system's learning capabilities remain consistent across all levels—your MBUX experience grows more personalized regardless of which Mercedes-Benz you choose.

Experience MBUX at Mercedes-Benz Blainville

Mercedes-Benz Blainville invites drivers throughout Mirabel to experience MBUX through personalized demonstrations. Our product specialists will guide you through voice command capabilities, show you how to create custom profiles, and demonstrate how MBUX adapts to Quebec driving conditions—from winter route planning to bilingual voice recognition.

Visit Mercedes-Benz Blainville in Mirabel to explore third-generation MBUX in person.