Mercedes-AMG Collaborated With Will.I.Am To Bring You A Sound Experience Like No Other

AMG releases a state-of-the-art technology, called MBUX SOUND DRIVE. The company works together with the famous entrepreneur and musician - Will. i.Am, which is a first-time thing within the car industry. Mercedes and the artist bring to the client interactive music experience, that is one of a kind. Cutting-edge technology software follows how the car is being driven and lets the music react to it, thus making a vibrant connection between motion and melody. Like this, an already exceptional car like Mercedes-AMG transforms itself into a musical journey, full of emotions.

Using a variety of sensors and modern software, MBUX SOUND DRIVE reads different driving dynamics - such as recuperation, acceleration, steering, and braking - and turns them into musical expressions, making the driver a real-time composer. 

“At Mercedes-Benz, we want digital innovation to bring a smile to our customers’ faces through exciting new features that make a real difference to every journey. With MBUX SOUND DRIVE, AMG drivers are in control of the way their music sounds. It makes in-car entertainment much more immersive.” says Markus Schäfer, Member of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AMG, Chief Technology Officer.

“Imagine a world where your car can become an instrument creating musical journeys. MBUX SOUND DRIVE enhances driving and sound technology, letting motorists reshape music just by driving. I'm excited to see how composers, producers, and songwriters will harness this to create new works and reimagine classics for motorists to drive to. MBUX SOUND DRIVE is not only a new frontier for music creation, but also opens up fresh, exciting, and interactive listening experiences for drivers.” Will i.am adds. 

The unique sound experience comes from the studio and goes to the street and on the road. The whole partnership between AMG and the multi-platinum rapper takes them both to new unexplored horizons. With the project progressing, the musician utilized his record-producing skills to create an interactive music experience for the AMG vehicles.

The technology connects the car hardware with the music software through precise ‘in-car signals’ that enable the music to react to the driving characteristics in real time. These pre-determined parameters range from acceleration and braking to energy recuperation and steering angle. MBUX SOUND DRIVE has a tremendous capability of syncing with other in-car signals. Imagine the windscreen rain sensors, providing soothing rhythms during inclement weather, to reduce stress and enhance the driver's focus.

Platform power – digital driving music for everyone

However, the whole story has more than one part. The end goal of this new software is to turn the tech into an open music platform. Eventually, artists from all over the world could create tracks, representing any music genre in a new format, utilizing MBUX SOUND DRIVE studio software. 

Plans for the technology release are for mid-2024 and it is going to be available on Mercedes-AMG and Mercedes vehicles, equipped with the second-generation MBUX system. The current Benz clients can access the MBUX Software Update via an over-the-air (OTA) update, using the Update Wizard on their MBUX display or the Mercedes Me app after receiving a notification that it is available in their region.

Dynamic demos at CES – immersive music on the road

To fully demonstrate the capabilities of MBUX SOUND DRIVE, Mercedes-AMG offered exclusive test drives at CES 2024. Visitors could head outside to the MBUX SOUND DRIVE stand at the Diamond Lot and book an experience in a Mercedes-AMG EQE or EQE SUV. The first impressions were more than promising and the crowd was wowed.

Talking tech – an extensive guide to the musical masterpiece

Mercedes-Benz offered the media and the visitors, the opportunity to take part in an entertaining and informative discussion on this exciting technology. The topic was presented by Mercedes-Benz CTO Markus Schäfer together with Will. i.am, who explained the creative vision, the science, and the plans. This new system will, be integrated into the latest E53 AMG 2025 as well.

[1] MBUX Entertainment Software Update (FUP5) is available over-the-air (OTA) for several vehicle models. The availability, scope, and pricing of the features depend on the respective market, the technical conditions of the vehicle model, and the individual configurations and settings in the vehicle.

Պhotos: Mercedes-Media

Boris Georgiev has been a journalist for over a decade now, but for the last few years, he decided on cars and motorsport. He has been attending different events and car shows, expanding his knowledge and automotive expertise. Having driven various Mercedes-Benz models throughout his life, he naturally finds himself attracted to the brand. Boris is now a true Benz expert and reports the latest stories about the company. Please follow him on X for more Mercedes-Benz tweets.