Mercedes-Benz Shows Off Updated Infotainment Interface at 2012 CES

Just the Facts:

• Mercedes-Benz unveiled its second-generation infotainment system called mbrace2 at the 2012 CES.
• It connects users to Facebook, Yelp and Google in their vehicles.
• The system will debut on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster.

LAS VEGAS — Mercedes-Benz unveiled a new version of its telematics and infotainment system mbrace2 at the 2012 Consumer Electronics Show. The system will debut on the 2013 Mercedes-Benz SL roadster.

The system gives drivers access to a variety of cloud-based apps.

Some of the pre-loaded applications in mbrace2 include Facebook, Yelp, Google, and Street View integration. It also features Internet browsing, news updates and concierge services as well as collision notifications.

The system will use some voice activation as well as a central command knob and uses an embedded 3G modem that accesses live data through the Internet.

The mbrace2 system is coupled with a smartphone app that gives drivers the ability to control certain car functions and communicate with their vehicles remotely. Users are able to lock and unlock doors, have geo-fence alerts, connect with friends and even get valet parking protection via the app.

Mercedes-Benz also showed off its DriveStyle iPhone app in the C350 coupe that is set to be available later this year. The app will help drivers minimize their in-vehicle phone use with speech-to-text replies and other voice-controlled features.

Inside Line says: Although it's just an updated version of the current Mercedes-Benz infotainment system, mbrace2 shows how drivers can still be fully connected behind the wheel.