As carmakers continue to explore autonomous and connected technologies, Mercedes-Benz is pushing the idea of the vehicle as a "third living or working space", extending far beyond traditional infotainment.

The German brand is introducing enterprise-level IT integration into its new-generation CLA and GLC models through its proprietary MB.OS operating system, allowing drivers to manage work tasks, join video meetings, and securely access corporate data on the move.

The update includes the latest Meetings for Teams app, native Microsoft Intune support, and future integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot -- the tech giant's AI assistant -- directly into the car.

"We were looking into how we can make our cars more productive for people who want to organize themselves and use their time inside the car," said Andreas Biehl, head of Mercedes-Benz apps and MBUX virtual assistant. "Microsoft's Office offering is an interesting partner because of the business context."

The Meetings for Teams app allows video calls using the vehicle's built-in camera, though video from other participants is hidden while driving to comply with road laws. The camera can be disabled at any time, and screen-sharing content is blocked to reduce distraction.

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Biehl said Mercedes is focusing on how to position its vehicles as private, mobile workspaces similar to taking a train, adding that the technology for higher levels of autonomy "is already there" -- it's now a matter of waiting for regulation to catch up.

Germany and the Czech Republic currently allow Level 3 autonomous driving, and Mercedes was the first brand in Europe to launch it in 2022 with Drive Pilot for the S-Class and EQS. BMW followed in 2023.

Mercedes is also working with Microsoft to bring Copilot to its cars, enabling drivers to use natural voice commands to summarise emails, access client details, or manage tasks. The company claims the integration of Microsoft Intune -- used by IT administrators to manage devices and data security -- is a first for any carmaker.

This system allows the separation of business and private data while enforcing enterprise-level compliance standards, much like on a corporate smartphone. It also lets users switch seamlessly between work-related apps such as MBUX Notes and Calendar. The rollout began this year in Europe and the United States.

Mercedes previously integrated ChatGPT into its MBUX infotainment system in 2023, allowing more conversational interactions. "We can decide which partners to integrate with based on our assessment, which was not possible some years ago when we just bought in the whole tech stack from other big partners," Biehl said. "Now we have the whole tech stack and the platform in our own hands."

According to Gartner's Vice President of Research, Pedro Pacheco, these features add tangible value for customers. "The more you can do in the car, the more value you will attribute to the car," he said. He added that the rise of electric vehicles and the need for charging breaks create natural opportunities for in-car productivity.

"Whatever you can do inside your car -- whether it's working or enjoying entertainment content -- adds to its appeal," Pacheco said. He expects the next phase will see AI voice assistants evolve from simple query tools into true digital aides, capable of managing emails, scheduling, and even screening calls.

"At this point, your voice assistant becomes a real personal assistant," Pacheco said. "But we're still at the start of all this."

While these developments are currently focused on Europe and North America, Mercedes has hinted that MB.OS will underpin all future models globally, including those bound for Australia. Local customers may see the same connected features in coming years, pending regulatory approvals for higher levels of autonomy and data security compliance.

Content originally sourced from: CarExpert.com.au

Mercedes-Benz looking to Microsoft for cars as a work space