Augmented Reality HUD for the 2021 Mercedes S-Class Looks Incredible

Mercedes is giving us a glimpse into how the new S-Class will show the way with an augmented reality head-up display.

The idea of computer-generated information being contextually laid over the real world was once the stuff of science fiction. Over recent years we’ve seen automakers flirting with the idea of Augmented Reality (AR) in concept cars, but Mercedes is teasing its introduction in the upcoming new S-Class generation.

In a new video released on Facebook, Mercedes is showing off computer-generated icons swooshing around the head-up display (HUD) display to show drivers the way as part of the navigation system.

With all the information for speed, the next corner coming up, road edges, and highlighting distance with other cars on the road showing on the windscreen, it looks like a video driving game set on easy. But, the AR system is working in real-time in the real word to deliver directions and information to the driver. It even included marker with a checkered flag icon showing when they’ve reached a destination. Hopefully, Mercedes will leave the gaming possibilities to less sophisticated automakers, though.

It certainly looks slick and cool but may take a while to get used to without having arrows zooming around in your eye-line. However, with the smooth and high degree of accuracy shown in the video, it also looks incredibly useful.

The HUD based augmented reality display is just one of the long list of ingredients promising to make the next S-Class a technological marvel. A 12.8-inch portrait-style display in the middle of the dash and running the new MBUX infotainment system is just the start. Up to five screens will be on offer, and a wider completely digital dash display is promised. Tech will also help comfort for owners optioning the 48-volt chassis system. That will enable the Road Surface Scan system that uses cameras to watch the road ahead and adjust the suspension in real-time to deal with the surface.

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Ian Wright

Ian Wright has been a professional writer for two years and is a regular contributor to Corvette Forum, Jaguar Forum, and 6SpeedOnline, among other auto sites.

His obsession with cars started young and has left him stranded miles off-road in Land Rovers, being lost far from home in hot hatches, going sideways in rallycross cars, being propelled forward in supercars and, more sensibly, standing in fields staring at classic cars. His first job was as a mechanic and then trained as a driving instructor before going into media production.

The automotive itch never left though, and he realized writing about cars is his true calling. However, that doesn’t stop him from also hosting the Both Hand Drive podcast.

Ian can be reached at bothhanddrive@gmail.com