Mercedes-Benz Brings Useful Feature To C-Class And S-Class Owners With New OTA Update

Feb. 12, 2023 5:42 PM ET by Jarryd Neves Luxury / Comments

Owners of 2021 C-Class (W206) and S-Class (W223) can now benefit from Zero Layer.

Mercedes-Benz has announced that it will introduce the Zero Layer function to W206 C-Class and W223 S-Class models built up to June and November 2021, respectively.

Now standard on these model ranges, earlier examples had to make do without the nifty feature first introduced on the all-electric EQS Sedan. The system aims to bring convenience to the driver's life by taking note of certain habits and, eventually, tailoring certain functions to the owner's needs.

If, for example, the driver telephones their spouse at the same time every day, Zero Layer will learn the behavior and eventually suggest the phone call at the time it usually occurs. The suggestion is offered to the driver via a selection tile on the infotainment screen.

This makes for safer driving, as you're less likely to take your eyes off the road and fiddle with the infotainment screen.

Mercedes-Benz

Should the suggestion prove useless to the driver, they can reject it with the "do not suggest now" function or permanently delete the suggestion. This will prevent the vehicle from giving the driver options they are not interested in.

Owners of applicable vehicles, including the Maybach S-Class, will be able to install Zero Layer via an over-the-air software update. Mercedes says the customer will be notified of the update via the MBUX infotainment system or the Mercedes Me mobile app.

While it sounds like a gimmick, the beauty of Zero Layer is that it is tailored to every individual's needs. Whether you make use of the Energizing Comfort program after a hard day at work or use your media system at a certain time of the day, the system will learn your habits and make your Mercedes-Benz an even more luxurious place to be.

Mercedes-Benz

"We continuously optimize the performance of the systems and develop valuable new features for the customer that make driving a Mercedes-Benz even more pleasant. The update to the Zero Layer offers a 100% personalized and intuitive user experience, with all relevant functions always in view," said Mercedes' Chief Software Officer, Magnus Ostberg.

Despite a recent recall, the MBUX infotainment system is arguably one of the best in the business. It's highly intuitive, feature-rich, and lag-free, which isn't something you can say of every infotainment system out there. We're guessing the Zero Layer system will make its way to more models, like the upcoming W214 E-Class.

But Stuttgart's time at the top of the infotainment pyramid may not last much longer. Through the i Vision Dee concept, BMW has previewed the next generation of in-car tech and infotainment systems - and it's very impressive.