It was only a matter of time before the luxury car evolved into a full-blown mobile office, and, with the upcoming CLA, Mercedes-Benz is bringing that vision to life. Going beyond wireless charging pads and on-board displays, this new system will offer enterprise-grade connectivity, generative AI, and live video calls, all while the car is in motion.
Mercedes-Benz will become the first automaker to integrate Microsoft’s enhanced Meetings for Teams app into its vehicles, allowing drivers to join video calls using the in-car camera, even while driving. The system complies with national safety laws and was built to minimize distraction. When the camera activates, the display hides shared content, slides, or other video streams, ensuring the driver continues to stay focused on the road.
The feature will debut in the all-new CLA, the first model to run on MB.OS (Mercedes-Benz Operating System), which also powers the fourth-generation MBUX infotainment system. In this Teams update, users will gain access to a redesigned interface with “Next Meetings,” quick contact shortcuts, an expanded chat function, and voice-to-text message input. The system requires the Entertainment Package Plus, which includes a data plan, and will roll out initially in Europe and the United States.
Until now, in-car productivity was largely limited to reliance on Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. While these systems are excellent for music, navigation, and light messaging, they aren’t designed for enterprise tasks. For business users and drivers who operate in the Microsoft 365 ecosystem, features like secure app access, Teams video integration, and AI-generated meeting prep have remained out of reach. Mercedes is now bridging that gap.
To support this shift, Mercedes has become the first automaker to natively integrate Microsoft Intune into its vehicles. This enterprise-grade device and app management tool allows IT administrators to enforce data separation, manage security policies, and grant or revoke access, just as they would on a corporate laptop or phone. Business users can now switch between personal and work profiles in the car, securely and seamlessly.
“This isn’t about screen time. It’s about making time count. CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Our collaboration with Microsoft ensures that productivity on the move is safe, seamless, and intuitive.” Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Mercedes-Benz Group AG
Perhaps the most forward-looking announcement is the integration of Microsoft 365 Copilot, the generative AI assistant designed to streamline productivity. With voice prompts, drivers can even summarize email threads, retrieve client information, prepare for meetings, or manage to-do lists.
It is a powerful tool that transforms the vehicle into what Mercedes is calling the “third workspace,” a functional bridge between office and home. But perhaps, nowhere would such a system be more relevant than extending such functionality to the back seat of models like the S-Class or flagship Maybach, where executives can get so much more done, while on the move.
But for now, there is a key limitation: these new tools are tied directly to Mercedes’ MB.OS, which is only launching in new models starting with the CLA. It is still unclear if existing Mercedes vehicles, including the current S-Class, EQS, or Maybach lineup, which are currently running older MBUX systems, will receive these features via OTA updates, and if they pack the necessary hardware to support this new software architecture.
Still, with this rollout, the message is clear. As hybrid work takes hold and AI-powered productivity tools become essential, Mercedes is already working on future-proofing the role of the automobile and the future of business mobility.
Source: Mercedes-Benz