“While these technologies reflect a broader trend of increasing convergence between IT and automotive technologies, they also illustrate Mercedes-Benz’s particular leadership in this area…”

The latest model in Mercedes-Benz’s A-Class model features speech recognition and voice control, signalling the latest turn in the drive toward the smart car.

Mercedes-Benz A-Class.

Mercedes-Benz says the car’s voice control system uses natural speech recognition technology, allowing users to interact with the AI system with regular speech, not just pre-determined command words and phrases. And the system supports hands-free activation via the phrase, “Hey Mercedes”.

On that AI-theme, this car is the first in Mercedez-Benz’s A-Class line to support semi-autonomous driving. Its camera and radar systems allow the car to ‘see’ up to 500 meters ahead, helping to enable AI-assisted driving features including Active Lane Change Assist, Active Emergency Stop Assist, and the speed-adjusting Active Distance Assist DISTRONIC feature.

While these technologies reflect a broader trend of increasing convergence between IT and automotive technologies, they also illustrate Mercedes-Benz’s particular leadership in this area, with the car company having introduced smartphone-based virtual keys for its E-Class vehicles last year.

The new A-Class will be available for order starting in March, with Mercedes-Benz promising a market launch this spring.