Mercedes-Benz Splitview technology to make U.S. debut at LA show
11/23/2009, 5:41 PM
By Drew Johnson
The Mercedes-Benz S-Class has long been a hotbed for automotive innovation, and the large German sedan will continue that tradition at the 2009 Los Angeles Auto Show. Following its world debut last December, Mercedes-Benz’ Splitview technology will make its U.S. debut next month.
Co-developed between Mercedes-Benz and Bosch, the Splitview technology allows for dual-use of the S-Class’ center-mounted LCD screen. The system allows the driver to have access to the vehicle’s navigation system while the front seat passenger can watch a DVD on the very same screen.
Mercedes-Benz’ Splitview technology was originally slated to hit the market a few months ago, but was ultimately delayed. Mercedes failed to give a reason for the delay, but it was likely tied to legality concerns over the system. In August, Jaguar design head Ian Callum stated the system was “technically illegal”. Apparently, the NHTSA has given the technology a pass.
The Jaguar XJ is available with a similar dual-view technology in other parts of the world, but the British automaker has yet to announce if its version of the technology will be following the S-Class’ to the United States.
11/23, 6:34 PM
posted by:
Pazzo Canguri
Thats exactly what drivers need…more distractions from actually concentrating on driving….
11/23, 6:36 PM
posted by:
scratchy
@ Pazzo , you don’t get it.
11/23, 6:46 PM
posted by:
DenverGuy217
Too bad the technology doesn’t allow the driver to have access to the car’s diagnostic system so they can identify the vehicle’s latest ailment. At least the passenger can watch a DVD while waiting for the flatbed to arrive.
Burned once by MB, never again
11/23, 7:17 PM
posted by:
Smokin305s
^ Hah!
Their quality is on the rise though. Painfully slow and probably the last Euro I would consider, but they aren’t as far behind as they once were.
11/23, 7:29 PM
posted by:
jandrews90
yeah Pazzo, the driver can still only see the navigation screen….
11/23, 7:39 PM
posted by:
Typical_LLN_Poster
Maybe if the passenger wasn’t such a slouch they could help the driver navigate! Heaven forbid they pause the damn thing for 2 minutes. Personally, IMHO, everyone in that car comes 2nd to the driver.
11/23, 7:57 PM
posted by:
Borat
Typical Benz. This thing is 6 times more complicated then 3 screens with 2 DVD’s and GPS hooked.
11/23, 10:46 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
People hate on the S-Class for all the superfluous gadgetry, and all the technology that doesn’t take. But remember boys and girls, there is a little thing called the “bleeding edge.” More of the automotive innovations that you see on automobiles today debuted on the S-class than any other vehicle. I, for one, applaud MB for having the balls to try new stuff, even if every once in a while, they turn out to be flaming piles of disaster.
11/23, 11:00 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
I’m beginning to think it’s getting to the point where it’s more about one upping the competition than actually coming up with somewhat relevant to the people who drive your product.
11/23, 11:03 PM
posted by:
johnnycanuck
*something* somewhat relevant…
11/23, 11:19 PM
posted by:
cocksterS
I dunno that this feature is irrelevant. I have an 05 MB, and annoyingly, the DVD-based navigation system on US spec cars won’t play DVDs. Even while the car is in park. If I’m sitting in the car waiting to pick someone up, and I try to pop a DVD into the slot, I get sound, and picture, except for a big screen that says “This feature is disabled for safety reasons.” I think this feature will allow owners to have their cake and eat it too, so to speak. Passengers can make use of the “entertainment” feature on a $5,000 entertainment system, while the motoring public can rest assured that some moronic driver is not trying to watch the Baywatch boxset while commuting home from work.
11/24, 12:46 AM
posted by:
Zesty Honda
LMAO, Baywatfh box set while commuting home!
11/24, 7:58 AM
posted by:
acoom
On Euro-spec cars the DVD players work but only when the car is travelling less than 5kph.
11/24, 8:43 AM
posted by:
idrinorbarsaku
I hope it doesn’t turn out to be as bad as the Range Rover where the screen looks messed up from the back seat!
11/24, 9:21 AM
posted by:
03T4R
Why not install something practical…like a built in toilet for those long drives or a toaster oven in the glove box?
11/24, 10:14 AM
posted by:
Typical_LLN_Poster
People wonder why we haven’t progressed in engine development and better fuel efficiency… Dual View is apparently more important…
11/24, 10:34 AM
posted by:
bauer100
i would rather have a smug-fart recycler for Prius and Benz owners.
11/30, 11:19 AM
posted by:
shaver
Cool I guess. In the future, I could see the whole family sitting in front of 1 TV. All watching there different favorite shows at the same time.
Meanwhile, MB should focus on what made their cars great, not endless gadgetry.