2023 DB11 test mule spotted
Discussion
"Those will include a redesigned exterior and an overhauled interior with new infotainment tech from Mercedes."
huh? That's somewhat inconsistent with what has been said before... I though one of the "big changes" for 2023 was new in-house infotainment, not just yet another rehash / update of the unwanted and unloved MB system???
huh? That's somewhat inconsistent with what has been said before... I though one of the "big changes" for 2023 was new in-house infotainment, not just yet another rehash / update of the unwanted and unloved MB system???
Surely it’s a reskinned version of a more recent MB system? The cost otherwise would be prohibitive.
Unless they take the brave pill and opt for a purely CarPlay/Android system relying on the driver's phone, plus some basic environmental HVAC controls. I remember Dr Palmer suggesting this at the Valhalla reveal - and thought it perfect. Don’t have a clue why most car companies don’t rely of phones to run the entertainment show. The billions spent by Apple and Google even puts Tesla in the also-ran category. Best of all, you can keep the car's IT to a minimum and enjoy what you’re really wanting to spend money on. The engine and chassis.
Unless they take the brave pill and opt for a purely CarPlay/Android system relying on the driver's phone, plus some basic environmental HVAC controls. I remember Dr Palmer suggesting this at the Valhalla reveal - and thought it perfect. Don’t have a clue why most car companies don’t rely of phones to run the entertainment show. The billions spent by Apple and Google even puts Tesla in the also-ran category. Best of all, you can keep the car's IT to a minimum and enjoy what you’re really wanting to spend money on. The engine and chassis.
AdamV12V said:
"Those will include a redesigned exterior and an overhauled interior with new infotainment tech from Mercedes."
huh? That's somewhat inconsistent with what has been said before... I thought one of the "big changes" for 2023 was new in-house infotainment, not just yet another rehash / update of the unwanted and unloved MB system???
huh? That's somewhat inconsistent with what has been said before... I thought one of the "big changes" for 2023 was new in-house infotainment, not just yet another rehash / update of the unwanted and unloved MB system???
My understanding is that the infotainment system used in current AMs, is the M-B system from 10 years ago.
Don't think the original agreement, allowed current M-B versions to be bought by AML.
The 10 year old system has had two replacements. Their latest system first appeared in the 2021 S-class and is being put in other models as they are replaced. The E-class is still using the (about) 2016 version of the infotainment system.
If AML are allowed to use the latest version (under the revised technical agreement) when the Sports/GT cars are revamped next year, then get ready for big screens and voice control. Voice control is triggered by saying, "Hey Mercedes". Hopefully they will alter that to, "Hey Aston Martin". "How may I help you?" "What can be done about my whining diff ?" "Nothing Sir, it is within technical tolerances and the warranty won't cover it, because the diff has not failed. Sir could try ear plugs."
Edited by Jon39 on Tuesday 2nd August 22:04
nickv12 said:
Surely it’s a reskinned version of a more recent MB system? The cost otherwise would be prohibitive.
Unless they take the brave pill and opt for a purely CarPlay/Android system relying on the driver's phone, plus some basic environmental HVAC controls. I remember Dr Palmer suggesting this at the Valhalla reveal - and thought it perfect. Don’t have a clue why most car companies don’t rely of phones to run the entertainment show. The billions spent by Apple and Google even puts Tesla in the also-ran category. Best of all, you can keep the car's IT to a minimum and enjoy what you’re really wanting to spend money on. The engine and chassis.
It was explicitly said not so long ago that the next generation of cars for 2023 would feature in-house infotainment. There was a huge discussion on it here on PH....Unless they take the brave pill and opt for a purely CarPlay/Android system relying on the driver's phone, plus some basic environmental HVAC controls. I remember Dr Palmer suggesting this at the Valhalla reveal - and thought it perfect. Don’t have a clue why most car companies don’t rely of phones to run the entertainment show. The billions spent by Apple and Google even puts Tesla in the also-ran category. Best of all, you can keep the car's IT to a minimum and enjoy what you’re really wanting to spend money on. The engine and chassis.
The reason they dont rely on phones solely is a) they date very quickly. Even tech such as carplay will have its day, and who wants to try and buy a 15yr old phone to work with their 15yr old car they just bought, because it wont work with any phones outside say a 5yr span. b) infotainment does far more than just music, calls and nav - which admittedly a phone (within the limts of the first point) could do. Besides HVAC the infotainment usually has all the settings for the car, door locking, lights on approach, mirrors folding, suspension firmness, fuel computer, dash layout preference, etc etc etc....
GT3ZZZ said:
They're getting MBUX which is deeply embedded in current Mercs, Will be reskinned with AM branding of course.
If AML are being allowed to use MBUX, it gives us some ideas about the interior design of future Aston Martins.
One way to contol MBUX is by using controls on the steering wheel spokes. The numerous controls are neccessarily quite small.
Exoticlover said:
Centre screen and vents are for the "Life has been draining lately" thread...
The previous MB version (the one after AM) has a wide touch screen on the dashboard.
Although it is not the only way to operate it, imagine trying to reach forward so far, to touch the screen.
I presume therefore, that is why they have adopted the centre screen, for ease of reach.
More recent MB cars have the centre screen angled slightly towards the driver.
Not really a fan of screens, but hey ho, have to accept.
Progress appears to be, why look at the road ahead, when instead you can attempt to adjust the radio !
At least with the VH cars, we can hide the screen.
Jon39 said:
The previous MB version (the one after AM) has a wide touch screen on the dashboard.
Although it is not the only way to operate it, imagine trying to reach forward so far, to touch the screen.
I presume therefore, that is why they have adopted the centre screen, for ease of reach.
More recent MB cars have the centre screen angled slightly towards the driver.
Not really a fan of screens, but hey ho, have to accept.
Progress appears to be, why look at the road ahead, when instead you can attempt to adjust the radio !
At least with the VH cars, we can hide the screen.
I'm ok with touchscreen operation as an add on, but not as a replacement for physical controls.
I remember sitting in a Porsche 992 and not have been able to turn on and navigate the radio/tuner unit. The new Mercedes interiors are a huge turn off for me.
I like the BMW i-Drive system, where you have physical buttons for the radio, hvac and all functions on the steering wheel and can operate the menus on the touchscreen with the i-Drive button too. Best of 2 worlds.
In fact I liked it so much, that I've ordered a M8 instead of my planned purchase of a 2023 Vantage.
Edited by christof on Thursday 4th August 05:17
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