In the world of automotive design, few brands have embraced digital transformation as boldly as Mercedes-Benz. Once known for its understated luxury and analog elegance, the German automaker has now become synonymous with massive, immersive screens that dominate the cabin. From the groundbreaking Hyperscreen in the EQS to the latest 39.1-inch display in the all-electric GLC, Mercedes is redefining what it means to interact with a car.
This isn’t just about tech—it’s about reshaping the driving experience.
🖥️ The Rise of the Hyperscreen
Mercedes-Benz first made headlines in 2021 with the debut of the MBUX Hyperscreen in the EQS sedan—a 56-inch curved glass panel that stretched across the entire dashboard. It fused three displays into one seamless unit: the instrument cluster, infotainment screen, and passenger display. This wasn’t just a gimmick—it was a bold statement that digital interfaces could be beautiful, functional, and luxurious.
Fast forward to 2025, and the Hyperscreen philosophy has evolved. The new all-electric GLC EQ features a 39.1-inch display that spans the dashboard from pillar to pillar. It’s not just bigger—it’s smarter. With over 1,000 LEDs and “zone dimming” technology, different sections of the screen can adjust independently, ensuring critical driving data remains visible without distracting the driver2.
🚘 Screens That Shape the Cabin
Mercedes’ design chief Gordon Wagener has made it clear: big screens are here to stay. His philosophy is simple—larger displays make the car feel more substantial and premium. “When you have a small screen, you automatically send the message ‘Congratulations, you are sitting in a small car,’” Wagener quipped.
This screen-centric approach has transformed Mercedes interiors into digital lounges. Ambient lighting syncs with the display to create moods like “Calm,” “Cool,” or “Warm.” Climate controls are integrated with lighting cues, and even the grille on the GLC EQ features 942 tiny LEDs that create a light show on demand.
⚙️ Balancing Touch and Tactility
Despite the digital dominance, Mercedes isn’t abandoning physical controls entirely. In fact, the brand has responded to customer feedback by reintroducing tactile buttons and rollers on the steering wheel of the GLC EQ. Chief software officer Magnus Ostberg explained that older buyers and certain regions prefer traditional controls, and Mercedes is working to optimize the interface for different demographics1.
This hybrid approach—combining massive screens with essential physical switches—reflects a deeper understanding of user experience. Innovation, as Mercedes puts it, should serve the customer, not just dazzle them.
📱 Personalization and Connectivity
The massive screens aren’t just for show—they’re deeply integrated with the Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS), which powers everything from navigation to entertainment. Drivers can customize their interface, set ambient themes, and even adjust screen layouts based on personal preferences.
Dual wireless charging trays, voice-activated controls, and over-the-air updates ensure that the car remains as connected as your smartphone. The infotainment system supports multiple profiles, allowing different users to save their settings and preferences.
🧠 Screen Psychology and Market Trends
While Mercedes pushes the envelope, not everyone is on board with the screen revolution. Rival brands like BMW and Volkswagen have begun reintroducing physical buttons after customer complaints about touch-only systems. Surveys show that many drivers find large screens distracting, especially when navigating complex menus while driving.
Mercedes acknowledges this tension. “We don’t want to be innovative for the sake of being innovative,” said board member Mattias Giesen. “We want to be innovative where it makes sense for the customer”.
🔮 What’s Next?
The screen-heavy design language is expected to carry over to upcoming models, including the all-electric C-Class, which will likely inherit the GLC EQ’s wraparound display setup. Teaser images hint at illuminated grilles and sculptural interiors that blend digital and physical elements.
Mercedes is also exploring regional customization—tweaking screen layouts and control schemes based on cultural preferences and age demographics. This level of personalization could become a key differentiator in the luxury EV market.
🏁 Final Thoughts: A New Kind of Luxury
Mercedes-Benz has always been a pioneer in automotive innovation. With its embrace of massive screens, the brand is not just following trends—it’s setting them. These displays aren’t just about size—they’re about creating immersive, intuitive, and personalized driving environments.
Whether you love the digital maximalism or long for the simplicity of analog dials, one thing is clear: Mercedes is driving into the future with its screens blazing. And in this new era of automotive design, the dashboard is no longer just a control panel—it’s a canvas.
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