According to details provided by the companies, the new software-defined architecture that will be built on the Nvidia Drive platform will bring the most sophisticated and advanced computing architecture ever deployed in a car.

The primary feature will be automated driving functionalities, with regular routes from address to address as well as plenty of safety and convenience applications. What makes it more interesting is the fact that Mercedes-Benz and Nvidia plan to offer customers an ability to purchase and add capabilities, software applications, and subscription services through over-the-air software updates during the life of the car.

The platform itself, based on the next generation Nvidia Drive platform, will feature Nvidia Orin SoC, based on Nvidia Ampere architecture. Two companies will develop AI and automated vehicle applications that include SAE level 2 and 3, as well as automated parking functions (up to level 4).

“We are excited to work with Mercedes-Benz. It’s the perfect partner for us given its long record of innovation and our strong technical relationship. It’s clear from our extensive discussions with Ola and his team that we share a common vision of the automobile of the future. Together, we’re going to revolutionize the car ownership experience, making the vehicle software programmable and continuously upgradeable via over-the-air updates. Every future Mercedes-Benz with the NVIDIA DRIVE system will come with a team of expert AI and software engineers continuously developing, refining and enhancing the car over its lifetime", said Jensen Huang, CEO of Nvidia.

Ola Källenius, Chairman of the Board of Management of Daimler AG and Head of Mercedes-Benz AG added: "“We are delighted to be able to extend our cooperation with NVIDIA. Jensen and I know one another well and we have spent a great deal of time talking about the goals and potential of next-generation vehicle computing architecture. This new platform will become an efficient, centralized and software-defined system in our future Mercedes-Benz vehicles. NVIDIA’s AI computing architecture will help us streamline our journey towards autonomous driving. These new capabilities and upgrades will be downloaded from the cloud, improving safety, increasing value and extending the joy of ownership for all Mercedes-Benz customers.”

As noted, the new system and AI computing infrastructure will be available for next-generation Mercedes-Benz vehicles starting in 2024.