Mercedes-Benz USA Launches mbrace Connect For All MY2016 Vehicles

Additional updates bring remote start, remote diagnostics, iHeartRadio App

ATLANTA - August 10, 2015: Mercedes-Benz USA (MBUSA) today announced the launch of mbrace Connect for all model year 2016 Mercedes-Benz vehicles. Starting today, the bundle of connected services will be standard on all MY2016 Mercedes-Benz passenger cars and SUVs for five years. Three optional packages – mbrace Secure, mbrace Concierge and mbrace Entertain – will round out the new suite of connected car services for Mercedes-Benz customers.

With mbrace Connect, owners can take advantage of the mbrace Mobile App, mbrace Web Services, in-vehicle Roadside Assistance services, non-streaming Mercedes-Benz Apps and remote updates. A new Remote Diagnostic Test enables dealer technicians to run over-the-air diagnostic reports without requiring customers to take their car to the dealership. And owners of battery electric and plug-in hybrid models will have access to the Vehicle Homepage, which allows drivers to check vehicle charge levels and map out charging stations along a route, among other functions designed to add convenience and reduce uncertainty.

"Since 1999, Mercedes-Benz has been an innovator in the telematics arena, culminating in this latest suite of mbrace services," said Bart Herring, general manager of product management for MBUSA. "With mbrace Connect, we're resetting the value equation for our customers, offering some of our best and newest mbrace features at no extra cost well into the life of their new car."

A notable addition to the mbrace Mobile App is the Remote Start function, allowing owners of compatible MY2016 models (namely, C-Class, S-Class, GLC and GLE) to start their vehicle's engine remotely via their smartphone. Remote Start works with no distance restriction between car and driver and will run the engine for 10 minutes up to two consecutive times, giving drivers the ability to pre-condition their vehicle based on their last climate control settings.

The mbrace Secure package brings a range of safety and security services like emergency crash notification, stolen vehicle location and automatic alarm notification, offered at no cost for a six-month trial period. Following the trial, owners may choose to purchase mbrace Secure for $199/year.

The two additional service packages, mbrace Concierge and mbrace Entertain, are included with a standard three-month trial. mbrace Concierge offers drivers their own "personal assistant" with 24/7 non-emergency agent support like turn-by-turn route assistance and location-based traffic and weather updates. mbrace Entertain gives customers access to streaming apps, including the new-for-MY2016 iHeartRadio App coming this fall, as well as an in-vehicle WiFi hotspot. Owners can continue these services after the trial for $20/month and $18/month, respectively, or together at a discounted rate of $28/month.

MY2016 Mercedes-Benz vehicles delivered prior to the August 10 launch date will also be upgraded to mbrace Connect. For more information about Mercedes-Benz mbrace, customers may visit an authorized Mercedes-Benz dealer or call 1-800-FOR-MERCEDES.