Mercedes-Benz launches Teams meetings feature in new sedan

This new feature aims to enhance productivity while addressing safety concerns.

Mercedes-Benz luxury sedan introduces Teams meetings feature

Mercedes-Benz is partnering with Microsoft to provide a new ‘in-car productivity’ feature in its 2026 CLA luxury sedan, allowing drivers to join Teams meetings while on the road. This car, priced between $55,000 and $65,000, includes a built-in camera that streams the driver's image to other meeting participants. However, safety measures prevent drivers from viewing the meeting display while driving to minimize distractions. This feature is set to launch in Europe this summer and later in the U.S., with updates to the existing Meetings app, enhancing users' ability to connect easily and efficiently. Despite the innovation, experts caution that any hands-free technology can still pose risks, especially related to cognitive distractions while driving.

The introduction of in-car video meetings presents both an innovative leap in automotive technology and a potential increase in risks associated with distracted driving. While Mercedes-Benz emphasizes safety by disabling visual feeds for drivers in motion, the cognitive demands of participating in a meeting—even hands-free—can lead to divided attention on the road. As the automotive industry continues to integrate advanced technologies that blur the lines between work and everyday activities, the need for robust safety protocols becomes ever more crucial. Mercedes-Benz's latest initiative, although forward-thinking, must grapple with the ongoing challenges of ensuring driver safety without stifling technological advancement.

Highlights

As technology evolves, so too must our approach to driver safety and distraction prevention.