How to Activate the Mercedes Voice Assistant?
4 Answers
The voice assistant is enabled by default. You can activate it by clicking the voice assistant icon on the desktop or by pulling down the notification bar to open the voice assistant. After entering the settings, select the voice assistant. Once the voice assistant function is enabled, long-press the circular button on the virtual key to activate the voice assistant. Go to Settings > Voice Assistant, enable the voice assistant function, and then long-press the home button to start the voice assistant. The system only supports activating the voice assistant by long-pressing the menu key.
When I used to drive a Mercedes, I found it quite convenient to wake up the voice assistant, mainly through speaking or pressing a button. The standard method is to simply say "Hey Mercedes" to the system while driving, and it will activate immediately, ready to listen to your commands, such as adjusting navigation or controlling the air conditioning. Additionally, there's a multifunction button on the steering wheel, usually on the left side marked with a voice icon. Holding it down for a second can also start the assistant, which is especially useful in noisy environments. To ensure it works properly, I remember that when the car was new, I had to enable the voice control function in the settings menu, usually found under the "Sound" or "Driver Assistance" options in the infotainment system, where you can check to activate it. In daily use, this feature is very practical, saving time from manually operating the screen and enhancing driving safety. The only thing to note is to speak clearly, as the system sometimes misinterprets unclear pronunciation and needs to be reawakened. Regularly checking for software updates can also keep the assistant responsive.
I've been using the Mercedes voice assistant for quite a while now, and the wake-up method is actually simple: either say the command "Hey Mercedes" to the car or press the button on the left side of the steering wheel. Once activated, you can use voice commands for navigation, music, or adjusting the temperature—it's really convenient. The first time you use it, remember to go into the central control screen settings and enable "Voice Control" under "Vehicle Settings," otherwise, it won't respond. Once you get used to it while driving, I find myself rarely distracted by looking at the screen, especially on highways, which feels much safer. Although occasional signal interference might cause delays, simply restarting the car's system or ensuring the microphone isn't blocked usually fixes it. Mercedes' voice system is quite smart—after a few uses, it starts adapting to my accent. I recommend trying out different commands regularly, like weather queries or speed limit alerts, to maximize its functionality. Once you get into the habit, you won't want to go without it.
There are simply two ways to activate the Mercedes voice assistant: either say "Hey Mercedes" out loud or gently press the voice button located at the top left of the steering wheel. The system will respond by entering listening mode, allowing you to give voice commands for navigation, air conditioning, and more. The first time I used it, the system settings weren't enabled, so I had to locate and activate the "Voice Assistant" option on the car's infotainment screen. Once set up, it works intuitively while driving. If there's no response, check that the button isn't stuck or that the audio system is functioning properly. During routine maintenance, have the auto shop check the system software version to ensure it's up to date. Overall, the operation is straightforward and easy to master.
