
Functions include touch sensing signal recording, signal reception, and signal transmission. Touch sensing signal recording: The touchpad detects user input (operation gestures and handwriting recognition) and identifies the palm rest. Additionally, when the integrated button is pressed once, the touchpad also performs detection. The touchpad features a "Back" button, a background audio button (enabling audio sources without leaving the current menu), and Home and Favorites buttons (quick access to basic functions such as navigation, radio, multimedia, phone and internet, vehicle, and functions stored in favorites). Signal reception: The touchpad receives signals, primarily through CAN network communication. Signal transmission: The touchpad transmits signals. Operation signals are sent via the vehicle's intelligent signal system control area network to the cockpit management and data system control unit, known as the COMAND system. Operation signals from the lower control panel are transmitted via the vehicle's intelligent information system control area network to the main unit.

I've been driving a Mercedes for a while now and really like the light-touch feature of the touchpad, mainly because it's super convenient to use without constantly staring at the screen, making it safer while driving. A gentle tap confirms selections, like when choosing navigation or music menus for quick access. The swipe function is also quite practical—swiping left or right changes songs or flips through web pages, while swiping up or down scrolls through lists, which helps avoid too much distraction when selecting playlists on the highway. For gesture controls, pinching with two fingers zooms in and out on maps, which is handy for navigating unfamiliar cities. I've also tried swiping up with three fingers to bring up frequently used settings, like muting the microphone. The integration is excellent, even linking to steering wheel buttons—just a light touch adjusts airflow or temperature, reducing the need for button presses. Just remember to keep your hands dry, as moisture can sometimes affect responsiveness, but this minor drawback is easy to manage. Overall, it enhances the driving experience, especially simplifying operations during traffic jams, making it well worth utilizing.

From a technical perspective, the touch-sensitive design of the Mercedes touchpad is highly user-friendly. A single click is the most basic operation, such as selecting a menu item with a tap, while a double-click directly opens applications like the phonebook. The swipe control is even smarter, simulating finger movements on the screen—swiping left returns to the home screen, and swiping right brings up the quick-access menu, ensuring smooth browsing without lag. In terms of gesture functions, pinching with two fingers zooms the navigation map, and a three-finger horizontal swipe switches the dashboard display. These operations are intuitive, with fast response times, making them much more effortless than the old-style rotary knobs. As someone who enjoys exploring these features while driving, I’ve also discovered it supports personalized settings, such as customizing touch sequences to activate specific functions—like one-touch activation of Sport Mode. Combined with the voice assistant, it’s even more seamless—after speaking a command, a light tap confirms it, minimizing distractions. Maintenance is simple too—just wipe it regularly to prevent dirt from affecting sensitivity. All in all, new users can get the hang of it pretty quickly.

As an experienced driver, I pay more attention to whether the light-touch function of the Mercedes touchpad can be used safely without distracting from driving. The tap operation is quite reliable—just gently touching the edge options on the screen with a finger can switch radio stations or answer calls, eliminating the need for forceful presses while keeping eyes on the road. Sliding is also convenient, allowing navigation destination selection on the highway with a simple swipe, avoiding multi-step operations. Gestures like pinching to zoom in or out on the map should ideally be performed when parked to avoid safety distractions while driving. Mercedes has considered ease of use in these designs, such as a light-touch mute button for quickly regaining focus. It's best to pair these with in-car assistive features, like preset settings that reduce the need for frequent adjustments via touch, ensuring a steadier drive. In short, proper usage can minimize accident risks—practice more to familiarize yourself with the process.


