New Mercedes models will have TikTok built in
Mercedes-Benz E-Class (Mercedes-Benz)
The new Mercedes-Benz E-class line will allow drivers to use TikTok, play Angry Birds and even hop on a Zoom call as long as the car’s not moving.
According to Mercedes, the new models have five third-party apps installed on the central display: TikTok, Angry Birds, Webex, Zoom and Vivaldi. Previous models required drivers to connect their phones or other smart devices to the car.
The new line also includes a selfie and video camera on the top dashboard, and passengers will be able to watch movies, play games and browse the internet while the vehicle is on the move.
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Car owners will also be able to set up "routines" for various things in their cars, like automatically turning on heated seats when temperatures reach a certain degree or changing the "ambient lighting."
According to Kelly Blue Book, the starting price for a 2023 Mercedes-Benz E-class model is $56,750. The company hasn’t said how much the 2024 line will cost or exactly when they’ll be released.
Mercedes isn’t the only carmaker installing third-party apps: Tesla is also planning vehicles with Zoom conferencing built in, Zoom announced in November.
In January, Mercedes-Benz announced it will build its own worldwide electric vehicle charging network starting in North America in a bid to compete with Tesla, the EV sales leader.
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The German luxury automaker said it will start building the North American network this year at a total cost of just over $1.05 billion. When completed in six or seven years, the network will have 400 charging stations with more than 2,500 high-power plugs, the company said.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.