mercedes-benz.jpgMercedes-Benz and Hughes Telematics have partnered to create their own iteration of Ford’s Sync, and GM’s OnStar offerings. This new technology will be known as “mbrace,” and will feature 18 unique services.

In true luxury fashion, Mercedes-Benz’ new technology will offer premium and forward-thinking options such as linking to the vehicle’s interface via smart phones such as the iPhone or Blackberry- allowing remote door unlocking and locking. There are also traditional features such as automatic emergency notification in the event of an accident or if the vehicle is stolen.

There is also a definite broadening of the offerings from competitive technologies which will include a health-check function that broadcasts live information to the most local dealership, as well as real-time weather and traffic reporting.

Certainly exclusive to the Mercedes-Benz technology is a personal concierge service which can connect the driver to a representative that can assist in booking reservations for dinner, hotels and even airfare.

The mbrace system will be available across the entire Mercedes-Benz lineup, and will come as standard equipment except on the GLK, C-Class, SLK and E-Class Coupe.

Service will be complimentary for the first six months – after which an annual subscription will set you back $280 for the standard service, and an additional $20 annual fee for the concierge service.