Mercedes‑Benz is rethinking display surfaces. Instead of conventional screens, previously unused areas in the vehicle are being examined as potential information surfaces. The company is working on a holographic display that turns the windshield into a communication surface. A projector in the instrument panel projects content onto the windshield. A special transparent film laminated into the glass uses “holographic optical elements” (HOE) to selectively reflect the wavelengths of light emitted by the projector. This technology concentrates the light in such a way that the image remains visible even in sunlight. It is also visible only from specific viewing angles: the driver therefore cannot see what is shown on the passenger side – and vice versa. This opens additional information and entertainment possibilities, such as displaying context for POIs (points of interest), driving information or films. The new display is not permanently visible but shows content only when needed. This means the windshield can be used situationally for navigation, video calls, driving information or entertainment without permanently changing the vehicle’s appearance.
