# Mercedes trades screens for holograms

> Mercedes-Benz is developing a holographic heads-up display that projects images onto the windshield using transparent film, aiming to preserve luxury materials while offering advanced technology.
- Title: Mercedes trades screens for holograms · Ars Technica
- Summary: Mercedes-Benz is developing a holographic heads-up display that projects images onto the windshield using transparent film, aiming to preserve luxury…
- Keywords: mercedes-benz, holographic display, heads-up display, car interior design, luxury vehicles, windshield technology, passenger screens, autonomous driving, Ars Technica
- Source: Ars Technica — https://arstechnica.com/cars/2026/11/beyond-screens-mercedes-benzs-new-holographic-heads-up-display
- Published: 2026-11-03T14:00:07+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: mercedes-benz, holographic display, heads-up display, car interior design, luxury vehicles, windshield technology, passenger screens, autonomous driving, technology, science
## Luxury cars are drowning in screens
Car interiors increasingly feature multiple large screens as a sign of luxury. But as screens proliferate, automakers face a question: what comes next after screens?
## Mercedes develops holographic alternative
Mercedes-Benz is working on a holographic display, an advanced form of heads-up display that projects images onto the windshield using a special transparent film.
## How the holographic display works
The display uses a projector and transparent film laminated into the glass.The film contains holographic optical elements, or super-small mirrors, that reflect light from the projector while keeping the image hidden from the driver's view.

> super-small mirrors
## Customers don't want passenger screens
A JD Power study found that car owners classify passenger screens as not necessary and have generally negative opinions about them. Mercedes has observed similar customer sentiment.

> not necessary
## Screens clash with luxury materials
Mercedes development engineer Maximilian Hilger noted that some customers prefer traditional luxury materials like wood over the massive Hyperscreen. Chief design officer Bastian Baudy emphasized that real materials are at the heart of Mercedes.

> Real materials are at the heart of Mercedes: metal, wood.
## CEO wants technology and aesthetics
Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius told Ars that the brand must offer all the technology customers want while packaging it in an aesthetically pleasing way that preserves luxury.
## Prototype shows promise but needs work
The prototype, seen at Mercedes' research facilities in Sindelfingen, Germany, has good resolution compared to current heads-up displays but poor resolution compared to touchscreens.
## Current prototype has significant limits
The holographic display's resolution is poor compared to a passenger touchscreen, with high contrast and distortion. It currently works for a weather widget but not for watching video.

> Currently, it might work for a weather widget, but you won't want to watch a video.
## Future potential for passenger entertainment
Mercedes envisions the holographic display covering nearly half the windshield, visible only to the passenger, showing points of interest or entertainment. A driver-side display could show information or enable video calls when parked.
## Holographic display could prevent motion sickness
The higher screen angle and ability to see the outside world beyond the display created a notably different visual experience that could help prevent motion sickness from staring at passenger screens while driving.
## Screens are not luxury, craftsmanship is
Former Mercedes chief design officer Gordon Wagener argued that screens are not luxury because everyone has better televisions at home. True luxury comes from craftsmanship and sophistication beyond the screen.

> Screens are not luxury. You have a better, and bigger, TV at home, right?
## Key takeaway

Mercedes is developing a holographic display to replace touchscreens, letting the brand emphasize traditional materials and craftsmanship while still offering unique technology.