Voice activation system
The concept
Most functions that are displayed on the Control Display can be operated by spoken commands via the voice activation system. The system prompts you to make your entries.
Functions that can only be used when the vehicle is stationary cannot be operated using the voice activation system.
The system uses a special microphone on the driver's side.
›...‹ Verbal instructions in the Owner's Manual to use with the voice activation system.
Requirements
Via the Control Display, set a language that is also supported by the voice activation system so that the spoken commands can be identified.
Using voice activation
Activating the voice activation system
- 1.
Press the button on the steering wheel.
- 2.
Wait for the signal.
- 3.
Say the command.
The command is displayed in the instrument cluster.
This symbol in the instrument cluster indicates that the voice activation system is active.
If no other commands are available, operate the function in this case via iDrive.
Terminating the voice activation system

Briefly press the button on the steering wheel or ›End‹.
Possible commands
Most menu items on the Control Display can be voiced as commands.
The available commands depend on which menu is currently displayed on the Control Display.
Short commands exist for many functions.
Some list entries, e.g., Phone book entries, can also be selected via the voice activation system. Speak these list entries exactly as they are displayed in the respective list.
Having possible commands read aloud
You can have the available commands read out loud for you: ›commands‹
For example, if the "Settings" menu is displayed, the commands for the settings are read out loud.
Executing functions using short commands
Functions on the main menu can be performed directly by means of short commands, nearly irrespective of which menu item is currently selected, e.g., ›Vehicle status‹.
List of short commands of the voice activation system.
Help dialog for the voice activation system
Calling up help dialog: ›Help‹
Additional commands for the help dialog:
›Help with examples‹: information about the current operating options and the most important commands for them are announced.
›Help voice activation‹: information about the principle of operation for the voice activation system is announced.
One example: open the tone settings
Via the main menu
The commands of the menu items are spoken just as they are selected via the controller.
- 1.
Switch on the Entertainment sound output if necessary.
- 2.
Press the button on the steering wheel.
- 3.
›Radio menu‹
- 4.
›Audio settings‹
Via short command
The desired radio station can also be started via a short command.
- 1.
Switch on the Entertainment sound output if necessary.
- 2.
Press the button on the steering wheel.
- 3.
›Audio settings‹
Setting the voice dialog
You can set whether the system should use the standard dialog or a shorter version.
In the shorter variant of the voice dialog, the announcements from the system are issued in an abbreviated form.
On the Control Display:
- 1.
"Settings"
- 2.
"Language/Units"
- 3.
"Speech type:"
- 4.
Select the setting.
Adjusting the volume
Turn the volume button while giving an instruction until the desired volume is set.
The volume remains constant even if the volume of other audio sources is changed.
The volume is stored for the remote control currently in use.
Hints on Emergency Requests
Do not use the voice activation system to initiate an Emergency Request. In stressful situations, the voice and vocal pitch can change. This can unnecessarily delay the establishment of a telephone connection.
Instead, use the SOS button in the vicinity of the interior mirror.
Environmental conditions
Say the commands, numbers, and letters smoothly and with normal volume, emphasis, and speed.
Always say commands in the language of the voice activation system.
Keep the doors, windows, and glass sunroof closed to prevent noise interference.
Avoid making other noise in the vehicle while speaking.