Last Monday, Mercedes-Benz announced that mbrace Connect will be offered for free in its 2016 models. That means buyers of the GLE, GLC and other units with the mentioned model year can enjoy the feature free, and they will have it without added costs for free years.

Mbrace will allow owners to use a range of products and services like its Mobile App, non-streaming Mercedes-Benz apps, mbrace Web Services, Roadside Assistance, and other OTA updates. Notably, the Mobile App will come with the Remote Start function, which will let owners of the 2016 compatible models to start the engine of their autos through their smartphone.

Another key element provided by the feature is the Remote Diagnostic Test. This will let the technicians of the customer’s dealer to conduct a series of tests online on the car without the owner having to bring it physically in the dealership.

For owners of the plug-in hybrid variants of the 2016 models, they can gain access to the Vehicle Homepage of mbrace in addition to its standard features. This will enable drivers to have real-time updates on the charge levels of their vehicles. Then in the event that the power of the auto is already low or it requires charging, the feature will automatically map out the route to the nearest charging station.

Other free-trial and discounted features can also be availed by customers. The $199 per year mbrace Secure will be offered at a free trial period of six months. The mbrace Concierge and mbrace Entertain are bundled as well with a three-month trial duration. After that, customers will be charged $20 and $18, respectively, for each feature, or they could simply take them together for a bargain at $28 per month.

Owners who got their 2016 Mercedes units delivered before the launch of the promo on August 10 can have their vehicles upgraded to mbrace Connect for free.