Canadian media group Stingray has struck a deal with Mercedes-Benz to integrate its Stingray Music and Stingray Karaoke applications into the German carmaker’s latest-generation MBUX infotainment system.
Under the agreement, the apps will be natively pre-installed within the vehicle’s “Music & Audio” area on Mercedes-Benz models equipped with the newest version of MBUX with a launch planned for the first half of 2026. According to Stingray, the rollout is expected to cover the United States, Canada, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, France, Spain and the Netherlands.
The partnership is the latest example of an automotive brand expanding built-in digital entertainment options directly in the dashboard, rather than relying solely on smartphone mirroring. For content providers, such integrations can offer prominent placement and a more consistent user experience across models and markets, while carmakers aim to keep drivers inside their own infotainment environments.
“We are thrilled to partner with a prestigious brand like Mercedes-Benz to enrich the in-car entertainment landscape,” said Tom Adams, Managing Director German Branch at Stingray. “Being selected by a leading global OEM like Mercedes-Benz affirms the strength of our technology and our ability to meet the most stringent requirements. This launch delivers on our commitment to provide drivers and passengers with unparalleled entertainment on the go, as we continue to set the standard for the future of the connected car experience.”
Stingray Music will offer up to 100 curated music channels, which will be regularly refreshed with new releases and current hits. Stingray also plans to make around four million podcasts available through the in-car service. The interface will feature high-resolution album artwork and a visualiser, alongside streamlined controls designed for use in a driving environment, including browsing by genre and era.
Alongside the music product, Stingray will add an in-car karaoke experience. Stingray Karaoke is slated to provide access to up to 100,000 songs, with search options including genre, title, artist and lyrics. The catalogue spans rock, pop, country and R&B, and will include family-friendly songs, with a multilingual interface intended to support users across different markets.
