Marelli is to showcase its latest in-cabin innovations, demonstrating how the deeper integration of electronics and interiors elevates comfort and functionality while enabling smart, affordable immersive experiences in the era of software-defined vehicles.
As vehicle standardization increases across many areas, advanced technologies that shape both the digital and physical cabin environment are becoming essential for brand differentiation.
Through the integration of software-defined solutions, interactive devices and strategic use of surfaces and space, Marelli enables intelligent delivery of information and entertainment, providing them precisely when and where needed by drivers and passengers. This enhances user interaction, expands design freedom for car makers and supports vehicle distinctiveness.
“In the cabin of the future, technology must feel human – intuitive, responsive and seamlessly integrated,” said Joachim Fetzer, chief technology and innovation officer of Marelli. “At Auto China, we will demonstrate how Marelli unifies compute, display, audio and interior design into a coherent, software-defined experience enabled by deep local engineering and strong partnerships.”
Software‑defined cockpit experience
At the core of Marelli’s in-cabin showcase is the software-defined cockpit that combines cockpit computing, artificial intelligence (AI), graphics and human-machine interface (HMI) functions.
Built on a QNX real-time operating system-based architecture, it safely manages mixed criticality domains – from in-vehicle infotainment (IVI) and cluster visualization to cabin intelligence.
The ultrathin MiniLED Full Array Local Dimming (FALD) display provides high-performance local dimming for exceptional contrast, vivid colors and strong sunlight readability, while its slim form factor supports curved and pillar-to-pillar cockpit configurations.
For a panoramic, immersive HMI, the HorizonView pillar-to-pillar display projects a continuous 44.8in image across the base of the windshield powered by a high-brightness LCD MiniLED FALD Picture Generation Unit (PGU) capable of up to 12,000 nits. The extended visual field ensures clarity in all lighting conditions for all vehicle occupants and helps reduce driver distraction.
Affordable architecture
This cockpit experience is enabled by Marelli’s zonal electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, which centralizes intelligence and simplifies wire harness. The zonal approach reduces the number of electronic control units, lowers system cost and accelerates development.
Two Marelli products based on an edge-node architecture demonstrate this shift: the MCU Free Door Module and MCU Free Seat Module remove local microcontroller units, transferring key window, mirror, seat and safety functions, including anti-pinch protection, to the Zone Control Unit (ZCU) or central compute unit via a low-latency remote control protocol.
The audio experience also benefits from zonal architecture. With audio-video bridging (AVB) at the zonal level, premium multi-zone audio can be managed directly in the Zone Control Unit, reducing wiring complexity and improving system integration. Marelli also offers a distributed Ethernet-based Class-D audio amplifier that delivers high-fidelity sound without a local DSP or MCU. Together, these solutions provide flexible, scalable in-cabin audio options across different vehicle architectures and segments.
Telematics for reliable connectivity
Marelli will also showcase its Affordable 5G RedCap (Reduced Capability) connectivity, a streamlined automotive telematics solution that offers higher data rates and lower latency than 4G at comparable cost levels. The platform supports OTA updates, remote diagnostics, real-time navigation, seamless switching between 4G and 5G and dual-frequency GNSS positioning, enabling reliable connectivity across global vehicle platforms.
Elevating the in-cabin experience
Marelli will use two demonstrators that focus on instrument panel and center console features to showcase how its solutions deliver enhanced comfort, personalization and brand identity, while using lightweight, low-carbon materials.
The first demonstrator combines cockpit functions with advanced ambient lighting to create a user-centric cabin experience. This will include a compact swivel motorized speaker for directional, immersive audio with seamless integration, along with customizable ambient lighting across the instrument panel, doors and console that adapts to user preferences and driving conditions. Comfort is further improved by a motorized vent that optimizes airflow and climate control with reduced power consumption. A retractable table adds flexible functionality for work or leisure, while maintaining a clean cabin layout when stowed.
Functionality and design also drive innovation in the center console, enabling flexible space use and improved accessibility. Key features showcased on the second demonstrator will include a Multi-Access Console Lid that opens from three sides, a detachable display mechanism that gives rear-seat passengers access to entertainment and personalised controls on demand, and a removable module integrated into the console that provides additional storage space.
Marelli will exhibit its latest solutions at Auto China 2026 in Beijing on April 24-May 3.
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