What is the music on the new Mercedes advert? UK tracks identified

Mercedes-Benz UK campaigns often feature bespoke music, meaning the track you heard may not exist on Spotify or Apple Music. Some adverts use well-known songs; others commission original compositions. Below, we identify the music from recent UK Mercedes adverts and explain where (or whether) you can listen to the full versions.

Michael Kiwanuka: ‘Cold Little Heart’ (GLE ‘All Kinds of Strength’)

The Mercedes-Benz GLE SUV advert, which shows a paratriathlete training, uses 'Cold Little Heart' by British soul artist Michael Kiwanuka. Released in 2016 on his album 'Love & Hate', the track runs for nearly ten minutes in its studio form. You may recognise it as the opening theme for the HBO series 'Big Little Lies'. The advert uses an edited excerpt, but the full song is available on all major streaming platforms and YouTube.

Bespoke tracks: when Mercedes commissions original music

Many recent UK campaigns feature music written and recorded exclusively for the advert. This creates a unique sonic identity but frustrates viewers hoping to download the track.

A-Class: 'Yellow' by Jonas Max Paul Meyer

The A-Class campaign used a song titled 'Yellow', performed by Jonas Max Paul Meyer. According to Mercedes-Benz UK's official campaign materials, this was a commissioned piece not released commercially. If you search for it on streaming services, you will find other songs with the same title but not this specific recording.

EQS: 'In Our Dream' by Louise Golbey

The all-electric EQS advert featured 'In Our Dream', with vocals by British soul singer Louise Golbey and music by Georg von dem Knesebeck. Initially created solely for the campaign, public demand led to a full release. You can now stream it on Spotify and other platforms. The track pairs classical strings with a soulful vocal, reflecting the futuristic luxury of the EQS model.

Janis Joplin’s ‘Mercedes Benz’: the ironic anthem

No discussion of Mercedes and music is complete without Janis Joplin's 'Mercedes Benz'. Recorded on 1 October 1970 in a single a cappella take, it was one of the last songs she made before her death three days later. Co-written with poet Michael McClure and songwriter Bob Neuwirth, the song satirises consumerism and the belief that owning luxury goods proves personal worth.

Despite its anti-materialist message, Mercedes-Benz licensed the track for its own advertising in the mid-1990s, a move that sparked debate among fans. Joplin herself drove a psychedelically painted Porsche, not a Mercedes. The song remains widely available and is included on the posthumous album 'Pearl', released in 1971.

How to identify advert music yourself

If a new Mercedes advert has caught your attention and the track isn't listed here, try these methods:

• Check the official Mercedes-Benz UK YouTube channel. Current and recent campaigns are uploaded there, sometimes with music credits in the description.
• Use Shazam or similar recognition apps. Play the advert on your television or laptop and let the app listen. This works well for commercially released tracks but will fail for bespoke compositions.
• Search advert-music databases. Websites like TV Ad Music catalogue UK campaigns and often identify tracks within days of broadcast.
• Ask on social media. Mercedes-Benz UK's official Twitter and Instagram accounts occasionally respond to music queries, particularly if multiple people ask.

Why brands commission original music

Commissioning bespoke tracks gives advertisers complete creative control. They can tailor tempo, mood, lyrical themes and instrumentation to the exact message and visuals. There are no licensing restrictions, no risk of the song being associated with a competitor, and no need to edit around an existing structure. For luxury brands like Mercedes-Benz, this exclusivity reinforces the premium positioning. The downside for viewers is obvious: you cannot add the track to your playlist.

When public interest is high, brands sometimes release commissioned tracks commercially after the campaign airs. The EQS example above demonstrates this. If you hear a Mercedes advert track you love, expressing interest on social media or contacting the brand directly may influence that decision.