With the debut of Google’s new Automotive AI Agent, Google and Mercedes-Benz are teaming up to revolutionize in-car artificial intelligence. Announced on Monday, Google’s innovative AI system is set to power Mercedes-Benz’s next-generation MBUX Virtual Assistant, beginning with the Mercedes-Benz CLA model later this year. This collaboration marks a significant leap forward in how drivers and passengers interact with their vehicles.
The Automotive AI Agent, built on Google’s advanced Gemini large language model (LLM) and using the Vertex AI platform, is designed to create a highly personalized and intuitive in-car experience. Unlike traditional voice assistants, the new AI agent can handle complex conversational tasks, support multilingual inputs, and offer dynamic, context-aware responses. According to Google, the system’s capabilities surpass existing voice controls by incorporating conversational depth and a broader range of functions.
Enhanced Conversational Capabilities
Google’s Automotive AI Agent enables Mercedes’s MBUX assistant to offer users a more interactive and engaging experience. For example, drivers will be able to ask for nearby Italian restaurants, receive reviews and recommendations, and even inquire about the most popular dishes. The system’s ability to maintain multi-turn conversations and recall details from earlier interactions sets it apart from current voice assistants that typically provide static, one-time answers.
“Our partnership with Google Cloud will further enhance in-car navigation, combining sophisticated location data with generative AI,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, in a press statement. The collaboration leverages Google Maps to deliver real-time, accurate information on traffic conditions and over 250 million points of interest worldwide, ensuring a seamless and informed driving experience.
A New Era for In-Car AI
The upcoming MBUX assistant represents a departure from its predecessor. The current MBUX system, activated with the phrase “Hey, Mercedes,” can perform basic commands and provide information sourced from ChatGPT and Bing. While functional, its responses are limited and lack the conversational fluidity that Google’s Agent promises.
With the integration of Gemini LLM, the new MBUX will deliver responses that mimic natural human dialogue. The system’s multimodal input support allows it to process voice commands, text, and even visual inputs for enhanced user interactions. This represents a step toward creating an assistant that feels more like a co-pilot than a tool.
Future Expansion Plans
Mercedes-Benz has confirmed that the enhanced MBUX assistant will first appear in the CLA model, with plans to expand its availability to other vehicles in its lineup. However, the automaker has not yet disclosed specific details about additional models or rollout timelines.
The partnership underscores a broader trend in the automotive industry, where automakers are increasingly incorporating cutting-edge AI to redefine in-car experiences. Google’s move comes amid growing competition, with other tech giants like Apple and Amazon also vying to establish dominance in the space. Google’s Automotive AI Agent positions the company as a key player in this transformative era for the automotive sector.
Elevating the Driving Experience
By integrating AI-powered assistants into vehicles, automakers aim to make driving safer, more efficient, and more enjoyable. From navigation and entertainment to hands-free communication, these systems are becoming essential tools for modern drivers. The partnership between Google and Mercedes-Benz not only enhances functionality but also sets a new standard for how technology can elevate the driving experience.
As the Mercedes-Benz CLA prepares to use Google’s AI technology later this year, the collaboration promises to set a new benchmark for automotive innovation. Drivers can look forward to an intuitive, intelligent, and highly personalized in-car assistant that redefines what’s possible in connected driving.