Mercedes-Benz and Google have expanded their partnership to integrate advanced conversational capabilities into the automaker’s MBUX Virtual Assistant. Powered by Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent, this upgrade allows users to engage in natural-language conversations with the car’s virtual assistant. The AI system was specifically tuned for the automotive industry using Gemini on Vertex AI and will provide drivers with personalized, conversational responses to a variety of queries.
The enhanced system will provide detailed, real-time information about navigation and points of interest, delivering an improved search and navigation experience. Drivers can ask questions such as directions to nearby restaurants or details about a specific dish at a restaurant, and the assistant will respond with accurate and up-to-date information. This AI upgrade will handle complex, multi-turn dialogues, allowing users to pick up conversations where they left off.
Mercedes-Benz’s new system will be rolled out with the company’s CLA series
Mercedes-Benz’s new system will be rolled out with the company’s CLA series later in 2025, marking a significant advancement in integrating generative AI into the automotive experience. With this partnership, the company aims to enhance the in-car navigation experience by combining sophisticated location data with AI, making information accessible in seconds, according to Mercedes-Benz CEO Ola Källenius.
Google’s CEO Sundar Pichai emphasized that this collaboration is just the beginning of how AI and agentic capabilities can transform the automotive sector. While this innovation continues to develop, Mercedes-Benz has also experimented with other AI-driven solutions, such as voice assistants powered by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, and has partnered with ByteDance for in-car AI systems in China. This expanding collaboration reflects the growing influence of AI in the automotive industry.
