Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud rev up in-car AI with conversational navigation

January 18, 2025 — Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud have announced an expanded partnership that will bring advanced conversational AI to the MBUX Virtual Assistant, promising a more intuitive and personalized in-car experience. The new system, powered by Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent, leverages the power of Google’s Gemini models and Google Maps Platform to provide drivers with richer information and more natural interactions.

Built on Vertex AI and specifically tuned for the automotive industry, the Automotive AI Agent can access information from Google Maps Platform, which boasts data on 250 million places worldwide and is updated almost in real-time with over 100 million daily updates. This integration allows users to engage in natural conversations with the MBUX Virtual Assistant, asking complex questions and receiving detailed, personalized responses.

Imagine asking, “Could you guide me to the nearest fine-dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?” The MBUX Virtual Assistant can not only provide directions but also answer follow-up questions such as, “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” or “What is the chef’s signature dish?” displaying relevant information and navigation details directly on the vehicle’s interface.

“At Mercedes-Benz, we seek to offer our customers an exceptional digital experience,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG. “Our partnership with Google Cloud will further enhance in-car navigation, combining sophisticated location data with generative AI. Launching with the new CLA, our next-gen navigation will allow drivers and passengers to use voice commands to obtain comprehensive and personalized information within seconds.”

Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Mercedes-Benz is known for providing an amazing driving experience, and our partnership will bring cutting-edge AI breakthroughs to make those experiences even better. Our new Automotive AI Agent will help drivers navigate and search with in-vehicle assistants, so those interactions are more natural and helpful. This is just the beginning of how agentic capabilities can transform the automotive industry.”

The Automotive AI Agent also boasts advanced conversational capabilities, including handling complex, multi-turn dialogues and retaining memory of past conversations. This allows for seamless and continuous interaction throughout a journey.

The new AI-enhanced point-of-interest search and navigation feature will debut in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA later this year, the first vehicle designed with the new Mercedes-Benz operating system, MB.OS. A wider rollout to other models with the MBUX Voice Assistant is planned for the future. This collaboration marks a significant step towards more sophisticated and user-friendly in-car technology, transforming the way drivers interact with their vehicles.

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