Mercedes-Benz has expanded its partnership with Google Cloud to bring cutting-edge AI-driven conversational capabilities to its MBUX Virtual Assistant. Powered by Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent, this collaboration marks a significant leap in automotive technology, offering drivers a more intuitive, natural language-based experience when interacting with navigation and search features.
The new AI capabilities, built using Google’s Gemini on Vertex AI, integrate seamlessly with Google Maps Platform to provide users with up-to-date, personalized responses about navigation and points of interest. By tapping into Google’s vast database, which includes over 250 million places around the world and receives 100 million daily updates, the MBUX Virtual Assistant can answer questions like, “Can you guide me to the nearest fine-dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?” Drivers can also ask follow-up questions, such as “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” or “What is the chef’s signature dish?” The assistant responds with detailed information, displaying navigation details on the vehicle’s interface.
This enhanced conversational search and navigation experience will be available in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA series later this year, marking the first model to feature this upgraded functionality. The MBUX Virtual Assistant will also be able to handle complex, multi-turn conversations, remembering
the context of previous interactions and providing continuous, personalized support throughout the drive.
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG, emphasized the importance of the collaboration, saying, “At Mercedes-Benz, we seek to offer our customers an exceptional digital experience. Our partnership with Google Cloud will further enhance in-car navigation, combining sophisticated location data with generative AI. This next-gen navigation, launching with the CLA, will allow drivers and passengers to access comprehensive, personalized information using simple voice commands.”
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, echoed this vision: “Mercedes-Benz is known for providing an amazing driving experience, and our partnership will bring cutting-edge AI breakthroughs to elevate those experiences. Our new Automotive AI Agent will make in-vehicle interactions more natural and helpful, transforming how drivers navigate and search.”
The new conversational AI-powered navigation system will be integrated into Mercedes-Benz’s upcoming MB.OS operating system, debuting in the CLA. As the system expands, it will be rolled out across more models with the MBUX Voice Assistant.
This collaboration signals a major advancement in the automotive industry, bringing state-of-the-art AI and location-based services together for an unparalleled driving experience.
