Mercedes-Benz has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Google Cloud to revolutionize in-car navigation systems through AI-powered navigation.
This collaboration integrates Google’s cutting-edge Automotive AI Agent into the Mercedes-Benz User Experience (MBUX) Virtual Assistant. It delivers a more intuitive and conversational driving experience.
Conversational Search Meets Navigation
The new integration leverages Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent, built on the Gemini platform with Vertex AI. This technology is designed specifically for the automotive industry. It allows users to engage in natural language conversations with their vehicle’s MBUX Virtual Assistant. From finding nearby points of interest to receiving personalized recommendations, the system delivers precise and timely information.
Drivers can now ask complex questions like, “Could you guide me to the nearest fine-dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?” and follow up with queries such as, “What is the chef’s signature dish?” or “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” The assistant provides accurate answers and displays navigation details seamlessly within the car’s interface.
Enhanced Features for a Superior Driving Experience
- Comprehensive Point-of-Interest Data: With access to Google Maps Platform, the system offers up-to-date information about 250 million locations worldwide. The map receives over 100 million updates daily, ensuring fresh and accurate navigation details.
- Multi-Turn Dialogues: The AI-powered navigation system supports complex, multi-turn dialogues and retains conversational context, making interactions smoother and more helpful.
“Our next-gen navigation will allow drivers and passengers to obtain comprehensive and personalized information within seconds,” said Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG.
A New Era for Automotive AI
The partnership marks Mercedes-Benz as one of the first automakers to adopt Google’s Automotive AI Agent. The system’s multimodal reasoning capabilities—powered by Google’s Gemini models—enable natural language speech interactions that redefine in-car assistance.
Sundar Pichai, CEO of Google and Alphabet, commented, “This is just the beginning of how agentic capabilities can transform the automotive industry.”
Launch and Future Rollouts
The AI-enhanced navigation features will debut in the Mercedes-Benz CLA series later this year, powered by the new Mercedes-Benz Operating System (MB.OS). Plans are underway to expand this functionality to additional models equipped with the MBUX Virtual Assistant.
