Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud have announced an expanded partnership to bring advanced conversational AI capabilities to the MBUX Virtual Assistant. Leveraging Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent, powered by the Gemini model on Vertex AI, this collaboration introduces a groundbreaking navigation and search experience for Mercedes-Benz vehicles, beginning with the new CLA series later this year.
Key Features of the Enhanced MBUX Virtual Assistant
- AI-Powered Natural Conversations
- Built using Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent, the MBUX Virtual Assistant can handle multi-turn dialogues, retain memory of conversations, and provide seamless, natural responses tailored to user preferences.
- Real-Time Navigation and Location Data
- Integration with Google Maps Platform gives access to 250 million up-to-date points of interest worldwide, with over 100 million daily updates. Drivers can inquire about destinations like fine-dining restaurants and receive accurate, real-time information.
- Personalized Recommendations
- The system offers contextual and personalized suggestions, enabling users to ask follow-up questions like “What is the chef’s signature dish?” or “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” for a deeper, richer experience.
- MB.OS Integration
- The new CLA series will debut with Mercedes-Benz’s next-gen operating system, MB.OS, designed for seamless integration of AI and advanced digital features.
Statements from Industry Leaders
Ola Källenius, CEO of Mercedes-Benz Group AG:
“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. 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:
“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. This is just the beginning of how agentic capabilities can transform the automotive industry, and I’m excited to see our partnership drive progress forward.”
The Role of Google Cloud’s Automotive AI Agent
- Customizable AI for Automakers
- The Automotive AI Agent enables automakers to develop tailored voice assistant experiences, combining state-of-the-art generative AI with large language models (LLMs).
- Multimodal Reasoning with Gemini Models
- Gemini’s multimodal capabilities allow the assistant to process natural language interactions and integrate data from Google Maps Platform for detailed and context-aware responses.
- Driving Transformation in the Automotive Industry
- This technology represents a significant leap in how voice assistants enhance the driving experience, improving safety, convenience, and engagement.
Rollout and Future Plans
The AI-enhanced Point-of-Interest search and navigation feature will debut in the new Mercedes-Benz CLA series later this year. The rollout will continue with additional Mercedes-Benz models equipped with the MBUX Virtual Assistant.
The expanded partnership between Mercedes-Benz and Google Cloud is a testament to the power of AI in reshaping the automotive industry. By integrating advanced conversational capabilities and real-time navigation, the new MBUX Virtual Assistant aims to deliver an unparalleled driving experience, setting a new benchmark for in-car digital assistants.
