Mercedes-Benz adds conversational capabilities to its virtual assistant using Google.
The expanded partnership between the automaker and the tech giant will employ Google CloudIt is Automotive AI Agent and Mercedes’ MBUX virtual assistantaccording to a Monday (January 13) press release.
The artificial intelligence agent is designed for the automotive industry and can reference information from Google Maps to give drivers more detailed and personalized conversational responses on things like navigation and points of interest, according to the release.
“The Google Maps platform provides Mercedes-Benz owners with up-to-date, fact-based information on 250 million locations around the world, and the map is updated in near real-time, with more than 100 million updates made. à la carte every day,” the statement said.
Users can chat with the MBUX and get answers to questions such as “Could you guide me to the nearest fine dining restaurant for a unique dining experience?” then ask follow-up questions, such as “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” » according to the press release.
The new experience will be available as part of the virtual assistants built into Mercedes-Benz’s new CLA series later this year, according to the release.
“Google Cloud’s automotive AI agent will also enable the MBUX virtual assistant to handle complex, multi-turn dialogues and retain conversation memory, meaning users will be able to continue conversations and reference information while throughout their travels,” the statement said.
The announcement is an extension of a previous one partnership announcement between Google and Mercedes in 2023.
Partnerships between tech giants and automakers are transforming vehicles into “interconnected, software-driven products,” a move powered by AI, PYMNTS reported this month.
The proof of this digital transformation was exposed to the Consumer Electronics Show 2025 (CES) in Las Vegas, where speakers discussed the software-driven reinvention hitting the automotive industry.
“The biggest change is the growing importance of software. » Rivien Software Director Wassym Bensaïd said during the show. “It defines the whole experience. I actually really like the smartphone comparison because overall the automotive industry is experiencing a similar disruption to what happened in the phone industry 20 years ago. This is not about your engine specifications. This is the types of experiences and features that your car can offer.
For all PYMNTS AI coverage, subscribe daily AI Newsletter.
