You Can Talk To The New Mercedes CLA Thanks To Google AI

Exploring in your Mercedes is about to get a little easier as the company has announced a partnership with Google Cloud, which will pave the way for new conversational capabilities with the MBUX Virtual Assistant. This promises to make navigation easier, while drivers will also be able to learn more about nearby points of interest.

As part of this effort, vehicles will use Google Cloud’s new Automotive AI Agent, which is based on Google Gemini. The search giant said it will deliver “personalized, conversational engagement for navigation, search, media, communication, and other vehicle controls” as well as natural language understanding and ” multimodal reasoning.”

More: Google’s Android Auto Gets AI To Answer Texts While You’re Driving

Given this is an automotive application, it’s not surprising the focus is on navigation and points of interest. This is where the tech firm excels and the companies noted the Google Maps Platform provides “factual information about 250 million places around the world, and the map is updated nearly in real time, with over 100 million updates made to the map each day.”

The combination of AI and map data means users can ask questions such as “Could you guide me to the nearest fine dining restaurant for a unique culinary experience?” While that’s not too uncommon, they can also ask follow-up questions such as “Does the restaurant have good reviews?” The system can also remember previous conversations and this opens up new possibilities.

While the technology sounds promising, it’ll be awhile before consumers can try it. However, the system will be launched in the redesigned CLA, which will be introduced later this year. It’s the first vehicle to feature the new Mercedes-Benz operating system, known as MB.OS, but the company mentioned a “rollout to further models with the MBUX Voice Assistant.”

We’ll likely learn more in the coming months, but Mercedes CEO Ola Källenius said “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.”

Speaking of the CLA, it will ride on the new Mercedes Modular Architecture and be offered with an assortment of different powertrains. The electric variant has a rear-mounted motor producing 268 hp (200 kW / 272 PS). However, customers can opt for a 4Matic model that adds a 107 hp (80 kW / 109 PS) motor up front.

The company will also offer a hybrid that features a 1.5-liter engine, a small battery, and an eight-speed dual-clutch transmission with an integrated electric motor. The engine produces 188 hp (140 kW / 190 PS), while the motor contributes an additional 27 hp (20 kW / 27 PS).