In a bold move that will redefine the future of in-car voice interactions, Volvo Cars has announced that it will become the first automaker to integrate Google’s Gemini AI assistant into its vehicles. The advanced virtual assistant will be embedded directly into Volvo’s infotainment system, replacing the current Google Assistant and enabling drivers to interact with their vehicles in a far more intuitive, natural, and powerful way.
This shift positions Volvo Cars at the forefront of automotive innovation and human-centered technology, reinforcing its long-standing partnership with Google and its vision for connected, intelligent driving experiences.
A New Era of In-Car Voice Control
Voice assistants in cars have historically been clunky and limited in functionality. From misunderstood commands to robotic responses, traditional systems have often left drivers frustrated. But now, with Volvo Cars integrating Google’s Gemini AI assistant, a new standard is being set.
Gemini, Google’s next-generation artificial intelligence chatbot, brings powerful natural language processing to the dashboard. It understands context, follows conversation threads, and executes commands with increased precision. Whether drivers want to adjust the climate control, send a text message, find a precise location, or translate a message, Gemini handles it with ease and fluency.
This leap in performance is not just about convenience—it’s about safety, productivity, and seamless human-machine interaction on the road.
Which Volvo Cars Will Get the Gemini AI Assistant?
The Gemini AI assistant will debut in Volvo vehicles running Android Automotive OS, including the highly acclaimed electric crossover models:
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Volvo EX30
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Volvo EX40
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Volvo EX90
Owners of these models can expect the Gemini integration to arrive as part of a major over-the-air (OTA) software update later in 2025, according to Volvo.
This update will completely replace the existing Google Assistant and unlock a range of new features. The implementation will occur in phases, with global rollout timelines aligned with regional regulations and infrastructure readiness.
What Can Gemini AI Do in a Volvo?
With Gemini AI replacing the standard Google Assistant, Volvo vehicles will now support an entirely new level of functionality:
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Natural Voice Conversation: Speak to your car like you speak to a person. Gemini understands and responds with conversational fluidity.
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Messaging and Communication: Compose and send messages hands-free via voice, including translation for multilingual communication.
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Navigation Upgrades: Ask for complex locations or request re-routes with detailed explanations through Google Maps.
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Vehicle Controls: Adjust settings such as climate control, seat heating, and media playback using natural phrases.
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Contextual Awareness: Gemini retains conversational context, reducing the need for repetitive phrasing or clarification.
With these features, Gemini becomes more than a voice assistant—it becomes an intelligent in-car companion.
Why Volvo? A History of Leading with Tech
Volvo Cars has long embraced a forward-thinking approach to technology. As one of the first car manufacturers to integrate Android Automotive OS, Volvo’s decision to bring Google Gemini AI into its systems highlights a deep commitment to enhancing user experience through strategic partnerships.
The company’s ongoing relationship with Google allows it to serve as a reference platform for testing and developing future automotive-grade technologies. This means that Volvo customers will often receive cutting-edge features and updates before other brands.
“Through this partnership with Google, we are able to bring the very latest features and capabilities from the leading consumer ecosystem into our products first,” said Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Global Software Engineering at Volvo Cars. “With our expanding partnership, we’re collaborating on cutting-edge solutions that shape the future of connected cars.”
What Makes Gemini Different from Google Assistant?
Gemini is a significant evolution over Google Assistant in several critical ways:
| Feature | Google Assistant | Google Gemini |
|---|---|---|
| Voice Interaction | Command-based | Conversational, human-like |
| Context Retention | Minimal | Multi-turn conversation memory |
| Capabilities | Basic voice commands | Messaging, translation, navigation, car control |
| Intelligence | Rule-based responses | AI-driven learning and adaptation |
| Speed & Accuracy | Slower, less precise | Fast, context-aware execution |
Gemini’s integration turns the infotainment system into a genuinely interactive hub, built to meet the expectations of a tech-savvy, safety-conscious driver base.
More Than Convenience: Enhancing Safety on the Road
This AI integration also contributes significantly to driver safety. By allowing hands-free control of various vehicle systems and real-time communication tools, drivers are less distracted and can keep their focus on the road.
In fact, by reducing the need for screen interaction or physical touch, Gemini supports Volvo’s broader mission of eliminating fatalities and serious injuries in road accidents. With AI doing the heavy lifting, drivers stay connected, informed, and in control—safely.
A Smart Future for Smart Cars
This move also signals a broader shift in how automakers and tech companies collaborate. With vehicles increasingly resembling rolling computers, partnerships like the one between Google and Volvo are vital for delivering the seamless, digital-first experiences consumers now expect.
The Gemini integration marks only the beginning. As AI models continue to evolve, future updates will likely include multi-modal inputs, gesture recognition, and even emotional tone detection.
Moreover, by being one of the first to adopt this technology, Volvo is not just keeping pace—it’s leading the charge into the next era of intelligent mobility.
Volvo’s Expanding Software Ambitions
Beyond voice assistants, Volvo is rapidly transforming itself into a software-first company, investing heavily in connected services, cloud-based diagnostics, OTA updates, and digital user experience (UX) design.
By making vehicles smarter and more responsive, Volvo is creating a driving experience that feels alive—personalized, responsive, and continuously improving through technology.
With over 2.5 million vehicles expected to receive major software updates this year, Volvo is building a digital ecosystem that mirrors the sophistication of the mobile tech world.
Looking Ahead: What Drivers Can Expect
The arrival of Google Gemini in Volvo vehicles is a glimpse into the near future of driving—one where cars understand, respond, and adapt to our needs with remarkable precision.
Drivers can expect:
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Continuous updates to expand Gemini’s capabilities.
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Deeper integration with vehicle diagnostics, media, and third-party apps.
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Potential for multi-language fluency across global markets.
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Enhanced personalization through AI learning individual driver habits.
These features not only enhance daily commutes but also redefine how we connect with our vehicles.
Final Thoughts
With its decision to be the first automaker to adopt Google’s Gemini AI assistant, Volvo Cars has once again proven its dedication to innovation, safety, and superior user experience. The seamless integration of this advanced conversational AI into Volvo’s infotainment system marks a pivotal step toward the future of smart, intuitive, and connected driving.
As software continues to shape the soul of tomorrow’s cars, Volvo is ensuring that the driving experience remains as human, intelligent, and forward-thinking as ever.
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