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Recent Volvo models with Google built-in technology will be the first vehicles with the Gemini artificial intelligence assistant, ahead of a wider roll-out.
Volvo has announced its recent models will be the first to include Google's Gemini voice assistant system – including in Australia – as generative artificial-intelligence technology continues to roll out across the automotive industry.
Gemini will launch in vehicles with Google built-in technology from later this year to replace the current Google Assistant system, starting with recent Volvo models.
Volvo said the Google Gemini assistant will become available in models with Google built-in through a software update due to be released later this year, which is expected to be distributed over-the-air.
The eligible vehicles – including all versions of the XC40 Recharge Pure Electric, model-year 2022-onwards XC60, and all other Volvos from model-year 2023-onwards – use an infotainment system running Android Automotive software.
A Volvo Australia spokesperson confirmed local models will receive the software update if already fitted with Google built-in.
Compared to the existing Google Assistant, Gemini will allow drivers to use natural language and integrate deeper into the vehicle and applications, such as finding information from the owner's manual by a voice command or completing multiple tasks at the same time.
Volvo has expanded its partnership with Google to test automotive features while they are under development, allowing owners to be among the first to experience new technologies and software updates as they become publicly available, the brand said.
"Through this partnership with Google, we are able to bring the very latest features and capabilities from the leading consumer eco-system into our products first," Volvo Cars head of global software engineering Alwin Bakkenes said.
In addition, Google has announced more third-party applications are coming to cars with Google built-in and Android Auto, including gaming and video streaming options when stationary.
Gemini will be added to Android Auto in the coming months, Google has announced.
Android Auto capability is available with most new vehicles in Australia, allowing a smartphone to link to an infotainment screen, while Google built-in is directly integrated into the car through an Android-based operating system.
Cars with Google built-in currently sold in Australia are the entire Volvo and Polestar line-ups, along with the latest Honda Civic and Accord, while the facelifted Renault Captur will offer the technology when it arrives later this year.
Apple's new CarPlay Ultra is similar to Android Automotive in integrating Apple services with a car's native infotainment system – such as controlling its air conditioning – but it will require a connected iPhone, whereas vehicles with Google built-in can operate independently of a smartphone.
The Volkswagen Group has integrated OpenAI's ChatGPT generative AI system into its new models, while some Stellantis brands – including Peugeot – are now allowing drivers to use ChatGPT for their built-in voice recognition systems in Europe.
The electric 2026 Mercedes-Benz CLA also includes ChatGPT and Google Gemini artificial-intelligence integration within its next-generation MB.OS infotainment system.
Jordan is a motoring journalist based in Melbourne with a lifelong passion for cars. He has been surrounded by classic Fords and Holdens, brand-new cars, and everything in between from birth, with his parents’ owning an automotive workshop in regional Victoria. Jordan started writing about cars in 2021, and joined the Drive team in 2024.
