In the race to redefine connected driving, Volvo and Google are turning up the heat. Starting later this year, Volvo cars will feature the next generation of artificial intelligence right inside the cabin. This shift replaces the traditional Google Assistant with Gemini, Google’s advanced conversational AI. Volvo, already known for pioneering Android Automotive, becomes the first to offer a truly natural, voice-first driving experience. Whether asking for nearby cafes or understanding dashboard buttons, drivers can now speak in plain language, and Gemini will handle the rest.
Gemini is not just a voice assistant, it is an intelligent co-pilot that handles complex requests while you stay focused on the road. Imagine composing and translating messages, checking your travel itinerary, or even finding recipes and building a shopping list, all while your hands stay on the wheel. This new level of smart assistance is designed to reduce distractions and lower mental load, which means a safer and calmer drive. Volvo continues to lean into its safety legacy by making conversations more intuitive, so drivers are not forced to memorize commands or scroll through screens.
Volvo is not just adopting Gemini, it is co-developing the future of Android Automotive with Google. This deep partnership means Volvo customers will be the first to receive upcoming features and updates. While most car brands will wait until 2027 for Android 15, Volvo drivers will get it as early as the end of 2025. This fast-track access gives Volvo an edge in delivering user-centered innovation, from real-time assistant improvements to personalized navigation and beyond. According to Volvo’s software chief, the goal is to put humans at the center of technology, transforming vehicles into intelligent environments built around people’s needs.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.