Photo for illustrative purposes only.
Find out moreA Look at the Things Volvo's Voice Assistant Can Do
Talking to your car sounds like something out of a movie, but it has quietly become one of the more useful parts of driving a modern Volvo. Between Google Assistant and the newer Gemini AI assistant, Volvo's voice technology can now handle a surprising range of everyday tasks without you ever touching the screen.
Here is a closer look at what it can actually do, and how the experience has been changing.
Getting Started Is as Simple as Saying "Hey Google"
Many Volvo models come with Google built-in, which brings Google Assistant directly into the car rather than relying on your phone. Saying "Hey Google" wakes it up for hands-free help with directions, entertainment, or staying in touch with the people in your life. Paired with Google Maps, the same system keeps real-time traffic information flowing and can reroute automatically if conditions change, all without needing to glance down at a screen.
- Ask for directions and get automatic rerouting around traffic
- Adjust music, podcasts, or other entertainment by voice
- Send messages or make calls hands-free
- Access Google Play for apps and services on the move
Gemini Takes the Conversation Further
Newer Volvo models are introducing Google Gemini, a more advanced AI assistant built to understand natural, everyday language rather than a fixed list of commands. Instead of memorizing specific phrases, drivers can talk to Gemini the way they would talk to a person, whether that means planning a multi-stop route, finding a place to grab a bite along the way, or managing incoming messages while keeping their hands on the wheel.
Alwin Bakkenes, Head of Global Software Engineering at Volvo Cars, described the goal behind this shift: "At Volvo Cars, we focus on developing human-centric technology that adapts to people, not the other way around. Bringing Google Gemini into our cars is about making everyday interactions more natural, more helpful and less distracting."
Why Voice Matters More Than It Seems
It is easy to treat a voice assistant as a convenience feature, but the real value shows up in how much less a driver has to look away from the road to get something done. Changing a destination, replying to a message, or finding a nearby stop can all happen through a short spoken request instead of scrolling through menus. Over time, that adds up to fewer moments of divided attention behind the wheel.
Delivered and Improved Over Time
Like most of Volvo's technology today, voice assistant capabilities are not locked in place at the moment a car is built. Features arrive and improve through over-the-air software updates, meaning a Volvo bought today can keep gaining new voice capabilities well after it leaves the lot. Gemini itself is arriving this way, rolling out to eligible models with Google built-in dating back to 2020, which means many current owners will see this upgrade land on a car they already drive.
Voice Assistant Features at a Glance
|
Capability |
What It Does |
|---|---|
|
Google Assistant |
Hands-free directions, entertainment, and messaging |
|
Google Maps integration |
Real-time traffic and automatic rerouting |
|
Google Gemini |
Natural, conversational trip planning and messaging |
|
Over-the-air updates |
New voice features added after purchase |
See It in Action at Volvo Cars Mississauga
Reading about a voice assistant only goes so far; hearing how naturally it responds is where it really clicks. Stop by Volvo Cars Mississauga and one of our team members can show you exactly how it works in a Volvo you are considering.
2027 VOLVO EX60
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