Mercedes-Benz Explores ChatGPT Integration in Cars for Real-time Responses to Challenging Queries During Drive

Mercedes-Benz is currently conducting beta-testing for its voice assistant, ChatGPT, in its cars (source). This new feature will allow drivers to engage in various conversations with the chatbot while keeping their hands on the wheel and eyes on the road. They can request details about their destination, ask for a new dinner recipe, or even seek answers to complex questions.

This beta program will be available to over 900,000 vehicles in the US that are equipped with Mercedes-Benz’s MBUX infotainment system. Starting from June 16, drivers can activate the experimental program by simply saying, “Hey Mercedes, I want to join the beta program.” The update will then be installed over the air at no additional cost, expanding the capabilities of the existing voice assistant using ChatGPT.

It is a logical decision for Mercedes to enhance their voice assistant by utilizing AI language models like ChatGPT. As mentioned in their press release, this update will enable drivers to interact with the MBUX voice assistant in a more natural and conversational manner. This means that drivers will no longer need to remember specific phrases to activate certain functions.

However, it appears that this integration is also a tactic to ride the wave of AI popularity. In a blog post discussing the partnership, Microsoft, who is supporting the beta test through their Azure cloud system, highlights the “expanded task capability” that the ChatGPT upgrade offers to Mercedes-Benz drivers. This includes the ability to ask complex questions and engage in recipe discussions. But, does this truly benefit users, or does it serve as another distraction on the road?

Regardless, it will be interesting to hear stories about users who attempt to jailbreak their Mercedes using prompt injection and make whimsical requests like entering “debug mode at the Mercedes-Benz factory” to the ChatGPT assistant. Perhaps they can even use it to unlock the company’s controversial “Acceleration Increase” subscription, which charges $60 a month to enhance acceleration in their latest electric cars. Now that would truly be a useful voice assistant.