GM is turning OnStar into an AI-powered assistant that can answer questions about your car and help EV drivers plan charging stops.
General Motors is giving OnStar a major makeover for the AI era. The automaker is turning its longtime connected-services platform into a digital assistant that can answer questions about your vehicle, control certain functions, and help troubleshoot problems.
The new OnStar AI Assistant will debut on the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq through an over-the-air software update in the coming months. GM says it will eventually roll out to more vehicles across its Cadillac, Chevrolet, Buick, and GMC lineups.
Unlike typical voice assistants that handle navigation, music, and general questions, GM says OnStar AI can access information about the vehicle itself. Drivers can ask questions in plain language and get answers without having to dig through the owner’s manual.
The assistant can do more than answer questions, too. GM says it can control various vehicle functions through voice commands. If the cabin gets too warm, for example, drivers can simply say, “It’s getting warm in here,” and let the assistant adjust the climate control.
It can also turn on the dome lights, open the electronic glove box, and even open the EV charge port.
For EV owners, the assistant can help with charging, too. Drivers can ask whether they have enough range to reach a destination, and the system can help plan charging stops along the way.
Don’t worry, GM isn’t handing everything over to our robot overlords just yet. If the AI assistant can’t provide a helpful answer, it can connect the driver with a human OnStar Advisor.
GM is also planning a new OnStar smartphone app for 2027 that will bring its connected services under one roof. The app will replace the separate apps for Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick, and GMC owners, as well as the OnStar Guardian app.
The new app will also include connected-camera features and give owners more control over privacy settings, including permissions for the camera, microphone, and location.
It’s all part of GM’s broader effort to bring its digital services together as OnStar evolves beyond emergency assistance into a more comprehensive tool for managing your vehicle.
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