Mercedes-Benz, Liquid AI launch on-car conversational AI in North America
The feature runs locally in the vehicle for common commands and hands harder questions to a cloud model, with no subscription fee.
Mercedes-Benz is partnering with Liquid AI to offer an in-vehicle conversational AI that runs directly on the car, the two companies said on November 5, according to The Wall Street Journal. The feature is being distributed in North America through an over-the-air update.
The rollout began in October with 2027 model year E-Class, CLE and some existing models, and no additional charge or subscription is required for the feature.
Frequently used commands such as navigation, seat adjustment, music playback and phone calls are handled directly by the in-car AI. Questions the system cannot handle, such as restaurant recommendations nearby, are passed to a larger cloud-based AI model.
Expansion planned for 2027
In the second quarter of 2027 the rollout expands to the S-Class, GLC Electric and GLE.
The two companies signed a contract for the collaboration in April. Mercedes-Benz's US unit has used cloud-based conversational AI in its vehicles since 2023.
Liquid AI was founded in 2023 and develops liquid neural network architectures. In December 2024 it raised a $250 million Series A led by chip company AMD.
Quick answers
Which Mercedes-Benz models get the on-car AI?
The 2027 model year E-Class, CLE and some existing models are receiving it via over-the-air update in North America. The S-Class, GLC Electric and GLE follow in the second quarter of 2027.
Does the Mercedes-Benz in-car AI cost extra?
No. Mercedes-Benz says there is no additional charge or subscription for the feature.
What happens when the in-car AI can't answer a question?
Questions it cannot handle, such as nearby restaurant recommendations, are passed to a larger cloud-based AI model.