Voice assistants in cars have often promised more than they’ve delivered, but Renault is hoping that changes with the arrival of Google’s Gemini AI.
The French manufacturer has begun rolling out Gemini across vehicles fitted with its openR link infotainment system with Google built-in, replacing Google Assistant with Google’s latest AI-powered assistant through a free over-the-air software update.
The update began on June 15 and is being deployed gradually across compatible Renault models already on the road, including everything from the Twingo to the Rafale. Existing owners simply need to opt in via the central touchscreen using their Google account, with no dealer visit required.
Unlike the previous Google Assistant, Gemini is designed to understand more natural conversations and more complex requests, allowing drivers to speak normally rather than memorising fixed voice commands.
That means drivers can ask questions such as: “Take me into town but avoid the ring road,” or simply say, “It’s cold in here,” and have the system adjust the cabin temperature automatically.
And because Gemini is integrated directly into Renault’s openR link system, it can also access vehicle-specific information such as battery range, navigation and climate controls – something the Android Auto smartphone version cannot do.
Future updates will introduce Gemini Live, enabling more free-flowing conversations without repeatedly saying “Hey Google”, interrupting responses naturally, or even switching languages mid-conversation.
Renault also says Gemini can help entertain passengers, whether that’s creating quizzes, telling children’s stories or answering general knowledge questions during longer journeys.
The company says the AI assistant is currently being rolled out in 13 languages, including English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese, with additional languages expected to follow.
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