Kia has introduced its new AI-powered voice recognition system, AI Assistant, to Europe, following successful launches in Korea and the U.S. last year.
The AI Assistant enhances the driving experience by allowing users to engage in smooth, natural conversations with their Kia vehicles. It simplifies the process of discovering and utilizing advanced vehicle features, making the experience more intuitive and convenient.
With its advanced capabilities, Kia’s AI Assistant can understand voice commands and questions with greater intelligence. The system comprehends user intent and context, enabling effortless, natural interactions between the driver and the vehicle.
Kia’s AI Assistant offers smarter, more precise responses when users provide additional context and details with their queries.
Through continuous Over-the-Air (OTA) updates, the system will evolve, becoming more intelligent and adding new functionalities. This OTA technology also allows for seamless upgrades to the latest version of the AI Assistant for EV3 models, which utilizes the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system.
Engaging with Kia’s AI Assistant is simple: users can activate it by pressing the voice recognition button on the steering wheel or by saying, “Hey Kia.” Drivers can ask Kia’s AI Assistant almost anything, including starting the interaction by asking, “Hey Kia, tell me what you can do.”
The services offered by Kia’s AI Assistant surpass those of previous voice recognition systems. For example, users can request the location of restaurants serving specific dishes, among many other capabilities.
Kia’s AI Assistant enhances user experiences by enabling open-ended questions beyond driving, such as asking for camping advice, EV vs. ICE car benefits, or cultural etiquette. It also helps with navigating unfamiliar cities, recommending parking spots for scenic views, and suggesting music for specific vibes. The system tailors responses to specific conditions, like explaining complex concepts simply or assisting with in-car features, such as driving assistance systems during heavy traffic.
Currently available on the Kia K4 in the U.S., Kia EV3 in Korea, and soon on European EV3 models (starting March 2025), Kia’s AI Assistant will be expanded to more models equipped with the connected car Navigation Cockpit (ccNC) system. The system is available via OTA updates for existing vehicles.
