Mercedes Adds Remote Telematics Assistants

Daimler AG says owners of all 2016 and 2017 Mercedes-Benz models in the U.S. now can integrate Alphabet Inc.’s Google Home Assistant and Amazon.com’s Alexa systems into their vehicles.

The voice-enabled personal assistant devices will enable users to share information between devices and to control certain vehicle functions remotely. Mercedes plans to spread availability to Europe later this year.

Vehicle owners must purchase the personal assistant devices separately. Users also will need a “Mercedes me” account and an enabling “mbrace” subscription. In order to link their accounts, customers will have to download the Google Home or Amazon Alexa app and connect it with Mercedes me.

Among the initial voice-enabled Google services are remote start and lock/unlock. With Alexa devices, customers can say, "Alexa, ask Mercedes to send an address to the car" for remote navigation input and point-of-interest requests.

Mercedes says it is one of the first carmakers to offer Google Home, which allows motorists to access certain vehicle features from their homes, computers or wearable devices. BMW and Hyundai’s Genesis luxury division began offering Alexa vehicle integration last year.