Voice assistants in most cars today are underwhelming, responding only to pre-programmed commands and generally not very useful. But the new Mercedes-Benz CLA has an in-car AI assistant that we actually like.

Patrick George recently drove the new all-electric CLA in California and found that the voice-controlled MBUX Virtual Assistant responds like a person, like Apple’s Siri or Google’s Gemini, tailored for in-car use.

Check out our video to hear the Mercedes AI assistant respond to a range of questions, including vehicle functions and its thoughts on BMW.

Here’s what else is happening:

  • EV battery chemistries are complex. We explain all the major ones for you in simple terms.

  • The Renault Filante one-off test vehicle went over 620 miles on a single charge using a “normal” battery pack.

  • On the final Plugged-In Podcast of 2025: We recap the biggest stories in a wild year in the EV space, and why you should be optimistic.

—Suvrat Kothari, Staff Writer

I Tried Mercedes' New In-Car AI Assistant. Then I Was Sad To Give It Up

The new Mercedes CLA-Class features an AI-powered, voice-controlled MBUX Virtual Assistant. Here's why it's more useful than you'd think.

All Major EV Battery Chemistries, Explained

Here’s all you need to know about the magic that happens inside your EV battery and how it impacts range, charging and performance.

This Renault EV Averaged 8 Miles Per kWh At Highway Speed

The Renault Filante one-off test vehicle went over 620 miles on a single charge using a “normal” battery pack.

Tesla, Waymo, Slate's Affordable Truck And Beyond: The 10 Biggest EV Stories Of 2025

On the final Plugged-In Podcast of 2025: We recap the biggest stories in a wild year in the EV space, and why you should be optimistic.

Recommended for you