General Motors (GM) is introducing an in-vehicle artificial intelligence (AI) voice assistant called the OnStar AI Assistant.

At a technology event called GM Forward held in New York on Oct. 21, GM said it will apply the feature first to the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq electric vehicle (EV) and later expand it to other models. The feature will be provided via over-the-air software updates in the coming months, and the 2027 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado are next in line.

Drivers can say, "Hey, OnStar" and then use natural-language commands to control vehicle functions or check information needed for driving. It supports cabin temperature controls, EV charging-route planning and explanations of warning lights and error messages. The system provides personalised responses by using connected services and linking to real-time vehicle data such as tire pressure, charging status and estimated driving range. It can also control some functions, including interior lights, an electronic glove box and the charging port, allowing it to act as a substitute for the vehicle manual.

GM Chief Executive Mary Barra (메리 바라) said, "We are evolving OnStar into a true driving partner," and said it will provide intelligent features that learn drivers' preferences and support driving. GM Chief Product Officer Sterling Anderson (스털링 앤더슨) also presented a plan to move beyond existing emergency support services and shift to an intelligent platform that understands and proactively supports drivers.

In situations where the AI cannot provide a clear answer or human help is needed, an OnStar advisor responds. GM said it will keep human involvement in accidents or emergencies.

GM will also revamp services outside the vehicle. GM plans to introduce a new OnStar mobile application from the summer of 2027, integrating the existing OnStar Guardian app and brand-specific vehicle apps for Buick, Cadillac, Chevrolet and GMC. The new app will also include an AI chat function that answers vehicle-related questions.

It is also adding remote security functions. If certain situations occur, such as a vehicle theft alarm sounding, the system records footage using nearby cameras and lets the driver check it in the app. GM also introduced a setting that automatically activates the camera in certain situations, such as threat detection using the vehicle horn. GM said it will apply time limits and encryption to recorded footage, and that the company and OnStar cannot access connected-camera recordings. Third-party data sharing is based on consent by feature, and customers can manage permissions or withdraw consent. Refusing some data sharing may limit the use of related features.

The overhaul is part of GM's strategy to strengthen vehicle software and subscription services. GM is integrating its own AI technology into vehicles while also changing its software development approach and its electric and centralised computing architecture. It remains a task for the future whether OnStar's AI shift provides enough value to users and leads to demand for paid subscriptions.