THE new Mazda CX-5 is becoming even more intuitive with the roll out of Google Gemini.

Now available for vehicles equipped with Google built-in across supported European markets and languages, Google's AI assistant brings more natural conversations and a broader range of hands-free capabilities.

Once enabled by the user, Gemini succeeds Google Assistant as the active voice assistant. Its ability to understand natural language, context and follow-up questions allows drivers to express what they need conversationally, without having to remember specific commands.

Drivers can search for destinations that match their preferences, mood or purpose, rather than having a specific place in mind. They might, for example, ask Gemini to find a highly rated cafe with outdoor seating along their route and refine the request through follow-up questions.

The same conversational approach extends to entertainment, allowing drivers to request music suited to a particular mood or find a song using contextual information. Supported services include Spotify, YouTube Music and Amazon Music, while Apple Music remains available through Apple CarPlay.

With Google built-in, Gemini can summarise and read incoming messages aloud, helping drivers understand the context before responding. Its natural-language capabilities also make it easy to draft, refine or translate replies without touching the phone.

Popular messaging services such as WhatsApp and Messenger can also be used hands-free through Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Gemini is delivered via an over-the-air update and supports 12 European language variants To activate it in place of Google Assistant, users must be signed into their Google Account and opt in. Full functionality requires a data connection, although selected capabilities are also available offline.

Enabled by Mazda E/E Architecture+, the arrival of Gemini delivers on the promise made at the launch of the all-new Mazda CX-5: a digital cockpit designed not only for the day the vehicle reaches its owner, but to continue evolving throughout the ownership experience.