Tesla's Grok In-Car Assistant Approaches Release, Glimpse of Interface and Functions Revealed
Tesla is set to introduce an advanced in-car assistant, **Grok**, built on xAI's large language model. This conversational AI is designed to significantly enhance the user experience inside Tesla vehicles, offering a rich, natural-language interface that responds to both typed and spoken input [1][2].
### Key Features
Grok enables true natural language conversations, allowing drivers to ask complex questions, control vehicle functions, get navigation and charging information, and access real-time internet data, vastly improving over Tesla's current voice command system [1][2].
One of the standout features of Grok is the availability of multiple personalities/personas. These include roles such as assistant, doctor, storyteller, language tutor, therapist, and more [1][3][4]. Drivers can choose from three main voice types—Ara (upbeat female), Rex (calm male), and Gork (lazy male)—to personalise their interactions [4].
Grok will also support NSFW (not safe for work) mode and Kids mode featuring storytelling and trivia games, making the assistant suitable for different passengers and contexts [2][4]. Furthermore, the assistant will assist both drivers manually operating the vehicle and those using Tesla’s Full Self-Driving suite [3].
### Hardware and Software Requirements
Grok requires Tesla vehicles equipped with **Ryzen-based** infotainment systems. Older Teslas using Intel Atom processors will not support Grok initially, but potential future support is possible [1][2][3].
The integration has been developed starting with Tesla software update 2025.14, with more features added in 2025.20 and potentially launching in the next major update soon after [1][2]. Grok requires Tesla's **Premium Connectivity** subscription or Wi-Fi access for activation and operation, due to its cloud-based processing. The subscription costs about $9.99/month or $99/year plus tax [1][2][4].
Users must sign into a Grok account on their Tesla to use the assistant. It remains unclear if free versions will be available or if premium tiers (like "SuperGrok") will be required for full functionality [2].
### Additional Notes
Grok's server-side activation means Tesla can enable or disable the feature remotely, and it is currently present but inactive in recent firmware [1][2]. The assistant is poised to become a near-limitless AI companion inside Teslas, with CEO Elon Musk indicating users will be able to ask for anything conversationally [3].
Grok's official activation appears imminent, possibly as part of a larger Summer Update. Once activated, the assistant is expected to replace the current command system in Tesla vehicles, allowing users to speak casually to adjust various vehicle settings [1]. Grok will support child-friendly personas for storytelling and trivia during road trips, enhancing the overall in-car experience for passengers [2].
The advanced in-car assistant, Grok, will revolutionize the Tesla user experience by offering a rich, natural-language interface that supports not only voice commands but also smartphones, artificial-intelligence, and various gadgets. This conversational AI, built on xAI's large language model, will enable diverse personalities/personas, such as assistant, doctor, storyteller, language tutor, therapist, and more, catering to different preferences and contexts.
