Hyundai Launches Pleos Connect, AI‑Powered Infotainment for 20 Mn Cars by 2030

Hyundai Motor Group has introduced Pleos Connect, a next‑generation in‑vehicle infotainment system designed to transform the driving experience and accelerate the company’s shift toward software‑defined mobility.

Pleos Connect is built on three pillars — intuitiveness, safety, and openness — combining a mobile‑friendly interface with advanced artificial intelligence. The system will receive continuous upgrades through over‑the‑air (OTA) updates.

The rollout begins in May with the new GRANDEUR in Korea, followed by the IONIQ 3 in Europe, and will expand globally. Hyundai aims to equip 20 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles with Pleos Connect by 2030.

Intuitive Cockpit Design

• Large Central Screen divided into driving information, apps, and a bottom bar for quick access
• Slim driver‑focused display presenting speed, media, and directions
• Physical buttons on steering wheel and below the screen for safety
• Gesture controls allow repositioning or closing apps seamlessly

Smarter Navigation

• Simplified layouts with clear icons
• Modular interface for multitasking
• Real‑time route guidance powered by live traffic data

Gleo AI: The Intelligent Companion

At the heart of Pleos Connect is Gleo AI, Hyundai’s advanced voice assistant.

• Context‑aware commands like “navigate there”
• Multi‑command processing in a single request
• Integrated vehicle control with natural language
• Zone‑specific recognition for personalized commands

Open App Market Ecosystem

Pleos Connect introduces an App Market for third‑party services.

• Seamless integration with NAVER maps and auto services
• Rich media content including YouTube and Spotify
• Future expansion into gaming, entertainment, and vehicle management
• Pleos Playground developer platform for global collaboration

Toward AI‑Defined Vehicles

Pleos Connect marks Hyundai Motor Group’s first step toward Artificial Intelligence–Defined Vehicles (AIDVs), where personalized AI assistants will redefine the relationship between driver and vehicle.

Pleos Connect is a next‑generation infotainment system that offers customers an elevated mobility experience by combining a mobile‑friendly platform with advanced AI technology. – Jongwon Lee, Senior Vice President, Hyundai Motor Group. 

Key Takeaway: Pleos Connect positions Hyundai Motor Group as a leader in software‑centric mobility, blending AI, safety, and openness to deliver a scalable platform for millions of drivers worldwide.

Hyundai’s Pleos Connect directly positions the company against rivals like Tesla, Mercedes-Benz, BMW, and Volkswagen, all of whom are racing to integrate AI-driven infotainment and voice assistants into their vehicles. The competition is centered on creating software-defined vehicles (SDVs) with intuitive cockpits, personalized AI, and open app ecosystems.  

Key Competitors in AI Infotainment

Automaker	Infotainment / AI System	Core Features	Competitive Edge vs Hyundai
Tesla	Proprietary infotainment with large central touchscreen	Minimalist design, OTA updates, integrated voice commands, app ecosystem	Strong EV brand, but criticized for lack of physical buttons; Hyundai differentiates with hybrid touch + physical controls for safety.
Mercedes-Benz	MBUX (Mercedes-Benz User Experience)	AI voice assistant (“Hey Mercedes”), AR navigation, personalized profiles	Premium luxury positioning; Hyundai aims for mass scalability (20M cars by 2030) vs Mercedes’ niche luxury market.
BMW	iDrive 8 with BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant	Natural language AI, gesture controls, OTA updates, customizable cockpit	Focus on driver personalization; Hyundai’s Gleo AI emphasizes multi-command processing and zone-specific recognition.
Volkswagen Group (Audi, VW, Porsche)	VW Digital Cockpit / Audi MMI	Voice assistants, modular infotainment, OTA updates	Strong modular approach; Hyundai adds openness with its App Market for third-party developers.
General Motors	Ultifi software platform	Cloud-based infotainment, OTA updates, integrated apps	GM emphasizes developer ecosystem; Hyundai mirrors this with Pleos Playground for global developer collaboration.

Competitive Analogy

• Tesla vs Hyundai: Tesla pioneered OTA updates and minimalist infotainment, but Hyundai addresses safety with physical buttons alongside touchscreens.
• Mercedes-Benz vs Hyundai: Mercedes’ MBUX is luxury-focused, while Hyundai’s Pleos Connect aims for mass adoption across Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis.
• BMW vs Hyundai: BMW’s AI assistant emphasizes personalization; Hyundai’s Gleo AI adds multi-command execution and cabin zone recognition.
• Volkswagen vs Hyundai: VW emphasizes modularity; Hyundai’s App Market and developer platform create a more open ecosystem.
• GM vs Hyundai: GM’s Ultifi focuses on cloud integration; Hyundai’s Pleos Connect builds a developer-friendly platform with AI-defined vehicle ambitions.

Strategic Takeaway

Hyundai’s Pleos Connect bridges gaps competitors left open:

• Safety-first design with physical + digital controls
• Scalability to 20M vehicles vs luxury-limited rollouts
• Open ecosystem with App Market + developer tools
• Advanced AI voice assistant (Gleo AI with multi-command, context-aware, zone-specific recognition)

This positions Hyundai as a mass-market disruptor, blending premium AI features with accessibility, while competitors remain either luxury-focused or EV-centric.