Google Maps gets eyes – AI-powered lane guidance launches in first markets

Google is rolling out a new navigation feature for vehicles with Google built-in: Live Lane Guidance. In an official blog post, the company explains its goal – to help drivers “navigate as if Google Maps could see the road through their own eyes.” The system monitors the current lane in real time and provides timely visual and audio cues when a lane change is needed, helping drivers avoid missing exits or turns.

Camera meets Gemini

The new feature combines the vehicle’s camera data with Google’s Gemini AI. Using the front-facing camera, the system detects road markings and traffic signs, then matches this information with navigation data from Google Maps. Based on this, Live Lane Guidance delivers lane instructions via the driver display and voice prompts.

Designed for real-world driving, the system proves especially helpful in complex traffic situations, such as multi-lane highway interchanges. For instance, if a driver is in the left lane and an exit is coming up on the right, the AI detects the vehicle’s position and provides an early alert to switch lanes. Ideally, this helps prevent rushed lane changes and missed exits.

Polestar 4 leads the way

The new Live Lane Guidance feature will initially be available exclusively in the Polestar 4. The all-electric model from the Swedish-Chinese manufacturer runs on Android Automotive – the foundation for integrating Google built-in features. According to Polestar, Lane Guidance information appears directly on the 10.2-inch driver display. The rollout will start in the United States and Sweden before expanding to additional markets and vehicle models later on.

Sid Odedra, Head of UI/UX at Polestar, emphasizes the added value for users in the official press release:

"Live Lane Guidance continues the path of Polestar’s driver centric UX strategy, reducing driver stress and improving safety by making missed exits and last-minute lane changes much less of a worry."

Google plans to bring its AI-powered lane guidance to more car manufacturers in the future. Over time, the feature is expected to expand beyond highways and function on other types of roads – as long as the vehicle supports Google built-in.

Mixed feelings among Polestar fans

Reactions within the Polestar community on Reddit have been mixed. While some users describe the feature as “promising” and “practical,” others question its reliability. Given the patchy software performance and inconsistent Google Maps functionality in Polestar vehicles so far, some worry that the new feature could cause more frustration than convenience.