GM plans OnStar AI debut in 2027 Cadillac Lyriq through software update

General Motors plans to add its OnStar AI Assistant to the 2027 Cadillac Lyriq through a software update in the months following its 21 October announcement, InsideEVs reported. Chief executive Mary Barra announced the voice-activated system at GM Forward, the automaker’s technology event in New York. It will give Lyriq drivers access to vehicle controls, charging information and diagnostic explanations through OnStar, GM’s connected-services platform.

Lyriq update brings OnStar into vehicle controls

GM says drivers will be able to activate the assistant by saying “Hey, OnStar” and then giving a voice command. The company says the system can adjust cabin temperature, switch on dome lights, open the electronic glove box and open the charge port. Its planned arrival by software update makes the Lyriq the first vehicle scheduled to receive the feature.

The assistant is designed to use live information from the vehicle rather than rely solely on general answers. GM says it can access tyre pressure, charging status and projected range. A driver could ask whether the car has enough charge to reach a destination, with the system helping to plan charging stops. GM also says it can explain an error message or warning light.

GM says a driver can describe a warm cabin in ordinary language and the assistant will lower the temperature. That extends the voice interface beyond direct requests to operate a named control. The company also says the system can explain features installed in the vehicle, giving owners another way to get information they would otherwise seek in its manual.

When the assistant cannot give a clear answer, GM says it will connect the driver to a human OnStar Advisor. OnStar’s established connected services include emergency assistance. The planned assistant brings those services into a broader interface for everyday driving questions and vehicle functions.

Sierra and Silverado follow the Lyriq

A GM spokesperson identified the 2027 GMC Sierra and Chevrolet Silverado as the next vehicles due to receive the assistant, InsideEVs reported. The Lyriq, a Cadillac electric SUV, is the initial model. GM also plans to extend the feature across its other vehicle lines, Motor1 reported.

GM says the assistant will form part of its OnStar subscription service. Its combination of vehicle data and controls places the planned feature within the automaker’s existing connected-services offering. The charging and range functions are intended for electric-vehicle drivers, while commands for cabin equipment and explanations of vehicle alerts cover other uses.

Barra described the proposed system at GM Forward as a layer of intelligence in the dashboard that would understand the vehicle and adapt to a driver’s preferences. The controls and data access GM has described are the functions scheduled for the Lyriq’s update. The company’s account of the launch centres on putting those functions into a voice interface for owners.

OnStar app replaces five GM apps in 2027

GM plans to introduce a new OnStar smartphone app in 2027, replacing its separate Chevrolet, Cadillac, Buick and GMC apps as well as OnStar Guardian. The move would put services that owners currently reach through different GM apps in one place. GM says the replacement will include an AI chat feature for questions about a driver’s vehicle.

The new app is also planned to show footage recorded by a vehicle’s surround cameras when its theft alarm activates. InsideEVs compared the feature with Tesla’s Sentry Mode. GM says recordings will have time limits and be encrypted, and that the company cannot access the remote video files.

Motor1 reported that the app will give owners controls over permissions for the camera, microphone and location. Those settings are part of the 2027 app GM plans to use in place of its existing brand and Guardian apps.