Tesla has rolled out a new software update for its vehicles, introducing the much-anticipated integration of Grok, a large language model developed by CEO Elon Musk’s private company, xAI. However, the update comes with a significant caveat – Grok does not yet interface with the car’s functions.
According to the release notes for version 2025.26, Grok is now available in Tesla vehicles in the US equipped with the AMD infotainment computer, which includes cars produced since mid-2021. But the current version of Grok does not issue commands to the vehicle, making it similar to having the language model on your phone but on the onboard computer instead.
In addition to the Grok integration, the software update includes a few other features. For Tesla vehicles equipped with ambient lighting strips, the light strip can now sync to music, enhancing the driving experience with immersive lighting effects. The update also allows users to save audio settings under multiple presets, catering to different listening preferences.
Furthermore, the update introduces the ability to zoom or adjust the playback speed of the Dashcam Viewer and adds a grid view to the app for Cybertruck owners, making it easier to access and review recordings. The navigation system now includes charging information that indicates locations requiring valet service or pay-to-park access, providing drivers with essential details upon arrival.
Lastly, Tesla has included a new onboarding guide on the center display to assist first-time Tesla owners in familiarizing themselves with the vehicle. Despite these updates, Tesla’s integration of Grok falls short compared to other automakers that have successfully integrated large language models with the capacity to interact with the vehicle’s functions.
For instance, in the Xiaomi YU7, the vehicle’s AI not only interacts with the car but also utilizes its camera to provide information about the surroundings. Tesla lags behind in this aspect, as many automakers are integrating with other large language models like ChatGPT and in-house models, such as Xiaomi’s.
Overall, while Tesla’s software update brings some new features and enhancements, the integration of Grok is still in its early stages and lacks the functionality to interact with the vehicle’s systems. As the automotive industry advances in AI integration, Tesla may need to further develop its capabilities to keep pace with competitors.
