Google released a full redesign of Android Auto this week, and it’s the most comprehensive update the platform has received since it launched.

With 250 million compatible cars already on the road, Google decided it was time to stop treating the in-car interface like an afterthought.

Android Auto just got its biggest overhaul in years. Here’s what’s actually new:

The design refresh

The new look borrows Material 3 Expressive straight from your phone and drops it on your dashboard: expressive fonts, animated transitions, and customizable wallpapers.

It bends to fit whatever weird screen shape your automaker decided was a good idea. Widgets land in Android Auto for the first time. Contacts, garage door shortcuts, weather previews, all sitting in view while you navigate.

The centerpiece is what Google is calling Immersive Navigation, described as the biggest Maps update in over a decade. Full 3D terrain, visible buildings and overpasses, highlighted lane markers and traffic signals.

Full HD video

Android Auto is getting full HD video playback at 60fps, starting with YouTube, in supported cars later this year. BMW, Ford, Genesis, Hyundai, Kia, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and others are already on the list.

Dolby Atmos spatial audio is coming to supported cars, too.

Gemini AI upgrades

Gemini is rolling out broadly in Android Auto now.

If someone texts you asking for an address, the feature Google is calling Magic Cue will pull context from your messages, email, and calendar, then offer to reply with the right answer in one tap.

You can also order food while driving; tell Gemini your order out loud, confirm with a tap, and it’s being prepped before you park.

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