Hyundai’s Pleos infotainment system is like Tesla’s, but with one big difference [Images]

The new Hyundai Pleos Connect is an easier-to-use, AI-based infotainment system that’s more like using a smartphone. It’s similar to Tesla’s, but with one key difference.

What is Hyundai Pleos Connect?

Hyundai Motor Group, including Kia and Genesis, is transitioning from a traditional automaker to a software-defined mobility tech company.

At the heart of it all is Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect, an end-to-end infotainment system that’s easier to navigate and even includes an AI voice assistant.

Hyundai developed the new setup based on “extensive research into driver behavior” at the Group’s UX (user experience) studios in Seoul, Irvine, Frankfurt, and Shanghai. It’s essentially like using your smartphone with apps for navigation, music, and more.

The setup features two displays. The large central screen is divided into three sections: driver information on the left, navigation and other apps on the right, and a bottom bar for pinned or recently used apps.

While Hyundai’s new Pleos Connect is very similar to Tesla’s infotainment system, there are a few key differences.

For one, Hyundai included a smaller, slim display in front of the driver with key information like speed, media, and turn-by-turn directions, so you don’t have to keep looking at the infotainment.

There are also physical buttons below the central infotainment screen and on the steering wheel for climate control, media, and other functions.

Hyundai improved the navigation system in Pleos Connect with a simpler, customizable screen layout and real-time routing guidance.

The new infotainment system also includes Gleo AI, Hyundai’s advanced voice companion. Gleo AI is an intelligent AI that’s built on a large language model (LLM), so it will continue to learn and develop based on the conversations you have.

You can ask it to “navigate there” or “find a restaurant near me,” or to control in-car functions like adjust the climate settings. It can also search the web for sports news, weather, and more.

Hyundai plans to continue developing Gleo AI and related technology over the next few years to offer a custom-tailored experience for every driver. With OTA updates, the entire Pleos Connect system will continue to evolve, adding new features and capabilities.

The Pleos Connect infotainment system will debut on the new Grandeur in Korea in May, followed by a global rollout, including the all-new IONIQ 3. By 2030, the Group plans to equip about 20 million Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis vehicles with the new Pleos Connect system.

Hyundai said the new infotainment system is the Group’s “first tangible step” toward an SDV architecture, unlocking new in-vehicle experiences.