Hyundai launches SDV with AI-powered Pleos Connect

Apr 30, 2026, 09:08 am

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Hyundai Motor Group unveils its next-generation infotainment system “Pleos Connect.” /Hyundai Motor Group

Hyundai Motor Group has officially launched mass production of its software-defined vehicle (SDV) strategy, unveiling its next-generation infotainment system “Pleos Connect” equipped with an AI voice assistant capable of understanding even regional dialects.

The new system integrates large language model (LLM)-based AI, an open app ecosystem, and over-the-air (OTA) updates, transforming vehicles into digital platforms. It marks the first tangible result of the group’s SDV transition strategy.

At the core of Pleos Connect is “Gleo AI,” an agent AI inspired by Galileo Galilei. Built on LLM technology, the system goes beyond simple command execution to understand user intent and conversational context.

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Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment system “Pleos Connect.” /Hyundai Motor Group

It can process multiple commands simultaneously and even interpret abstract expressions like “there,” based on prior dialogue. The system also recognizes seat positions, allowing it to execute personalized commands—for example, activating the heated seat only for the speaker.

A Hyundai official explained that the AI can proactively control vehicle functions based on real-time conditions, signaling a shift from SDV to AIDV (AI-Defined Vehicle).

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Lee Jong-ho, Team Lead of the Gleo AI Group at 42dot, presents Gleo AI during the “Pleos Connect Media Day” on April 29. /Hyundai Motor Group

The platform also introduces an open in-vehicle app marketplace, enabling users to access services such as YouTube, Spotify, and navigation apps directly from the car display.

Hyundai plans to launch the service in May and gradually expand offerings to include gaming and vehicle management features. External developers will be able to build apps using vehicle APIs through the “Pleos Playground” platform.

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Yoon Chi-hyung, Group Lead of Pleos Playground at 42dot, presents the app marketplace during the “Pleos Connect Media Day” on April 29. /Hyundai Motor Group

This aligns with Executive Chair Euisun Chung’s vision of expanding in-car experiences, including enabling gaming inside vehicles.

Compared to the previous ccNC system, Pleos Connect features a more intuitive and simplified user experience. A large central display offers easy navigation, while a slim driver display provides essential driving information without requiring eye movement.

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Kim Chang-seop, Senior Research Engineer of the UX Strategy Team at Hyundai Motor Group, presents UX during the “Pleos Connect Media Day” on April 29. /Hyundai Motor Group

The interface minimizes color use and focuses on essential functions, reflecting user data showing that most drivers rarely change default settings.

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Hyundai Motor Group’s next-generation infotainment system “Pleos Connect.” /Hyundai Motor Group

Pleos Connect will first be installed in the facelifted Grandeur model set for release next month, with plans to expand to 20 million vehicles by 2030.

Hyundai also plans to introduce an SDV “smart pace car” later this year to validate its technology in real-world conditions, while accelerating autonomous driving development through partnerships with global tech firms.

The company emphasized that the platform represents a shift from simply selling vehicles to designing the entire mobility experience for customers.