Tesla rolls out Grok AI assistant to Australian drivers

Tesla owners in Australia are about to get a new in-car assistant.

The company has confirmed that Grok, an AI companion developed by xAI, is now rolling out locally via an over-the-air software update. The feature is being introduced first to eligible Hardware 3 vehicles equipped with AMD infotainment processors, with Hardware 4 models to follow.

Announced through Tesla’s Australia and New Zealand channels, the update reinforces the brand’s strategy of adding major functionality through software rather than new hardware.

For many owners, this is one of the most anticipated updates in recent memory.

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What can Grok actually do?

Grok functions as an intelligent voice assistant embedded directly into the Tesla interface, accessible from the steering wheel once enabled.

Unlike traditional in-car voice controls that rely on rigid command structures, Grok is designed to answer natural-language questions and deliver real-time responses. It can also integrate directly with Tesla’s navigation system.

Key functions include:

• Setting destinations using conversational voice input
• Adjusting routes while driving
• Recommending local points of interest
• Answering general knowledge or real-time queries

For drivers who have found existing voice systems in some EVs inconsistent or limited, Grok could significantly improve the in-car user experience.

Tesla says interactions are securely processed by xAI. Conversations remain anonymous to Tesla and are not linked to individual vehicles or owners.

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Which Australian Tesla models are getting it first?

The rollout begins with Hardware 3 vehicles fitted with AMD infotainment processors, running software version 2025.44.25 or later.

Owners can check compatibility by navigating to:
Controls > Software > Additional Vehicle Information

Hardware 4-equipped vehicles will receive the update in staged waves shortly after.

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Grok rollout details (Australia)

Eligible models locally include the Tesla Model 3 and Tesla Model Y, which together account for the vast majority of Tesla sales in Australia.

Why this matters for Australian EV owners

This update highlights a defining advantage Tesla continues to leverage: meaningful over-the-air upgrades long after purchase.

While many automakers are still refining basic voice control systems, Tesla is introducing a conversational AI platform that blends navigation, real-time information and personality-driven responses. Owners can even adjust Grok’s interaction style to “Assistant” mode within vehicle settings.

For the broader Australian EV industry, the move sets another benchmark. As more brands enter the market, particularly from China and Europe, in-car software sophistication is becoming a key battleground alongside range and price.

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If Grok performs as promised, it could:

• Raise consumer expectations around voice control and AI integration
• Increase perceived value of Tesla’s software ecosystem
• Push rival manufacturers to accelerate their own AI deployments
• Reinforce Tesla’s OTA update advantage

In a market where hardware differences are narrowing, software is increasingly the differentiator.

For Australian Tesla owners, the immediate impact is simple: their car just got smarter without visiting a service centre.