Google is clearly making inroads into cars. We’re not talking about the Android Auto smartphone system, the contents of which are reflected on the on-board monitor, but rather about Android Automotive OS (AAOS), which runs on the vehicle’s infotainment computer, i.e. without a smartphone as an IT base. You don’t notice this in the models of many manufacturers such as BMW or Mercedes-Benz because they use their own developments on top of it. With others like Volvo or Polestar you get the full program by logging in to Google, the Play Store and Google Maps. One then speaks of AAOS with Google Automotive Services.
Renault is now also heading in this direction, and in the new Espace (from 43,500 euros) we tried out what the manufacturer calls Open-R-Link infotainment with Google, navigation, voice recognition, internet connection and support for Apple Carplay. It is always part of the standard equipment.
Can also be used without a Google account
Right of way for Google: the new Renault Espace and its infotainmentManufacturer
The Espace’s on-board system consists of two screens: the digital instrument display measuring 12.3 inches diagonally and the on-board monitor in portrait format, which also measures 12.3 inches. There is a ventilation outlet between the two, apart from that you look at a large area, which is impressive. At second glance, however, you can see huge black edges around the actual display, and the plastic used could be of higher quality. Behind the right side of the steering wheel are three controls, the one for the windshield wiper, the gear selector lever and a really well-hidden control satellite for the hi-fi system.
The steering wheel buttons and those for operating the air conditioning are physical; everything else is done by your finger on the touch display. If we leave aside the possible objections to Google and ignore the constant request to upload the address book to Google, then what is offered is very convincing for the smartphone generation. Everything works like on a mobile device, including the commands for the voice assistant, and many apps are also on board. You can sign in with your own Google account, but you don’t have to. If you are logged in, you can access personal data such as contact directory and calendar and use voice control to give exactly those Hey Google commands that you know from your cell phone or Google smart home products. If the car is used by different family members, it is recommended to create a new Google account, or each driver changes their account when they enter the vehicle. If you don’t want to send anything to Google, you don’t log in, which means you don’t have to use the Play Store, but you can still use the navigation.
Digital: Infotainment im Renault EspaceManufacturer
Apps come into the car via the Play Store. Since every application needs to be customized for Android Automotive, the offering is narrow. But Spotify, Youtube Music, Amazon and Tidal Music as well as some radio apps are available. The vehicle functionality is also programmed via the system. With Google integration, you can control networked devices at home directly from your car. For example, you can turn on the light when approaching the house.
The Google Maps navigation works well, although the co-pilot’s gruff tone is annoying. If you order the highly recommended head-up display for the Espace, which costs an additional 700 euros, the visual driving instructions are displayed there.