Polestar receives AUTOBEST “SMARTBEST 2026” award for Google Maps’ live lane guidance integration in Polestar 4

• SMARTBEST 2026 is awarded for “smart connected technologies that significantly enhance the driving experience”
• The jury recognise Polestar’s integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance in the Polestar 4 driver display as “a significant step forward in intelligent onboard navigation and driver assistance technology”

GOTHENBURG, SWEDEN – 20 March 2026. Polestar’s strategy to continuously upgrade its cars with new software-driven features as they become available has once again been internationally recognised. This time, by the independent AUTOBEST European jury, composed of motoring journalists from 32 European countries, which has awarded Polestar “SMARTBEST 2026” for its integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance in the US and Sweden directly into the driver display of Polestar 4.

Statement of the jury: “The SMARTBEST 2026 Award goes to Polestar for the integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance directly into the driver display, debuting on the Polestar 4. The AUTOBEST jury recognised this innovation as a significant step forward in intelligent onboard navigation and driver assistance technology.”

Michael Lohscheller, Polestar CEO, who was present at the award ceremony in Vienna on March 19, says: “We are delighted by the AUTOBEST SMARTBEST 2026 award. A well-deserved recognition of the work from our dedicated R&D specialists and a testament to our successful and long-standing partnership with Google. Important factors behind Polestar’s leading edge in-car technology, benefitting all our customers.”

Polestar is the first automotive OEM to integrate Google Maps’ live lane guidance, an innovation for cars with Google built-in that helps drivers stay on course in the right lane with ease, while navigating complex highways.

Combined with Google Maps’ industry-leading navigation capabilities and AI, live lane guidance delivers visual and audio reminders that help drivers change lanes in time. Drivers experience the feature in a new interface that highlights all possible lanes for the chosen route, including which lane the car is in.  

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Notes to editors
Google and Google Maps are trademarks of Google LLC.

Polestar is the first automotive OEM to integrate Google Maps’ live lane guidance into the driver display in one of its vehicles. The innovation for cars with Google built-in will help drivers stay on course with ease while navigating complex highways and intense rush-hour traffic.

Google Maps’ live lane guidance brings a new navigation experience directly to the 10.2-inch driver display in Polestar 4. The feature detects which lane the car is in by using Google’s advanced AI in the vehicle to analyse elements on the road, like lane markings and road signs, captured by one of the forward-facing cameras in Polestar 4.

Combined with Google Maps’ industry-leading navigation capabilities, the system delivers visual and audio reminders that help drivers change lanes in time. Drivers experience the feature in a new visualisation that highlights all possible lanes for the chosen route, including which lane the car is in.

Polestar’s integration of Google Maps’ live lane guidance for highways is part of Polestar’s promise to continuously upgrade cars with innovative features as they become available through over-the-air updates. Rolling out in 2026, it is initially available for Polestar 4 vehicles in the US and Sweden – and will reach more markets, road types and customers in the future.