Google Maps Can Tell Polestar 4 Drivers When to Merge Lanes

Google Maps is rolling out real-time lane guidance for drivers of the Google-powered electric Polestar 4. The company announced on Tuesday that this new feature leverages the vehicle’s front-facing camera to “see” lane markings and road signs. This visual data is then processed by Google Maps’ AI to deliver tailored audio and visual prompts, helping drivers navigate complex lane merges in real time.

Google provided an example to illustrate how the feature works. Imagine you're driving in the leftmost lane of a U.S. highway, but your upcoming exit is on the far right. “With real-time lane guidance, a quick glance at your dashboard display shows exactly which lanes you can move into at any given moment,” the company explained in a blog post. (Of course, you could also look at the road itself—but the system detects that you’re several lanes away from your exit and proactively alerts you to merge in time. Your passengers might also give you a heads-up.)

Polestar vehicles run on Android-based software developed by Google, powering their infotainment systems. Over the past five years, Google has steadily integrated additional services into Polestar cars, including Google Search, Chrome browser, and high-definition maps.

“Real-time lane guidance continues Polestar’s driver-centric UX strategy by reducing stress and enhancing safety—minimizing worries about missing exits or making abrupt last-minute lane changes,” said Sid Odedra, Head of User Experience/User Interface at Polestar, in a statement.

The new mapping capability joins existing features like live traffic alerts and estimated arrival times. For now, real-time lane guidance is exclusive to the Google-integrated Polestar 4 and available only in the United States and Sweden. However, Google plans to expand the feature to more vehicles through partnerships with other automakers and intends to extend support beyond highways to additional road types in the future.