Volkswagen introduces ChatGPT to vehicle voice assistants

Volkswagen has successfully incorporated ChatGPT into vehicle voice assistants, starting with certain 2025 vehicles. The latest innovation by the car manufacturer enhances the mundane driving experience with a more complex voice assistant, which will be available in the United States from September 6, 2024.

The ChatGPT support feature integrated into Volkswagen’s Plus Speech voice assistant will initially be available in the 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI, as well as the MY24 ID.4 models equipped with an 82 kWh battery pack. Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, this AI-driven improvement allows passengers and drivers to engage with their cars more naturally and conversationally, giving more than just standard commands.

Volkswagen boosts vehicle voice assistant with new AI features

Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant has undergone immense transformations since the inclusion of ChatGPT within it. The assistant, which was formerly restricted to basic operations such as setting the temperature and modifying the navigation, now has more advanced features. Drivers and passengers can have elaborate interactions with the system and make simple requests such as saying, “I’m cold” which in turn prompts the system to automatically adjust the heating.

The AI-powered assistant can be accessed through a Plus Speech with AI subscription in the Volkswagen Car-Net® service. The option will be enabled automatically next week for the current owners of compatible MY24 ID.4 vehicles that have an active Plus Speech subscription.

As Volkswagen 2025 models are made available, many will have this enhanced voice assistant with different periods of free use depending on the model. Three years of free access will be available for the ID.4 and ID. Buzz and one year of free access for GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan models. For other Volkswagen models, such as the Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Taos, the subscription will be made available via the myVW mobile application.

Volkswagen upgrades voice assistant with ChatGPT integration

Following the ChatGPT addition, Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant can perform various tasks beyond basic automotive-related tasks.  The system connects to the cloud when required, where multiple sources, including ChatGPT, are used to fulfill requests connected with the Cerence Chat Pro system. This provides the voice assistant with an enhanced ability to better answer almost any query asked by users, be it recommending a restaurant, looking out for vacation places, or even inventing stories to entertain the passengers.

In this new development, security, and privacy have been prioritized. Volkswagen has made sure that ChatGPT does not obtain any vehicle data, and each session contextual data is deleted immediately after use. This concern for data safety is in-built into the new system that seeks to enhance the driving experience while preserving the privacy of the user.