Volkswagen has announced that its new-generation infotainment system now includes ChatGPT artificial intelligence (AI).

Volkswagen’s advanced AI tool is available in all new vehicles within the all-electric ID. family, as well as the new Golf, Tiguan, and Passat models. This integration, accessible through the IDA voice assistant, introduces a range of new features that significantly enhance previous voice control capabilities. Customers can now have search results read aloud and interact with the car using natural language.

Kai Grünitz, Member of the Brand Board of Management responsible for Development, said: “Volkswagen has a long tradition of democratising technologies. As a volume manufacturer, we make these technologies accessible to large numbers of people. By seamlessly integrating ChatGPT into the backend of our voice assistant, we are now offering drivers the opportunity to use this artificial intelligence on a daily basis, thus underlining how innovative our products are.”

Volkswagen models already allow users to control infotainment, navigation, and climate control systems using the IDA online voice assistant. The vehicle can also answer questions on various topics. With the introduction of ChatGPT, the capabilities have expanded: AI can now provide information on tourist attractions, report on past football tournaments, or help solve maths problems. All this works intuitively, with drivers speaking to the assistant in natural language without needing to take their eyes off the road.

Volkswagen customers with existing VW Connect or VW Connect Plus accounts can use the IDA voice assistant without needing additional access or apps. The assistant is activated by saying “Hello IDA” or pressing a button on the steering wheel. Queries that cannot be answered by the Volkswagen system are forwarded anonymously to ChatGPT, which provides responses in the familiar Volkswagen voice. ChatGPT does not access vehicle data, and questions and answers are deleted immediately to ensure optimal data protection. The online voice assistant can be deactivated in the Volkswagen app or the infotainment system’s privacy settings.

The technology is available in five languages: English (US), English (UK), Spanish, Czech, and German.