Volkswagen has launched a ChatGPT-integrated Plus Speech voice assistant in the United States. From September 6, 2024, the AI-powered assistant will be rolled out to 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models, along with MY24 ID.4 vehicles equipped with an 82-kWh battery – allowing existing and new customers access to ChatGPT’s AI database. Powered by Cerence Chat Pro, Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant can now deliver a more sophisticated, user-friendly, voice prompting experience.
ChatGPT-enabled voice assistance will be available to customers through a Plus Speech with AI subscription in Volkswagen Car-Net. From next week, ChatGPT functionality will be automatically activated for current owners of compatible MY24 ID.4 vehicles with an active Plus Speech subscription. The OEM has said that MY25 ID.4 vehicles, including those equipped with the 62-kWh battery, will receive ChatGPT later this year.
Volkswagen highlighted that most of its 2025 models will offer Plus Speech with AI at launch. The ID.4 and ID. Buzz for example come with three years of Plus Speech with AI included at no additional cost, while the GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan will have one year included with vehicle purchase. The Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Taos will also have the option to purchase a Plus Speech with AI subscription through the myVW mobile app. In 2026, ChatGPT will be included in the Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport models.
Cerence Chat Pro, an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration, enhances the original Plus Speech subscription using generative AI. In addition to controlling navigation, infotainment and climate adjustment, Volkswagen’s IDA voice assistant will be able to answer general knowledge questions and engage in natural, human-like conversations.
This voice assistant is activated by saying ‘Hello IDA’ or ‘Hello Volkswagen’ (depending on the vehicle model), or by pressing the steering wheel’s button. Where previously, passengers could ask, ‘Hey, IDA, can you please set the temperature at 70 degrees?’ to change the HVAC, Volkswagen now says that the system can recognize a command such as ‘”Hi IDA, I’m chilly,’ and detect that the driver is feeling cold before automatically activating the heating system.
When the car’s local system cannot fulfill a request, it connects to the cloud where Cerence Chat Pro leverages various sources, including ChatGPT, to process the query, and provide a accurate and relevant response to it. This allows the IDA voice assistant to handle complex, conversational questions beyond standard automotive functions such as suggesting restaurants, road trip destinations, or creating stories to entertain those in the car.
While highlighting this new AI-driven capability, Volkswagen stressed that ChatGPT does not access vehicle data. All session contextual data is deleted immediately to ensure maximum data protection – with the feature prioritizing security, while seamlessly integrating with the IDA voice assistant’s numerous capabilities.
