Volkswagen turns to ChatGPT AI for its in-car voice assistant

AutoVehicle TechVolkswagen turns to ChatGPT AI for its in-car voice assistantVW is bringing ChatGPT to Golf, ID.3 and others this yearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

VW is bringing ChatGPT to Golf, ID.3 and others this year

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen Golf 8.5

(Image credit: Volkswagen)

Volkswagen is to integrate ChatGPT with the voice assistant and infotainment system of its cars, starting later in 2024.

The move was announced at theCES technology show, which kicked off in Las Vegas today, and will see Volkswagen bring the artificial intelligence ofChatGPTto its ID.3, ID.4, ID.5 and ID.7 electric cars, starting in the second half of this year.

The AI tech will also come to Volkswagen’s new Tiguan, Passat and Golf models in 2024, with the latter appearing on stage atCESwearing camouflage ahead of its global debut later this year.

VW says “automotive-grade ChatGPT integration” will be added to its cars’ IDA voice assistant, which is used to control the infotainment, navigation and air conditioning systems. The carmaker says the AI technology will “go far beyond the previous voice control,” with the ability to also answer general knowledge questions and improve its knowledge and language skills with future upgrades.

Volkswagen said: “This can be helpful on many levels during a car journey: Enriching conversations, clearing up questions, interacting in intuitive language, receiving vehicle-specific information, and much more – purely hands-free.”

There’s no need to install a new application or create an account to use the new ChatGPT-powered voice assistant, VW says. And in a bid to protect user privacy, questions and answers are deleted immediately “to ensure the highest possible level of data protection,” the company added.

(Image credit: Volkswagen)

VW Golf 8.5

(Image credit: Volkswagen)

Get all the latest news, reviews, deals and buying guides on gorgeous tech, home and active products from the T3 experts

ChatGPT does not gain access to vehicle data, suggesting the AI cannot be used to check on fuel level or battery charge, for example, or to help explain a dashboard warning light or error message.

I’m interested to see how this develops, and what precautions Volkswagen and Cerence have installed to prevent ChatGPT from hallucinating and confidently giving incorrect answers. It’ll also be fascinating to see how the system is improved over time, and if Volkswagen will grant the AI access to car data to create a more integrated chat bot experience.

Speaking of what’s next, Cerence boss Stefan Ortmanns said: “As we look to the future, together Volkswagen and Cerence will explore collaboration to design a new large-language-model-based (LLM) user experience as the foundation of Volkswagen’s next-generation in-car assistant.”

Today’s best EV Chargers dealsWallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all pricesGowe 32A 7.2kw EV Car Charger$599ViewSee all pricesAutel Home Smart Electric Vehicle$599ViewSee all pricesWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Today’s best EV Chargers deals

Wallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all pricesGowe 32A 7.2kw EV Car Charger$599ViewSee all pricesAutel Home Smart Electric Vehicle$599ViewSee all prices

Wallbox Pulsar Plus$649$599.99ViewSee all prices

Wallbox Pulsar Plus Level 2…

Wallbox Pulsar Plus

Amazon

$649$599.99View

$649$599.99

$599.99

See all prices

Gowe 32A 7.2kw EV Car Charger$599ViewSee all prices

Gowe Type 1 Cable 32A 7.2kw 1…

Gowe 32A 7.2kw EV Car Charger

Amazon

$599View

$599

See all prices

Autel Home Smart Electric Vehicle$599ViewSee all prices

Autel MaxiCharger Home Smart…

Autel Home Smart Electric Vehicle

Amazon

$599View

$599

See all prices

We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices

Vollebak launches Shielding Suit and Double Graphene Puffer

Vollebak pushes the limits of outerwear with Double Graphene Puffer and Shielding SuitThe company continues to weave innovation into every thread

The company continues to weave innovation into every thread

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review

Bowers & Wilkins Pi6 review: sensational sound, ordinary ANCBowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?

Bowers & Wilkins' step-down true wireless earbuds sound amazing and are well-priced – so what’s the catch, if anything?

Two users of the AirConsole system in a Volkswagen car

Users of popular Volkswagen cars set for massive gaming upgrade next monthIs this the ultimate portable gaming solution?

Is this the ultimate portable gaming solution?

VW ID. 7

VW ID.7 gets a stunning OS upgradeThe VW ID.7 offers a huge infotainment upgrade from past EV models, and here’s how it works

The VW ID.7 offers a huge infotainment upgrade from past EV models, and here’s how it works

VW Touareg 2023

Volkswagen Touareg 2023 first drive: premium hybrid options for on and off roadThe latest VW Touareg SUV provides high spec hybrid cars at both ends of its range and true off-road performance

The latest VW Touareg SUV provides high spec hybrid cars at both ends of its range and true off-road performance

VW Arteon R Shooting Brake

VW Arteon R Shooting Brake first drive: a sportier estateVW’s top-of-the-range car comes in a Shooting Brake form to provide a more spacious solution while still delivering all the thrills of an R model

VW’s top-of-the-range car comes in a Shooting Brake form to provide a more spacious solution while still delivering all the thrills of an R model

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox#

Sign up to the T3 newsletter for smarter living straight to your inbox