Volkswagen of America has announced the introduction of the ChatGPT-integrated Plus Speech voice assistant in its vehicles in the US, the automaker said in a press release on Sept. 3. The automaker will debut the service in the model year 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models as well as the model year 2024 ID.4 electric sport utility vehicle (SUV), equipped with an 82-kWh battery, starting Sept. 6.
This integration, powered by Cerence Chat Pro, aims to enhance the existing IDA voice assistant system in these models by providing a more advanced and user-friendly voice prompting experience, enabling more natural and human-like conversations.
The ChatGPT functionality will be accessible through a Plus Speech with AI subscription within Volkswagen Car-Net. Beginning next week, this feature will be automatically enabled for the model year 2024 ID.4 owners who have an active Plus Speech subscription. The 2025 models of the ID.4, including those with a 62-kWh battery, will be ChatGPT ready later in 2024, with most 2025 models eventually offering Plus Speech with AI as they launch.
Volkswagen is including three years of Plus Speech with AI for ID.4 and ID. Buzz models, one year for GTI, Golf R, and Tiguan models with the purchase of the vehicle, and an optional subscription for the Jetta, Jetta GLI, and Taos through the myVW mobile app. The Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport will incorporate ChatGPT in 2026.
Cerence Chat Pro, an automotive-grade ChatGPT integration, allows for enhanced interaction within the vehicle, extending capabilities to control navigation, infotainment, climate settings and answering general knowledge queries through conversational input. When local system limitations are met, the system connects to the cloud, leveraging sources, including ChatGPT, for a comprehensive response range while ensuring data protection through the immediate deletion of session contextual data.
