Ready, folks? ChatGPT is set to launch “Skynet-style” in 2025 Jetta and Jetta GLI models, along with select 24MY ID.4 models, starting September 6. We’re kidding, of course. There’s nothing Skynet about ChatGPT, and its integration as an additional voice assistant resource should come in handy.
Volkswagen's IDA voice assistant will now be significantly enhanced thanks to ChatGPT, offering a sophisticated and intuitive voice control experience that both current and new V-Dub customers will be able to enjoy.
The way it works is that you first need a Plus Speech with AI subscription in Volkswagen Car-Net and next week the ChatGPT functionality will be automatically activated for current owners of compatible MY24 ID.4 vehicles with an active subscription. In the meantime, newer cars, including those equipped with a 62-kWh battery, will receive the update by the end of the year.
Models like the ID.4 and ID. Buzz have three years of Plus Speech with AI included at no extra cost, while the GTI, Golf R and Tiguan all have 1 year included. Finally, the 2025 Jetta, Jetta GLI and Taos will have the option to purchase the subscription via the myVW mobile app.
Oh, and if you’re more of an Atlas and Atlas Cross Sport type, you can rest assured that ChatGPT will be included on those models sometime in 2026.
This so-called IDA voice assistant is powered by Cerence Chat Pro, and in addition to controlling navigation, infotainment and climate functions, the system will now be able to answer general knowledge questions while engaging in natural, human-like conversation. You can activate the system by saying “Hello IDA” or “Hello Volkswagen”, depending on the vehicle model. You can also press a button on the steering wheel to activate.
How is this different from how it used to be? Well, currently you can ask IDA to set the temperature to a certain number. However, with this latest integration, you can simply say, “Hi IDA, I'm cold,” and the system will automatically turn the heating on.
Meanwhile, when the system is unable to fulfill a request, it will simply connect to the cloud where Cerence Chat Pro will attempt to provide accurate and relevant answers to any query imaginable. This way, the IDA voice assistant can handle complex and conversational questions that go beyond normal car functions. It will be able to suggest restaurants, road trip destinations, and will even create stories to entertain you and your passengers.
To be honest, I got curious and went to ask ChatGPT about all the things it can do in your car as a voice assistant. In addition to all the standard answers about conversational experience and real-time assistance, ChatGPT also touched on a topic it calls “Cultural and Contextual Awareness.”
This offers “more context-aware and culturally sensitive responses, improving communication across regions and between different users.”.
Speaking of being considerate, ChatGPT will not access your vehicle data, according to Volkswagen. The automaker says that all session contextual data is immediately deleted to ensure maximum data protection.