Volkswagen Quietly Teases Golf Facelift While Talking About ChatGPT

The car that Volkswagen used at CES 2024 in Las Vegas to present its intentions of integrating ChatGPT into its compact models to make conversations more interesting was the upcoming Golf, which is going through a mid-cycle refresh.

The one showing up in the extensive photo gallery is the GTI version, which will come with all the bells and whistles that this variant usually gets. The list of upgrades compared to the standard Golf includes sportier styling, a new rear diffuser for extra downforce, larger wheels, and red brake calipers.

Volkswagen will also bring the large spoiler, which debuted with the Clubsport variants, to make it the sportiest of Golfs, at least at the launch. The model, regardless of the trim, will sport an LED strip up front, which will connect the LED DRLs and will be interrupted by the illuminated Volkswagen badge, positioned in the center of the grille. Looking at the taillights partially camouflaged, we should also expect a new light signature at the opposite end.

The exterior of the car is, indeed, covered entirely in colorful camouflage that does not allow viewers to see much. But the cabin is completely undisguised. The facelift will not bring significant changes in there, except for the new 15-inch touchscreen that will replace the one present in the outgoing model. The ID.7 and Passat sport similar displays.

The massive screen will be carried over from the Tiguan crossover, which debuted last summer. Customers will be happy to still find physical buttons on board the refreshed Golf.

That is the screen that will control the functions connected to the ChatGPT, integrated into the upcoming model with the help of tech firm Cerence. The chatbot will be able to reply naturally, to answer general knowledge questions, and control various functions of the car, such as air conditioning, heating, and navigation.

The owners of the Golf facelift will not need to worry about data protection. The questions and answers will be instantly deleted and not transferred to third parties. Furthermore, ChatGPT will not access any vehicle information, such as speed, location, or destination.

The ID.3, ID.4, ID.5, and ID4, as well as the Tiguan and upcoming Passat, basically every model built on the MEB and MQB Evo platforms, will be getting the Open AI-developed chatbot.

Volkswagen should unveil the facelifted Golf later this year. The model, which has been discontinued in the United States, should go on sale in the fall of 2024 in Europe. It will be the last ICE-powered Golf. 2028 will bring a new generation with electric-only variants.