BMW will become the first carmaker to incorporate Amazon’s next-generation voice assistant, Alexa+, into its vehicles. The enhancement advances the German automaker’s infotainment system beyond the Alexa Custom Assistant, which allowed building AI assistants using Alexa technology, transforming it into a generative AI platform built for more natural and conversational engagement.
The platform is built on the Alexa+ framework introduced earlier this year, which Amazon describes as more intuitive, intelligent, and tailored to user needs, with a focus on productivity. The company added that the automotive version of the assistant is developed on top of Alexa+, integrating more than 70 large language models and agentic capabilities, and runs on Amazon Bedrock within Amazon Web Services (AWS).
While BMW has not yet specified which models will receive the upgrade first, the rollout is expected to deliver a more seamless and intuitive driving experience. Alexa+ allows drivers to give more sophisticated voice commands without relying on predefined keywords.
The integration is designed to provide richer, more contextual, and personalized interactions while helping drivers stay focused on the road.
BMW’s newest iDrive infotainment system is built on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and incorporates a proprietary navigation platform that underpins the integration of Alexa+. Unlike other automakers such as Volvo, which has adopted Google Gemini and connects its system with Google Maps and Android Automotive OS, BMW operates on a more complex, proprietary setup. Beyond Alexa+ capabilities, BMW also leverages Amazon Web Services to power its connected vehicle technologies, virtual hardware simulations, and engineering processes.
Industry experts regard BMW’s move as a significant advancement for AI integration in high-end vehicles. The platform elevates in-car experience, entertainment, and user engagement, establishing a new benchmark for luxury automakers.
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