BMW Brings Alexa+ Conversational AI to 2026 iX3

Voice control in cars has long been a frustrating experience, often requiring rigid commands and exact phrasing. BMW is aiming to change that with the 2026 iX3, unveiled at CES 2026 in Las Vegas. The electric SUV is the first production vehicle to feature Amazon’s new Alexa+ technology, allowing drivers to interact with their car in a far more natural, conversational way.

The system, known as the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant, is powered by a large language model. So, instead of issuing precise instructions, drivers can speak casually and combine requests.

A single sentence can prompt the car to adjust the cabin temperature, suggest nearby restaurants, check battery status, or provide updates on weather and news. The goal is to make the vehicle feel more like a responsive companion than a basic voice-command machine.

For example, a driver could say, “I am feeling cold and would like pizza on the way home,” prompting the car to increase cabin heating while suggesting well-rated Italian restaurants along the route. Another prompt such as, “How far can I drive, what is the weather like ahead, and did my team win last night?” can be handled in a single interaction.

The cabin of the new BMW iX3 features a large central touchscreen and BMW Panoramic Vision, a wide display projected along the base of the windscreen. Integration with Alexa+ also allows access to Amazon services, music libraries, and connected home devices.

The 2026 iX3 also features a redesigned user interface based on BMW Operating System X. This marks a key milestone in BMW Group’s plan to roll out AI-driven, software-defined vehicle capabilities across its entire lineup, closely integrating the car with the user’s broader digital ecosystem.

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