BMW has expanded its ChatGPT vehicle shopping service in the United States, allowing customers to obtain financing information and arrange dealership test drives without leaving the AI conversation.
The new functions go beyond the vehicle configurator introduced in July, which already allowed users to explore BMW models and equipment through natural-language questions.
Customers can now progress from choosing a vehicle to checking current lease pricing and booking an appointment at a participating BMW dealership.
The process begins with buyers describing their requirements, such as budget, performance, luggage space or all-wheel drive. ChatGPT uses BMW’s configurator data to recommend suitable models and specifications.
Buyers can subsequently adjust colours, wheels, drivetrains and optional equipment, or compare their preferred configuration with similar vehicles available in dealership stock.
BMW said the recommendations draw on its latest configurator data, while ChatGPT can retrieve additional information from the internet when the relevant functions are enabled.
The service does not complete vehicle purchases or financing agreements. Customers still finalise their transactions at BMW dealerships.
BMW cited research by Cox Automotive showing that 63% of surveyed car shoppers plan to use AI during their next vehicle purchase.
The German carmaker claims its expanded service is the first to connect conversational vehicle shopping with a booked dealership appointment entirely within an AI assistant.
The plugin is accessible through the BMW listing in ChatGPT’s Plugins menu on desktop and mobile devices.
