2025 Volkswagen Crafter van gains ChatGPT as part of model year update for Ford Transit, Renault Master rival

Delivery drivers will be happy to know Volkswagen's Crafter van will come equipped with a ChatGPT AI assistant to keep them company as part of an update to the commercial vehicle set to arrive in Australia before the end of 2024.

The ChatGPT headlines Volkswagen's overhaul of the Crafter's cabin which includes a redesign of the physical space, and a replacement of the van's now outdated tech.

Due to launch in Europe within the next month the Crafter now scores what Volkswagen terms a Digital Cockpit with the previous small 6.5-inch screen replaced by a 10.3-inch display, which is standard, or an optional 12.8-inch screen.

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Integrated into the media system is ChatGPT - an artificial intelligent assistant which Volkswagen says will work better than previous voice command systems and will connect to many of the vehicle's functions.

Other changes to the cabin include an electronic parking brake, redesigned air vents and centre console, plus restyling of the light function's controls.

Australian prices have yet to be announced, however, buyers can expect a slight increase over the outgoing entry price of $54,090 for the current Crafter line-up when the updated version arrives towards the end of this year.

The ChatGPT headlines Volkswagen’s overhaul of the Crafter’s cabin which includes a redesign of the physical space.

The Australian Crafter range is made up of the medium wheelbase, the long wheelbase and X long wheelbase.

Two diesel engines are offered - the TDI340 with 340Nm of torque and the TDI410 with 410Nm.

The Crafter also comes in front-wheel drive and rear-wheel-drive setups.

The Crafter sits above the Transporter in Volkswagen's commercial-vehicle line-up and competes against the likes of Renault's Master, Mercedes-Benz Sprinter, LDV Deliver9 and Ford's Transit.