Amazon and BMW have announced that Amazon Alexa will be available in BMW and Mini vehicles starting in mid-2018.

Users can ask Alexa in-car to get directions, call a business, play music or other audible content, control their smart home and check the news while on the go and without downloading a separate app.

Customers will also have access to thousands of Alexa skills from third-party developers. For many requests, Alexa will provide voice responses paired with visual cards on BMW’s and Mini’s control display, such as to do lists or weather forecasts.

Dieter May, senior vice president of digital services and business models at the BMW Group, said: “By making this step and integrating Alexa into our models from 2018, BMW and Mini will form a more intrinsic part of our customers’ digital lifestyles.

“Voice control first featured in BMW Group cars many years ago, and we are now enhancing its functionality by adding a digital ecosystem, which will open up all sorts of new possibilities that customers can access quickly, easily and safely from their car.”

Ned Curic, vice president of Alexa Automotive, added: “We are excited to work with BMW to bring the Alexa experience to their drivers. Voice is a big part of the future, especially in cars. Using your voice to enjoy content and interact with your car makes a great driving experience even better. We can’t wait for BMW customers to try this out.”

Amazon Alexa will be available in all 2018 model year BMW and Mini vehicles from mid-2018 in the US, UK and Germany.

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