Qualcomm Technologies and BMW Group unveiled their jointly developed automated driving system, Snapdragon Ride Pilot, at IAA Mobility 2025. The system debuted in the new BMW iX3, the first production model from BMW’s Neue Klasse platform, marking the culmination of a three-year collaboration.
Snapdragon Ride Pilot integrates Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride system-on-chips with a co-developed automated driving software stack. Designed for scalability, the platform supports functions ranging from New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) features to advanced Level 2+ highway and urban navigation capabilities.
The development effort involved more than 1,400 experts across Germany, the U.S., Sweden, Romania, and BMW’s Automated Driving Test Center in the Czech Republic. The system has been validated for use in over 60 countries, with rollout planned to exceed 100 markets by 2026.
The software architecture employs a multi-layered design for flexibility and safety. Its 360-degree perception suite uses high-definition cameras, radar, and vision-based object recognition for lane detection, traffic sign interpretation, and parking assistance. Specialized processing of fisheye camera data enhances coverage, while compliance with ASIL, NCAP, FMVSS127, and DCAS standards ensures functional safety. Multi-layered cybersecurity with encryption and threat monitoring further safeguards operations.
In the BMW iX3, the system enables contextual lane changes prompted by driver cues, hands-free highway driving on designated roads, and AI-driven parking assistance with cabin monitoring. Powered by Snapdragon Ride SoCs, BMW’s central computing system delivers 20 times the processing power of previous generations. Additional features include 8MP and 3MP camera sensors, radar systems, high-definition mapping, precise GNSS positioning, and Qualcomm’s V2X 200 chipset for vehicle-to-everything communication.
The platform is designed for continuous evolution, with over-the-air updates, a dedicated Snapdragon Ride SDK for customization, and fleet data collection to refine safety and comfort features over time. Qualcomm is also making the Snapdragon Ride Pilot available to other global automakers and Tier-1 suppliers.
Nakul Duggal, Group GM of Automotive and Industrial IoT at Qualcomm Technologies, described the system as “a transformative step that brings automated driving across vehicle tiers and global markets.” Dr Mihiar Ayoubi, Senior VP of Development Driving Experience at BMW Group, called it “a major technological leap” for the Neue Klasse lineup, built on a philosophy of smart, safe, and symbiotic design.
Qualcomm Incorporated includes QTL (Qualcomm Technology Licensing) and most of its patent portfolio. Qualcomm Technologies, Inc., a subsidiary of Qualcomm Incorporated, handles the engineering, R&D, and product/service functions, including the QCT semiconductor business. Snapdragon and other Qualcomm-branded products are developed by Qualcomm Technologies, Inc and its subsidiaries. Qualcomm patents are licensed by Qualcomm Incorporated. Snapdragon, Snapdragon Elite Gaming, and Snapdragon Sound are trademarks or registered trademarks of Qualcomm Incorporated.
