Over a period of five days, Munich transformed into the hub for all news and developments in vehicles and mobility thanks to IAA Mobility 2023.
This year, IAA was all about the software-defined vehicle. What it means, how it can be used, and how the industry is preparing for the software-defined vehicle to truly become part of the mainstream.
What is the software-defined vehicle?
The driving experience is changing at a rapid pace, as cars are no longer just a means from getting from A to B. Instead, they are becoming an extension of our living spaces, fitted with new opportunities for productivity, entertainment, as well as safety. As a basis for these transformative capabilities, we are seeing cars becoming increasingly defined by software and artificial intelligence (AI). This is unlocking a new wave of innovation for the entire mobility ecosystem.
Software-defined vehicles are equipped with advanced connectivity and robust processing power, allowing automakers to deliver new services and feature upgrades throughout the vehicle’s lifetime and extend their customer relationships beyond the point of sale. Having this ability to manage subscriptions, features and services for dynamically configurable vehicles opens new possibilities for scaling next-generation user experiences across their entire fleet.
Qualcomm Technologies’Snapdragon® Digital Chassis™ concept vehiclewas on show at IAA and brought the software-defined vehicle to life. It demonstrated how AI and connectivity can transform the driver experience thanks to extensive personalisation options, immersive and zonal audio, interactive input modes, driver assistance, enhanced safety and more.
The concept vehicle featured a 140-centimetre curved display across the dashboard, with crystal-clear graphics as well as 5G connectivity to enable premium, intuitive, and intelligent experiences for both drivers and passengers.
Automated driving functions were also highlighted, including in-cabin and ultra-HD surround view monitoring, showcasing some of the ways in which cars of the future will enable safer driving experiences for all.
This concept car embodies how software-defined vehicles are going to transform the mobility industry by making vehicles smarter, safer, and more connected than ever before. Continually learning from its occupants’ behaviour and contextual information from its sensors, intelligent in-vehicle assistants will anticipate user needs and provide proactive guidance and service recommendations for seamless and highly personalised experience.
The launch of the Snapdragon Digital Chassis for 2-wheelers and new vehicle classes
Not only did Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. show off the Snapdragon Digital Chassis concept vehicle at IAA, but it also boasted a new, more diversified portfolio thanks to its Snapdragon Digital Chassis for 2-wheelers and new vehicle classes.
Open and flexible, the technology platforms in theSnapdragon Digital Chassisserve as building blocks for developing next-generation mobility solutions, and Qualcomm Technologies has extended its support to include system-on-chips tailored for a wide range of 2-wheelers, micro-mobility, and other motorised vehicles.
The new platforms aim to make the most of the latest developments from existing Snapdragon Digital Chassis technology, including solutions for connectivity, cockpit, and cloud-connected services. Leading 2-wheeler OEMs are already using them.
Qualcomm’s technology collaboration with Mercedes-Benz
Qualcomm made several announcements at the show, including a re-affirming of their continued collaboration with Mercedes-Benz. The latest step in this ongoing collaboration will be the inclusion of Snapdragon Cockpit and Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platforms into the multimedia system within the new Mercedes-Benz E-Class Sedan.
For the E-Class Sedan, Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions will deliver next-generation in-vehicle experiences, such as premium multimedia capabilities, highly intuitive AI for safety and personalisation, and 5G connectivity.
The Mercedes-Benz E-Class with Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions is expected to be available throughout the US as early as 2024.
The Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform is coming to JLR’s next-generation modern luxury vehicles
Qualcomm Technologies also announced that next-generation JLR vehicles will be fitted with Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platform, including 5G, Wi-Fi, and C-V2X capabilities. This will enable enhanced safety, multimedia streaming, and cloud gaming for JLR customers.
Equipped with robust connectivity, enhanced safety, and premium cockpit features, these vehicles will be hitting the road sometime in 2025.
Collaboration between Qualcomm and BMW Group
In addition, Qualcomm Technologies announced their extended collaboration with BMW Group at IAA.
BMW is leveraging the full range of Snapdragon Digital Chassis solutions, including Snapdragon Cockpit and Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platforms, and Snapdragon Ride™ Platform, to bring intelligent and sophisticated experiences to the latest BMW Group vehicles.
Thanks to BMW’s new iDrive generation “QuickSelect” and its new Operating Systems 8.5 and 9, adding Snapdragon Cockpit and Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platforms ought to bring a new range of in-vehicle experiences to upcoming BMW vehicles and those in MINI’s New Family.
BMW vehicles featuring Snapdragon Cockpit and Snapdragon Auto Connectivity Platforms are already available, and vehicles using Snapdragon Ride Platforms are expected to be on the market by 2025.
Software-defined vehicles are the way of the future
At IAA Mobility 2023, it was clear that software-defined vehicles are entering the mainstream.
With ongoing momentum for the Snapdragon Digital Chassis, Qualcomm Technologies is collaborating with stakeholders throughout the automotive ecosystem to innovate and design solutions for making in-vehicle experiences safer, more intelligent and more personalized than ever before.
*Snapdragon and Qualcomm branded products are products of Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. and/or its subsidiaries.
