BMW iX3 Gets Qualcomm’s Advanced Automated Driving System: Here's What Indian EV Buyers Must Know

Qualcomm and BMW collaborated and took a major leap forward in the automated driving system in the BMW iX3 SUV. Both companies designed a new system called the Snapdragon Ride Pilot. This will bring Level 2+ automated driving capabilities for both highway and urban navigation.

This partnership signals the arrival of highly advanced driver assistance technology in India.

Snapdragon Debuts Ride Pilot in BMW iX3

The BMW iX3 is the first vehicle from BMW’s Neue Klasse lineup to feature the Snapdragon Ride Pilot system. It is built on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride SoC and AD software stack. In addition, the system supports entry-level ADAS functionality and advanced Level 2+ capabilities.

This functionality means the SUV can handle hands-free highway driving along with contextual lane changes, and AI-assisted urban navigation under real-world conditions. The technology is validated for use in over 60 countries, with plans to expand to 100 markets by 2026, including India.

AI Integration and High-Precision

The company has added a 360-degree camera-based perception stack at the core of its system. This system is used by integrating a bird’s-eye-view (BEV) architecture. It enables an accurate object detection and lane recognition. Other than this, it also comes with parking assistance.

Qualcomm and BMW co-developed a drive policy engine that blends AI models with rule-based systems, allowing the car to respond safely to complex driving scenarios. Safety remains a priority with compliance to standards like ASIL, FuSa, and SOTIF, making the iX3 a benchmark for automated driving safety.

Cloud Support

The Snapdragon Ride Pilot acts as the SUV’s ‘superbrain,’ offering 20 times more computing power than the previous generation. It enables advanced features such as AI-powered parking, hands-free navigation, and driver-initiated lane changes.

Additionally, the system leverages cloud-based data flywheels for continuous improvement and supports over-the-air (OTA) updates. The integrated V2X chipset allows real-time communication with nearby vehicles and infrastructure to reduce collisions and identify potential hazards.