Infineon and BMW Group join forces to shape the future of software-defined vehicles

Infineon Technologies plays an important role in shaping the software-defined vehicle architecture of BMW Group’s Neue Klasse, a platform that redefines individual mobility by combining electrification, digitalization, and sustainability.

By delivering an integrated, flexible, and future-ready electrical/electronic (E/E) architecture, the Neue Klasse lays an innovative foundation for safer, smarter, and more sustainable mobility solutions. Infineon solutions enable powerful and dependable computing, high-speed data connectivity and smart and efficient power management. Showcasing a BMW iX3, the first model of the Neue Klasse, at the Annual General Meeting (19 February), Infineon will demonstrate these contributions to its shareholders.
 
“We are proud to collaborate with BMW Group to shape the future of mobility,” said Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon Technologies AG. “BMW Group’s Neue Klasse marks a significant step in introducing software-defined vehicles to the market and elevates individual mobility to the next level in terms of decarbonization and digitalization. We support the vision of a new software-defined platform with comprehensive expertise and cutting-edge technology.” 
Four high-performance central computing units are at the core of this architecture, the “Superbrains”. One of them is called “Heart of Joy” and governs driving dynamics such as acceleration, braking, and steering functions in a single high-speed computer. It enables faster processing than previous systems and minimizes latency. As a result, the driver benefits from smoother handling and an even more dynamic and responsive driving experience. In addition, optimized recuperation increases the range of the vehicle significantly.  

The other three “Superbrains” manage automated driving, infotainment, and base vehicle operations. All four “Superbrains” are supported by three separate Zone Control Units (ZCUs) – likewise controlled entirely by Infineon microcontrollers – that optimize data flow and power distribution, while end-point ECUs handle critical applications such as traction inverters, battery management, and on-board charging.

The zonal design of the vehicle platform also enhances efficiency and reduces material usage: The wiring harness of the BMW iX3 is less complex and, in total, around 600 meters shorter than in previous generations – which makes it approximately 30 percent lighter. In addition, smart eFuses like Infineon’s PROFET Wire Guard family replace up to 150 conventional fuses per vehicle, allowing BMW Group to implement an intelligent and efficient power distribution across the E/E architecture. The eFuses support software-controlled power management, enabling the vehicle to dynamically adjust energy distribution: Depending on the vehicle’s state (e.g. charging, driving, parking, upgrading) they switch off power consumers that are not needed. This improves energy efficiency by approximately 20 percent.