Mediaboss Marketing

The New Class electric-first platform will replace BMW's current architecture lineup, the UKL small platform used for BMW compact cars and the Mini brand, and the CLAR platform which is used for bigger BMWs.

The reason for offering it to other automakers and suppliers is to reduce costs. We are working on a highly efficient setup for better profitability for all partners, Martin said.

BMW and Qualcomm have both said that automakers should not develop unique software systems that cannot be shared.

The idea is to find economies of scale to allow automakers to quickly scale-up advancements that if you tried to implement by yourself [would need] a significant amount of investment, Duggal said. He added that developing closed systems also increased the time to market.

The BMW/Qualcomm/Arriver package would represent a bookshelf that would allow customers to select what they need and also return data back to the depository to improve the overall quality of the product, Duggal said.

BMW will roll-out Level 3 hands-free driving capability with the new 7-Series sedan, but the new system from 2025 will improve that capability, Martin said.

We will reuse the IP [intellectual property] we created in the current generation for base to enhance the functionality and create an even better product, he said.

Martin said for example the new Level 3 system could expand the so-called operational design domain (ODD) for hands-free use to include tunnels, low temperature driving, night driving and additional roads other than highways.

Germany last year approved Mercedes-Benz's Level 3 Drive Pilot for use on highways at speed of up to 60 kph (37 mph)

The new automated driving hardware and software would roll out on midsize vehicles on the New Class platform, Martin said.

BMW would likely offer two options, with cars on a Level 3 capability given an upgraded sensor package including additional lidars while the standard package would offer Level 2 Plus with address to address capability available as an over-the-air update.

Level 2 Plus is close to hands-off driving but requires the driver to be in control of the vehicle at all times, while Level 3 hands control and legal responsibility to the vehicle and vehicle manufacturer.

The driver is warned when they need to take back control.

More:
BMW, Qualcomm to offer autonomous-driving platform to third parties - Automotive News Europe