BMW Unveils Advanced Digital Architecture for Future Cars
BMW Group has become the first automotive manufacturer to introduce a new digital nervous system across all drivetrain variants and vehicle segments. The state-of-the-art system will debut in the Neue Klasse models, setting a benchmark for intelligence, efficiency and performance in automotive technology.
At the heart of the innovation are four high-performance computers, referred to as "Superbrains," which consolidate the computing power necessary for key customer functions. These include infotainment, automated driving, driving dynamics, and essential vehicle operations such as access, climate control, and comfort. Superbrains offer more than 20 times the computing power of the current vehicle generation and, by design, support future software updates, including AI-driven customer experiences.
Technology openness: BMW's advantage
Frank Weber, Board Member for Development at BMW AG, highlighted the significance of the technological advancement:
"Technology openness is the key to BMW's success. Starting with the first model of the Neue Klasse, we will roll out the technologies of the Neue Klasse across the entire future model portfolio – across all segments and all drivetrains.
"It applies to our completely newly developed electronic architecture made up of powerful 'Superbrains' and highly interconnected software platforms.
"The architecture allows us to decouple the development of the vehicle and software from each other. The advantage: More than ever before, all future BMW models will remain digitally up to date via over-the-air upgrades and will receive updates even from the subsequent vehicle generations."
A smarter, lighter wiring harness
A radically simplified wiring harness is a fundamental component of the digital nervous system. Based on a zonal wiring harness architecture, it reduces wiring by 600 metres and saves 30% in weight compared to previous models.
The vehicle's wiring is divided into four key zones: front end, centre, rear and roof. Each Superbrain connects to smaller control units, known as zonal controllers, through high-speed data links. These controllers efficiently manage data flow within their respective zones, leading to shorter, thinner and lighter wiring.
Intelligent power management with smart efuses
The introduction of digital fuses, known as "Smart eFuses, " is crucial in reducing wiring complexity. Replacing up to 150 traditional fuses, the digital alternatives enable intelligent energy distribution.
By selectively activating components based on vehicle states—such as driving, parking, charging, or upgrading—unnecessary power consumption can be minimised. They contribute to a 20% improvement in overall energy efficiency, enhancing both performance and sustainability.
Laying the foundation for the next-generation
The newly developed electronic architecture will be the backbone for BMW's next generation of Software-Defined Vehicles (SDVs). From the launch of the Neue Klasse, future BMW models will benefit from the advanced technology.
The first fully electric derivative of the Neue Klasse aims to enter series production later this year at the Debrecen plant in Hungary.
BMW Group's advanced software architecture by design supports continuous development. Unlike previous models, where software was redeveloped with each vehicle generation, the Neue Klasse enables ongoing improvements through stable software platforms. In the vehicle, software functions operate on the Superbrains.
At the same time, the "Shared Service Layer" acts as middleware, ensuring state-of-the-art cybersecurity, seamless over-the-air updates and AI-driven features.
Christoph Grote, Senior Vice President of BMW Group Electronics and Software, highlighted the importance of software continuity:
"With the introduction of the Neue Klasse, we are entering a mode of software development where we achieve software continuity. This means we continuously develop software rather than starting from scratch each time."
"Based on our advanced software architecture and the fact that today our global development teams generate 130 times more software than ten years ago, we see ourselves in an excellent competitive position. More than ever, our software developers can focus on product innovations."
CodeCraft: Enhancing software development at scale
BMW Group has invested significantly in future-proofing vehicle software development. Its global developer network has adopted innovative methods and tools central to the integrated developer environment known as "CodeCraft."
The tailored toolchain leverages generative AI to accelerate software development, running in the cloud across up to 75,000 virtual CPUs.
With more than 10,000 software developers collaborating on the platform, CodeCraft facilitates up to 200,000 software builds per day at peak times—representing a 130-fold increase in productivity compared to a decade ago.
The development teams are currently working on more than 1,000 software modules, more than 20GB of software and upwards of 500 million lines of code, all of which will integrate into the Superbrains and the broader electronic architecture of the Neue Klasse.
BMW's revolutionary digital nervous system marks a pivotal shift in vehicle technology. With its cutting-edge Superbrains, streamlined wiring architecture and intelligent power distribution, the Neue Klasse represents a leap towards a smarter, more efficient, future-ready automotive landscape.
As BMW continues to push the boundaries of innovation, its commitment to seamless software development and AI-driven functionality positions it at the forefront of the next generation of mobility.
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