Samsung Electronics is quietly becoming a serious force inside modern cars. The latest proof: the company is now supplying automotive semiconductors for BMW AG’s next-generation electric SUV, the BMW iX3.
For Samsung, this isn’t just another supply deal. It’s part of a much bigger push to move beyond memory chips and establish itself as a trusted partner in logic chips, automotive computing, and foundry services areas where competition is intense and mistakes are expensive.
The iX3 and BMW’s Big Reset
The new iX3 is a mid-size electric SUV, but its importance goes far beyond its size. It’s the first mass-produced BMW built on the company’s all-new electric platform called Neue Klasse.
BMW recently unveiled the vehicle in Germany, and sales in South Korea are expected to begin in the second half of next year. Neue Klasse is BMW’s clean-sheet rethink of how EVs should be built—new software, faster computing systems, and tighter integration between hardware and driving features.
In simple terms, this is BMW laying the foundation for its next decade of electric cars.
The Chip Running the Show Inside
Powering the iX3’s infotainment system is Samsung’s Exynos Auto V720, a processor designed specifically for cars. This chip controls the digital instrument cluster, infotainment screens, navigation, audio, video playback, and even gaming features displayed inside the vehicle.
As cars become more software-driven, these systems matter more than ever. Drivers now expect sharp visuals, instant responses, and zero lag—while the car is dealing with heat, vibration, and long hours of operation. That’s where automotive-grade chips separate themselves from consumer electronics.
Samsung’s Exynos Auto platform is built to handle exactly that.
From One Model to a Broader BMW Lineup
Samsung already supplies automotive chips to brands like Audi and Volkswagen, but BMW represents a meaningful expansion especially given the strict standards German automakers are known for.
The partnership is expected to grow beyond the iX3. Future BMW models, including high-end vehicles like the 7 Series, may use Samsung’s more advanced Exynos Auto V920. That chip packs 10 high-performance computing units and is designed to deliver faster processing while keeping power consumption in check.
Why the Industry Is Paying Attention
BMW says the iX3 runs on four high-performance computers that are up to 20 times faster than its previous systems. Early industry feedback has highlighted smooth infotainment performance, strong audio-video processing, and stable computing—key factors for both driver assistance and autonomous driving features.
Behind the scenes, Samsung Chairman Jay Y. Lee has been actively strengthening ties across the global EV ecosystem, meeting leaders from companies like BYD, Xiaomi, and Mercedes-Benz. Samsung is also aligning its broader auto strategy, combining chips, batteries, displays, and Harman’s automotive safety and audio technologies.
As one industry insider summed it up, breaking into German automakers isn’t easy. Samsung didn’t just get in, it earned its place.
