Qualcomm Snapdragon Ride Pilot to debut on BMW iX3 at IAA Mobility 2025
Qualcomm announced that its Snapdragon Ride Pilot driver-assistance system will make its formal debut on the BMW iX3 electric SUV at IAA Mobility 2025. The system is a Level 2+ ADAS — providing hands-free highway driving, automatic lane changes and parking assistance — but it is not fully autonomous. Drivers must supervise the vehicle and remain attentive while features are active.
How it works
The Snapdragon Ride software stack combines multiple layers: a 360-degree, camera-based perception layer for object detection, traffic-sign interpretation and parking assistance; and a context-aware driving layer that uses rules-based and AI models to plan and predict behavior in complex scenarios. The stack runs on Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Ride system-on-chips and emphasizes a safety-first approach, including cybersecurity and adherence to global automotive safety standards such as ISO Functional Safety and Automotive Safety Integrity Levels.
Availability & partnerships
Qualcomm says Snapdragon Ride Pilot is being offered to automakers worldwide and is already validated in 60 countries, with a target of availability in more than 100 countries by 2026. The company has been expanding its automotive footprint — including past collaborations on in-car AI voice systems and infotainment — and is competing with other chipmakers and ADAS providers like NVIDIA and Mobileye.
What this means for drivers
- Level 2+ offers advanced driver assistance but is not self-driving.
- Drivers remain responsible for monitoring the vehicle.
- Safety certification and cybersecurity are central to the design.
Would you feel comfortable using hands-free highway driving in your next EV? Share your thoughts in the comments.
Note: For official technical details, check Qualcomm’s or BMW’s press pages for their announcements.