“We are proud to be shaping the future of mobility together with the BMW Group,” says Jochen Hanebeck, CEO of Infineon. “The BMW Group’s New Class is an important step in the market launch of software-defined vehicles and takes individual mobility to a new level in terms of decarbonization and digitalization. We support the vision of a new software-defined platform with comprehensive expertise and state-of-the-art technology.”
Future-oriented vehicle architecture enables long-term adaptations
The New Class is characterized by an innovative E/E architecture that allows the functional scope of the vehicles to be scaled and updated. It leverages Infineon’s extensive portfolio for software-defined vehicles (SDVs), including AURIX™ and TRAVEO™ microcontrollers, Ethernet connectivity solutions from the BRIGHTLANE™ family, OPTIREG™ power management ICs, PROFET™ smart power switches and eFuses. The architecture enables greater decoupling of software and hardware and therefore over-the-air functions and software updates (SOTA) without interfering with the hardware. This allows BMW to react quickly and flexibly to new customer requirements and regulatory specifications.
New standards for the driving experience – the “Heart of Joy”
At the heart of this architecture are four powerful central computing units, the so-called “superbrains”. One of these is called the “Heart of Joy” and controls driving dynamics functions such as acceleration, braking and steering in a single high-performance computer. It processes data faster than previous systems and minimizes latency times. The driver benefits from smoother handling and an even more dynamic and responsive driving experience. In addition, improved recuperation significantly increases the vehicle’s range.
In order to bring this precise vehicle performance safely to the road, the BMW Group relies entirely on microcontrollers from Infineon for the system’s computing power. The centerpiece is a latest-generation AURIX microcontroller (TC4D). In addition, the “Heart of Joy” is seamlessly connected to the other systems via fast Ethernet based on BRIGHTLANE products from Infineon. This supports the real-time capability required for optimum performance.
The other three “superbrains” control the vehicle’s automated driving, infotainment and basic functions. All four superbrains are supported by three separate zone control units, which are also based entirely on microcontrollers from Infineon. They optimize data flow and power distribution, while endpoint ECUs control critical applications such as traction inverters, battery management and on-board chargers.
Increased efficiency through reduced wiring harness and intelligent power distribution
The zonal design of the vehicle platform also increases efficiency and reduces the use of materials: the BMW iX3’s wiring harness is less complex and around 600 meters shorter overall than in previous vehicle generations – and therefore around 30 percent lighter. In addition, intelligent eFuses such as the PROFET Wire Guard family from Infineon replace up to 150 conventional fuses per vehicle. This enables the BMW Group to realize intelligent and efficient power distribution across the entire E/E architecture. The eFuses support software-controlled energy management, which dynamically adjusts the power supply to suit the vehicle. Depending on the vehicle status, for example during charging, driving, parking or software updates, consumers that are not required are switched off. This improves energy efficiency by around 20 percent.
Infineon – a strong partner for SDV development
Infineon enables clean, safe and intelligent vehicles with its semiconductors. The company focuses on enabling centralized E/E architectures, the basis for SDVs. Since 2020, Infineon has been the world’s leading supplier of automotive semiconductors. To further strengthen this position, Infineon acquired the automotive Ethernet business from Marvell Technology in August 2025. Ethernet technology is a key enabler for the high-speed, low-latency communication required for SDV functions such as autonomous driving and over-the-air updates.
About Infineon
Infineon Technologies AG is a leading global provider of semiconductor solutions for power systems and the Internet of Things (IoT). With its products and solutions, Infineon is driving decarbonization and digitalization. The company has around 57,000 employees worldwide (end of September 2025) and generated sales of around 14.7 billion euros in the 2025 financial year (end of September).
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Further links
👉 www.infineon.com
Photo: BMW Group
