QNX Technology Powers BMW Group's New Generation Software-Defined Vehicles

At the CES 2026 held in Las Vegas, BlackBerry Limited, through its subsidiary QNX, announced a significant leap forward in automotive technology. With its foundations set on a multi-year contract established with BMW Group in 2021, QNX technology has been integrated into BMW's new generation of vehicles, known as the "Neue Klasse." This collaboration showcases the continual evolution of driver assistance systems and critical safety features that underpin the platform.

As part of this groundbreaking initiative, BMW is revolutionizing its vehicle architecture, with QNX's foundational software serving as a core safety layer. The Neue Klasse features a unique digital nervous system made up of four high-performance computing units, colloquially referred to as the "Super Brain." These units manage essential functions like autonomous driving, infotainment, driving dynamics, and vehicle operations, leveraging QNX's real-time operating system that powers many of the world’s leading electric vehicle manufacturers, demonstrating unmatched performance, secure domain isolation, and fail-operational capabilities.

John Wall, President of QNX, expressed enthusiasm over the collaboration, stating, "The Neue Klasse represents a significant step in SDV innovation, and we are proud to be central to the realization of its safety-critical systems. Our real-time OS is designed to meet the highest standards of safety, reliability, and performance." The shift to a software-defined architecture permits ongoing innovation and enhances security, providing a robust framework for BMW's future in intelligent mobility.

Chris Salzmann, Vice President in charge of the Real-Time Safe-POSIX software platform at BMW, characterized the Neue Klasse as more than just a new vehicle—describing it as a complete redefinition of the company's product and technology strategy. With 20 times the processing power of its predecessor, the platform allows for faster integration of AI, over-the-air updates, and advanced safety systems. Salzmann remarked, "To be successful in the market, reliable partners like QNX are crucial. With QNX's proven expertise in safety-critical software, BMW can maintain the highest levels of security and performance while expanding innovation across our global product portfolio."

As software-defined vehicles become increasingly complex, QNX remains committed to supporting automakers in adapting to change and accelerating innovation to deliver safer and smarter automobiles. The company is recognized as a future-proof foundation by leading OEMs and Tier 1 suppliers globally, including majors like Toyota, Honda, and Mercedes-Benz. QNX's foundational software spans a wide array of applications—from digital cockpits and advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) to infotainment systems and domain controllers—enabling quicker and more cost-effective market innovations.

For more information, visit QNX.com and follow @QNX News.

About BlackBerry

BlackBerry provides intelligent software and services for enterprises and government agencies worldwide. With high-performance foundational software, major automotive manufacturers and industrial leaders can innovate without compromising safety, security, or reliability. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, BlackBerry offers operational resilience through its comprehensive security portfolio, ensuring critical communication and management in mission-critical environments. Learn more at BlackBerry.com and follow @QNX News.

About QNX

As a division of BlackBerry Limited, QNX enriches people's experiences and expands the potential of technology-driven industries by providing a reliable foundation for software-defined enterprises. It leads the industry in offering safe and secure operating systems, hypervisors, middleware, solutions, and development tools, backed by trusted embedded software expertise. Employed in over 275 million vehicles globally, QNX technology stands at the heart of critical embedded systems across various sectors, including automotive, healthcare, industrial control, robotics, commercial vehicles, rail, and aerospace. Established in 1980, QNX is located in Ottawa, Canada. For more details, check qnx.com.