Samsung Exynos Auto V720 will power BMW's next-gen iX3

Samsung is deepening its push into the automotive world: BMW’s upcoming electric models will use the Exynos Auto V720 chip. According to South Korean outlet Chosun Biz, this processor has been selected for the future BMW iX3, which will debut as the brand’s first model on a next-generation platform. The decision underscores how central in-car computing has become to new EV launches.

Exynos smartphone chips have at times been criticized for heat and uneven performance, but the automotive line follows a separate path. For several years Samsung has been developing purpose-built solutions for vehicles, prioritizing stability, rich infotainment, and processing data from sensors. That focus aligns well with the demands of modern cockpits.

Reports indicate the Exynos Auto V720 is built on a 5 nm process, although the company has not officially introduced the chip. Its predecessor, the Exynos Auto V920, also uses 5 nm manufacturing and combines a 10-core CPU with Xclipse graphics based on AMD’s RDNA2 architecture. That processor is planned for future BMW 7 Series models.

Exynos Auto processors power a vehicle’s infotainment and information systems, supporting navigation, media playback, and features tied to cameras and sensors. The chips are designed by Samsung System LSI and manufactured by Samsung Foundry.

Samsung already collaborates with major automakers: Exynos Auto chips have been used in Audi vehicles since 2019, and in models from Volkswagen and Hyundai since 2023. With BMW now in the mix, Samsung’s growing foothold in automotive electronics is hard to overlook.