In a landmark deal, Samsung Electronics has begun supplying its advanced Exynos Auto V720 chips to BMW for the all-new iX3 electric SUV, set to launch in September 2025 and hit Korean markets in late 2026. This partnership underscores the growing role of semiconductor giants in software-defined vehicles (SDV), while broader EV trends reveal surging U.S. sales, Lucid's 55% delivery growth, and shifting European preferences away from hatches toward SUVs. These developments highlight how chip tech and market dynamics are reshaping the global electric vehicle landscape.
Samsung's Breakthrough with BMW iX3
Samsung's entry into BMW's supply chain marks a pivotal moment for automotive semiconductors. The Exynos Auto V720 chip powers the infotainment (IVI) system in the BMW iX3, a mid-size pure EV SUV built on the cutting-edge Neue Klasse platform.
- Key Specs: Enables high-resolution navigation, premium multimedia playback, and SDV capabilities.
- Future Expansion: Samsung plans to supply Exynos Auto V920 for BMW's next-gen 7 Series and other EVs/ICE models.
- Historical Wins: Follows supplies to Audi (2019) and Volkswagen (2021), solidifying Samsung's foothold against rivals like Qualcomm and NVIDIA.
This collaboration leverages Samsung's consumer electronics expertise, positioning it as a core player in the intelligent EV supply chain amid rising demand for onboard computing power.
EV Delivery Milestones and Regional Contrasts
Global EV sales show mixed signals. In the U.S., total auto sales hit 16.2 million units in 2025, up 2.4% despite disruptions, with Lucid stealing the spotlight:
| Company | 2025 Full-Year Deliveries | YoY Growth | Q4 Deliveries |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lucid | 15,841 vehicles | +55% | 5,345 (record) |
| Tesla (UK) | N/A (full-year down 8.9%) | -8.9% | 6,323 (-29%) |
Lucid's surge, with Q4 production doubling to 8,412 units, signals premium EV resilience. Conversely, Tesla faces headwinds in Europe, exemplified by a 29% December drop in the UK—its largest market—amid fierce competition from Chinese brands like BYD and XPeng.
Other highlights include Sony Honda Mobility (SHM) starting trial production of its AFEELA 1 EV in Ohio, paving the way for U.S. market entry.
Autonomous Driving and Manufacturing Innovations
Autonomy and robotics are accelerating:
- Mercedes-Benz: Launching Level 3 urban ADAS in the U.S. this year under driver supervision.
- Lucid-Nuro-Uber: Unveiled a production robotaxi at CES, entering the U.S. autonomous ride-hailing race.
- Hyundai: Plans 2028 deployment of Boston Dynamics' Atlas humanoid robots in its Georgia factory for high-risk tasks.
These moves reflect the EV industry's pivot to software-defined architectures, where chips like Samsung's Exynos enable advanced features.
European Market: SUVs Eclipse Hatbacks
Despite EV focus, traditional segments evolve. Dacia Sandero, priced under €13,000 (~$14,000), is poised to top Europe's 2025 sales for the second year (projected 225,000+ units, up from 168,443 in 2020). Yet SUVs dominate:
| Segment | 2020 Share | 2025 Share | Sales Change (2020-2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| SUVs | 41% | 59% | Massive surge |
| Hatbacks | 35% | 23.9% | 4.2M → 2.9M (-31%) |
| Sedans | 4.7% | 3.5% | 565K → ~426K |
| Estates | 10.2% | 7.1% | Declining |
Top SUVs: VW T-Roc (192K), Tiguan (181K), Toyota Yaris Cross (175K). Tesla Model 3 leads sedans at 76K units. This shift favors compact crossovers blending utility and urban agility, pressuring pure EVs to adapt.
Why This Matters: Global Implications for Chinese EVs
Samsung's BMW deal intensifies competition for Chinese chipmakers like Horizon Robotics and Black Sesame, who power BYD, NIO, XPeng, and Zeekr vehicles. As Neue Klasse EVs scale, Samsung could erode China's dominance in cost-effective semiconductors. U.S. growth and European SUV trends boost opportunities for Chinese exporters—BYD's affordable crossovers could challenge Dacia—while autonomy pushes like Lucid-Uber highlight integration needs where Chinese firms excel in L2+ ADAS.
Overall, 2025 data shows EV resilience amid hybrids and ICE persistence, with semiconductors as the new battleground.
Looking Ahead
Expect deeper Samsung-BMW ties, Lucid's Gravity SUV ramp-up, and Chinese EVs penetrating Europe/U.S. via pricing and tech. Watch CES 2026 for Neue Klasse reveals and robotaxi scaling—these will define if Chinese brands maintain their 60%+ global BEV share or face Western semiconductor resurgence.
