At CES 2026, Garmin announced a major expansion of its long-standing collaboration with Qualcomm Technologies, unveiling the Nexus automotive-grade High Performance Compute (HPC) platform. Powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon® Elite Platform for automotive, the new Nexus platform is designed to redefine how automakers approach multi-domain vehicle computing, ADAS integration, and software-defined vehicle architectures.
Targeting vehicle programs launching from 2029 onward, this next-generation platform represents a significant leap in performance, scalability, and system efficiency for modern and future vehicles.
A Unified Multi-Domain Computing Platform for Modern Vehicles
The Garmin Nexus HPC platform is purpose-built to consolidate multiple vehicle domains into a single computing system. These domains include:
- In-vehicle infotainment (IVI)
- Digital instrument clusters
- Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)
By bringing these traditionally separate systems together, Nexus enables automakers to reduce complexity, improve efficiency, and unlock new levels of performance across the vehicle’s digital architecture.
Designed as a customizable and ASIL-compliant solution, Nexus integrates advanced localization, perception, vehicle control, and map functionality. The platform is scalable, supporting both single SoC configurations and dual SoC system designs for higher autonomy requirements—making it adaptable across vehicle segments and autonomy levels.
Snapdragon Elite Delivers Up to 6X More Compute Performance
At the core of Nexus is Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Elite Platform for automotive, a purpose-built chipset engineered for demanding automotive workloads. Compared to Garmin’s previous Unified Cabin domain controller, the new platform delivers up to six times greater compute performance.
To ensure sustained high-performance operation, Garmin has also introduced a custom-engineered liquid-cooling solution, allowing the system to maintain reliability under continuous high-load conditions—an essential requirement for advanced ADAS and next-generation cockpit experiences.
This combination of high compute density and thermal efficiency positions Nexus as a key enabler for AI-driven vehicle intelligence, real-time driver awareness, and future-ready digital cockpits.
A Collaboration Built on Years of Automotive Innovation
Garmin and Qualcomm Technologies first partnered in 2019, bringing automotive domain controllers to market. In 2022, the collaboration delivered the first iteration of the Garmin Unified Cabin™, powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon Cockpit Platform. Since then, updated models have been delivered annually, each expanding functionality and performance.
Over the years, Garmin has leveraged Qualcomm’s automotive platforms to build multi-zone, multi-user vehicle architectures, integrating multiple displays, peripherals, and software components into a seamless infotainment and digital cluster experience. The Nexus HPC platform builds directly on this foundation, marking the next evolution of their joint innovation roadmap.
Advancing the Software-Defined Vehicle Vision
According to Garmin Automotive OEM leadership, the expanded collaboration enables automakers to access unparalleled capability, scalability, and system integration. Qualcomm Technologies highlights that the new solutions deliver generative AI-driven personalization, advanced driver awareness, and intelligent vehicle systems—setting a new benchmark for software-defined vehicle design with safety at its core.
Showcasing Nexus at CES 2026
The Garmin Nexus HPC platform, powered by Snapdragon Elite for automotive, will be showcased by invitation only at the Garmin booth during CES 2026, taking place January 6–8 in Las Vegas at the LVCC West Hall, Booth 3451.
Powering Automakers Worldwide
Garmin Automotive OEM brings decades of expertise across automotive, avionics, and marine technology, supported by geographically diverse and highly automated manufacturing facilities. The company delivers infotainment systems, domain controllers, intelligent video recorders, and ADAS solutions to leading global automakers including BMW Group, Ford, Honda, Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, Nissan, Geely, Kawasaki, and Yamaha Motor.
