What comes after the software-defined vehicle?

image via TechRadar

August 19, 2026, 7:43 AM

• •The author says vehicle differentiation is shifting from engine specifications to driving assistance, electric range, digital experience and connected services.
• •The piece describes an 'AI-defined vehicle' as one whose behavior is increasingly shaped by continuously improving machine-learned models rather than fixed hand-coded rules.
• •It argues that mapping and road intelligence should complement sensors so vehicles can anticipate lane splits, speed-limit changes, closures and hazards.
• •Examples of AI-defined functions mentioned include navigation, infotainment, battery and energy management, HVAC systems and agentic voice assistants.
• •The article says AI can help build and maintain detailed road models by detecting lane details, road markings and signs from aerial imagery, satellite data, vehicle signals and probe GPS patterns.
• •The article is presented as a TechRadar Pro Perspectives opinion piece by a TomTom executive.

The article argues that the automotive industry is moving beyond software-defined vehicles toward AI-defined vehicles shaped by machine-learned models and continuous data updates. It says the next competitive edge will come from combining onboard software with mapping, routing and road context so cars can act more smoothly and confidently. The piece highlights advanced driver-assistance and automated driving as areas where sensor data alone is insufficient without broader road intelligence. It also contends that AI can lower the cost and improve the freshness of rich road models built from imagery, vehicle signals and GPS probe data.

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