← The Automotive Atlas
AUTOMOTIVE / 45 OF 60 / The intelligent vehicle

The car can change after delivery

Over-the-air updates can improve supported functions without physically replacing the vehicle, but they still have hardware and approval limits.

Chinese example

XPENG publishes global XOS update releases covering supported vehicle functions. Updates can alter an interface or feature behaviour, so release notes matter.

European parallel

BMW’s Remote Software Upgrade can download software through the vehicle connection or the My BMW app. Eligibility and available content depend on the car and its market.

What software cannot promise

An update cannot manufacture a missing sensor or guarantee an announced feature. Installation conditions, compatibility and safe recovery remain essential parts of the update process.

THE IDEA TO KEEPAn updateable vehicle should be judged by delivered capabilities and documented support, not future promises alone.
FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

Sources & further reading

Sources reviewed 14 November 2026. Specifications and availability depend on the product, market and date. Source organisations do not endorse this website.

YOUR COLLECTION

Keep your curiosity.

Saved on this browser. Pick up where your curiosity left off.