Gasgoo Munich- The ninth China International Import Expo kicked off in Shanghai on November 5. For the ninth consecutive year, the BMW Group is in attendance, unveiling the Neue Klasse BMW iX3 and BMW i3 together for the first time. The debut highlights the automaker's shift toward electrification and intelligence, along with its localized R&D achievements in China.
Image source: BMW
According to BMW's product roadmap, the China-specific Neue Klasse BMW iX3 will begin deliveries this November, while the Neue Klasse BMW i3 is slated for the first quarter of 2027. By 2027, the automaker plans to launch nearly 20 new BMW models equipped with its Neue Klasse technology cluster in the Chinese market.
Image source: BMW
On the technology front, the Neue Klasse models are equipped with BMW's sixth-generation power batteries and a "super brain" driving control system. Notably, the sixth-generation batteries utilize large cylindrical cells, boosting energy density by over 20% compared to the previous generation. Charging speed and range have improved by up to 30%, with production of these batteries already underway.
China's local supply chain is playing a deep role in the development of BMW's Neue Klasse models. Previously, BMW announced a partnership with Momenta to develop intelligent driving assistance systems tailored for Chinese road conditions, while also enlisting local tech partners like Alibaba to refine the smart cockpit experience.
Additionally, the BMW Group China Technology Center showcased innovations across artificial intelligence, robotics, next-generation batteries, and intelligent sensing at this year's expo.
As Neue Klasse models enter the delivery phase, BMW's electrification transition in China is set to face a fresh round of validation.
