Gasgoo Munich-BMW plans to suspend production of all domestic pure-electric models. These include the i3, i5, and iX1, starting in July. In response, the company stated the adjustment is routine. It is driven by product cycles and capacity planning, not a withdrawal from China's EV market.
A source revealed the core objective is to concentrate capacity and resources. This paves the way for the domestic launch of BMW's "Neue Klasse" models.
The outgoing models are built on the CLAR platform. This is a shared architecture with internal combustion engines, often derided as "converted ICE" designs. Data from the China Passenger Car Association shows combined sales of these models hit 5,680 units in Q1 2026. This underscores BMW's weak 6.6% electrification rate. It lags behind the broader market's 54.1% penetration rate.
The Neue Klasse lineup will take over, built on a dedicated pure-electric architecture. The first model for local production is the long-wheelbase BMW iX3. It is set to roll off the assembly line at the Brilliance BMW Shenyang plant in Q4 2026. It features a full 800-volt system and sixth-generation eDrive technology. It is paired with a 108kWh cylindrical battery. The CLTC range exceeds 900 kilometers. Ten minutes of charging adds roughly 400 kilometers of range. The vehicle employs a navigation assistance system co-developed with Momenta. Measuring 4,885 millimeters, it boasts a 17.9-inch touchscreen and a 3D head-up display. It runs on the proprietary BMW Operating System X.
Additionally, a long-wheelbase version of the Neue Klasse BMW i3 was added to the roadmap. BMW plans to roll out at least six models on this platform. This will happen within 24 months of the launch. It will span from compact Sports Activity Vehicles to mid-to-large sedans.
BMW has seen sales in China slide since 2023. In Q1 2026, the company sold 144,000 units. This represents a 10% year-on-year decline. BMW emphasized the production halt will not impact after-sales service. It assured that benefits for owners remain unchanged.
