The Start of a New Era: The BMW Group at Auto China 2026.

Beijing. The BMW Group’s exhibition stand at Auto
China 2026 is dedicated entirely to the Neue Klasse. In Beijing, the
new BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase, the new BMW i3 Long Wheelbase, and the new
BMW 7 Series featuring Neue Klasse technologies are celebrating their
world premieres. “With the introduction of the new BMW iX3 for China,
the BMW i3 for China, and the new BMW 7 Series, we are marking an
important milestone in the biggest future project in BMW’s history:
the Neue Klasse. We are making a major leap – in technology, driving
experience, and design,” said Oliver Zipse, Chairman of the Board of
Management of BMW AG. “With the new BMW 7 Series, we are demonstrating
how we are scaling the new technology clusters and the new design
language across our entire portfolio. This is a powerful example of
how every future model will benefit from the innovations of the Neue Klasse.”

The BMW Group’s presence at Auto China 2026 highlights its
technological focus. The company is showcasing numerous
forward-looking innovations in Beijing, including a digital experience
featuring BMW Panoramic iDrive that is tailored entirely to the needs
of customers in China, as well as driver assistance systems developed
specifically for the demands of Chinese traffic conditions. The MINI
brand is also present at Auto China 2026, attracting attention with
two emotional concept cars.

The BMW iX3 and BMW i3: world premieres for the first two Neue
Klasse models developed specifically for China.

The first Neue Klasse models developed in China for China are
celebrating their world premieres at Auto China 2026: the new BMW iX3
and the new BMW i3. Both models embody the leap into a new era and
reflect BMW’s ambition to lead innovation in China, the company’s
largest single market, particularly in electrification,
digitalisation, and software-defined vehicles.

With their distinctive Neue Klasse design language, the BMW iX3 and
the new BMW i3 herald a new era in BMW design. Both models combine
typical BMW proportions with a pared-back, more technical design
language. Key features include a reinterpretation of the iconic BMW
kidney grille, integrated light signatures, and forward-oriented lines.

Both the new BMW iX3 and the new BMW i3 are based on the sixth
generation of BMW eDrive technology (Gen6). A key feature of Gen6 BMW
eDrive technology is the cylindrical cell technology of the
high-voltage battery. This enables a range of more than 900 kilometres
on a single charge in the new BMW iX3, according to the CLTC cycle. In
the new BMW i3, the maximum range, according to the CLTC cycle,
exceeds 1,000 kilometres. Thanks to the Neue Klasse’s 800-volt
architecture, both models can be charged at a fast-charging station
with a peak charging power of 400 kW. According to the CLTC standard,
this allows enough energy for up to 400 kilometres of driving to be
added in ten minutes.

World premiere of the new BMW 7 Series – the first luxury
sedan featuring Neue Klasse technologies.

The BMW Group is making a powerful statement with the new BMW 7
Series: as the most exclusive interpretation of sheer driving
pleasure, it underlines its leadership in the luxury segment.

The new BMW 7 Series represents the most extensive model revision in
the history of the BMW Group. In its seventh generation the BMW 7
Series once again makes a significant leap forward. As the brand’s
flagship and image leader, the new BMW 7 Series assumes a pioneering
role in introducing Neue Klasse technologies into existing models.
This step also marks the beginning of a cross-segment and
cross-powertrain technology roll-out that will benefit all future BMW models.

Design premiere of BMW’s luxury class.

The new BMW 7 Series embodies the specific interpretation of the new
BMW design language for the luxury segment. A monolithic exterior, the
new BMW Iconic Glow kidney grille, and minimalist crystal headlights
create a striking presence and strong visual identity. The side
profile impresses with reduced surfaces, a distinctive character line,
and refined details, while the rear is defined by newly designed
lights and clear, precise forms.

Exclusive in-car experience: a sense of well-being with
luxurious materials, modern design, and innovative technologies.

The interior of the new BMW 7 Series stands out through its
combination of luxurious materials, modern design, and advanced
technologies. The clear design language featuring high-quality
surfaces, such as leather, textiles, wood, crystal glass, and metal,
together with an immersive lighting concept with an ambient light
strip and new lighting elements, creates an exclusive yet welcoming atmosphere.

BMW Panoramic iDrive and the BMW Passenger Screen open up new
dimensions in entertainment and information.

The new BMW 7 Series combines the strengths of a luxury sedan with
innovative Neue Klasse technologies to deliver a comprehensive digital
user experience that places both the driver and the passengers centre
stage. Highlights include the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with optimal
driver orientation and the first-ever BMW Passenger Screen, the
enhanced BMW Theatre Screen for a cinematic experience or mobile
working in the rear, as well as the Bowers & Wilkins sound system
with Dolby Atmos support for an outstanding audio experience.

The multimodal operating logic of the BMW Panoramic iDrive combines
touch-based, haptic, and voice interaction. The BMW Intelligent
Personal Assistant, featuring Amazon Alexa+ AI technology, plays a
central role in this.
^[1]In China, the
BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant is enhanced with DeepSeek AI technology.

New driver assistance systems in the BMW 7 Series.

The comprehensively upgraded Level 2 driver assistance systems in the
new BMW 7 Series enable hands-free driving on motorways at speeds of
up to 130 km/h in many European countries, the United States, and
Canada, including automated lane changes following eye confirmation
and “Entry-to-Exit” assistance. The City Assistant offers
navigation-guided “Address-to-Address” driver assistance through BMW
Symbiotic Drive.
^[2] BMW
Symbiotic Drive ensures seamless interaction between assistance
systems and human driving behaviour. The driver’s intention to
accelerate, brake, or steer merges intuitively with AI-supported
software. The BMW 7 Series relies on driver assistance technologies
that were specifically adapted for the Chinese market.

New “Address-to-Address” driver assistance system specifically
for the Chinese market.

Beginning with the BMW iX3, BMW is introducing a new driver
assistance system developed specifically for Chinese traffic
conditions. By the end of 2027, it will be available in 12 BMW models
in China, including the new BMW 7 Series and BMW i3. For more than 20
years, BMW has been a pioneer in the development of driver assistance
systems, always placing safety and reliability under complex,
real-world conditions at the forefront. For the new generation of
intelligent BMW driver assistance in China, BMW combines decades of
experience in functional integration and operational safety with the
strengths of locally trained end-to-end AI, developed in partnership
with the Chinese company Momenta. The result is a unique system for
navigation-guided “Address-to-Address” driver assistance. The central
computer for automated driving works in harmony with the “Heart of
Joy”. In the new iX3 and i3, BMW Soft-Stop technology delivers the
smoothest assisted driving experience to date.

Another highlight of these new driver assistance technologies is the
unique cooperative braking system. When driver assistance is
activated, it allows the driver to influence the system with light
braking input without deactivating assistance. This function
underlines BMW’s symbiotic philosophy for Level 2 driver assistance
systems, including in China. As a result, the driver remains involved
in a collaborative interaction between human and artificial
intelligence. The entire user experience with BMW Panoramic iDrive is
designed to ensure that the driver is always informed about the
system’s status and remains intuitively attentive.

A digital leap forward: BMW Panoramic iDrive and the digital
user experience for China.

With the start of the Neue Klasse, the display and control concept
becomes a key driver of the in-vehicle digital user experience. At its
heart is BMW Panoramic iDrive, which will be shown for the first time
in China in models with Neue Klasse technologies presented at Auto
China 2026. These cutting-edge technologies were adapted to meet local
market needs.

It is based on BMW Operating System X. The system is designed to be
scalable within the brand: core functions, architecture, and design
principles are globally uniform, while content, services, and
technologies can be adapted to specific markets and regions.

This scalability allows BMW to tailor digital functions to different
usage habits and regulatory frameworks. One example is voice
interaction: while BMW relies on Amazon technologies in Europe and the
United States, in China, it uses a proprietary solution developed in
collaboration with local technology partners such as DeepSeek. This
way, BMW integrates different technological approaches within the same
system architecture without compromising quality, safety, or user experience.

BMW has comprehensively enhanced the digital system for the Chinese
market. This goes beyond localisation, representing a version designed
for China. Around 70 per cent of the Chinese version of the BMW
Operating System X is developed in local development centres. On-site
teams contribute their expertise in Chinese user behaviour, for
example, in voice interaction, navigation, personalisation, and the
integration of digital ecosystems.

A key factor in this success is close collaboration with leading
Chinese technology companies. Together with partners like Alibaba,
DeepSeek, Amap, and Huawei, BMW develops digital functions and
services that integrate deeply into the Chinese ecosystem. These
collaborations support the integration of modern AI technologies,
local services, and content into the in-car experience.

Navigation is also deeply integrated into the overall digital
experience. In collaboration with Amap, BMW offers high-resolution,
lane-accurate navigation in China that precisely visualises complex
traffic situations and urban junctions. The content appears
consistently across all relevant display levels for safe and intuitive navigation.

Furthermore, BMW Panoramic iDrive opens up new possibilities for
personalisation. Configurable content, customisable widgets, and
AI-powered functions allow the digital vehicle experience to adapt to
different usage scenarios, from daily commuting and family journeys to
business trips.

That is why China plays a key role in the BMW Group’s global digital
strategy. The combination of scalable system architecture, local
development expertise, and close partnerships with Chinese technology
companies allows BMW to implement market-specific digital innovations
while making them available worldwide.

The BMW iX3 Flow Edition demonstrates the production-ready
status of BMW E Ink technology.

The world premiere of the new BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase at Auto China
2026 is accompanied by the BMW iX3 Flow Edition concept car. It offers
a striking example of the transition from a static to a dynamic
vehicle surface. Its E Ink technology, seamlessly integrated into the
bonnet, allows the driver to choose among eight carefully selected
animations at the touch of a button. The iconic Chinese buildings
resemble modernity and progress. Ranging from subtle to expressive,
the design makes innovation visible and conveys the driver’s style and
mood in a personalised and context-sensitive way. By integrating this
technology into the bonnet of the BMW iX3 Flow Edition, the BMW Group
takes E Ink to a new level. Integrated into a large-scale bodywork
element for the first time, the concept car demonstrates the
technology’s readiness for series production.

Special editions and one-offs highlight the diversity of the
MINI brand.

With its diverse vehicle portfolio, MINI underscores its commitment
to individual design and a broad range of character at Auto China
2026. This includes several special editions highlighting the brand’s
design and heritage, including the MINI Paul Smith Special Edition, as
well as various models from the high-performance John Cooper Works sub-brand.

A highlight of the display is the one-off MINI x Vagabund. Based on
the MINI Countryman, two unique vehicles were created in collaboration
with the Austrian design studio Vagabund. With a bespoke sound system,
striking graphic accents, and an expressive colour scheme, the MINI
concept cars become a mobile soundstage, embodying a spirit of
adventure, community culture, and festival lifestyle. One of the two
MINI x Vagabund vehicles will be presented in Beijing.

MINI will also showcase the MINI JCW “The Skeg” at Auto China 2026.
The model is the result of a collaboration with Deux ex Machina and
combines influences from surf and motorsport culture to highlight the
sporty, progressive side of the MINI brand.

A series production preview of BMW’s hydrogen fuel cell
technology: the BMW iX5 Hydrogen prototype in ‘Flow Emergence’ design.

Another eye-catcher at the BMW Group’s exhibition stand at Auto China
2026 is the redesigned vehicle from the BMW Hydrogen Pilot Fleet,
which has been in global operation since 2023. From 2028, the new BMW
iX5 Hydrogen will become the first BMW series-production vehicle
powered by a hydrogen fuel cell drive. In doing so, the BMW Group is
bringing the benefits of this technology into everyday use: electric
driving with long ranges and short refuelling stops.

The BMW iX5 Hydrogen from the pilot fleet, presented at Auto China
2026, also draws attention with its design concept developed by
Designworks Shanghai. Thematically aligned with BMW’s hydrogen fuel
cell technology, the wrap concept, developed under the motto ‘Flow
Emergence’, uses water as a metaphor to visualise the generation and
transformation of energy in nature. Inspired by water landscapes and
Far Eastern watercolour painting, it illustrates the condensation of
time and energy. The flowing visual language, with gentle colour
gradients, conveys the transition from stillness to movement and the
unfolding from within. The design of the pilot fleet vehicle at Auto
China 2026 symbolises the continuous transformation of energy for
climate-friendly and sustainable mobility in the future.

Innovation and bespoke individuality across 4,400 square
metres of exhibition space.

The BMW Group is exhibiting its BMW and MINI brands at Auto China
2026 across a record exhibition space of around 4,400 square metres.
This space is almost three times larger than in 2024 and underscores
the importance of the Chinese market to the company. The exhibition
stand showcases a total of 42 vehicles, including 28 BMW vehicles and
14 MINI vehicles, with three world premieres and 14 vehicles that are
individualised, customised, classic cars, or special edition cars. Two
BMW motorcycles will also be featured at Auto China 2026.

The BMW Highlight Show, featuring a 300-square-metre LED wall,
presents the new BMW iX3 Long Wheelbase and the new BMW 7 Series to
visitors throughout the day. Through interactive exhibits, ten ‘Deep
Dive’ stations invite visitors to explore the latest technologies and
charging solutions, including robotics and bidirectional charging. The
extensive BMW Individual range is illustrated through an exhibition of
164 paint samples and 36 leather samples. An immersive audio
experience with Dolby Atmos and Bowers & Wilkins creates an
exceptional sound environment.