BMW used Auto China 2026 in Beijing to reveal three production vehicles built on its Neue Klasse technology platform: the iX3 Long Wheelbase electric SUV, the i3 Long Wheelbase electric sedan, and a refreshed BMW 7 Series. A fourth vehicle on the stand was the iX3 Flow Edition, fitted with color-changing E-Ink panels integrated into major exterior body components including the bonnet. All vehicles were developed in close collaboration with local Chinese R&D teams. The i3 Long Wheelbase is the second-generation electric 3 Series for China and is rated at over 1,000 kilometers on the CLTC standard, which BMW describes as a benchmark for the segment. The iX3 Long Wheelbase is the first Neue Klasse model scheduled to reach Chinese roads, with the 7 Series and i3 to follow.
BMW is committing to 40 new or updated models by 2027, with China positioned as central to that timeline. BMW Group CEO Oliver Zipse described the country as one of the company's most important markets and a key driver of its future. A newly appointed President of BMW Group Region China and a Beijing-based Chief Technology Officer, who joined in January, were introduced at the event alongside the head of the BMW Brilliance Automotive joint venture. BMW describes its China strategy as "In China, For China, and with China," with more than 25,000 associates in the country. The Neue Klasse architecture is designed to eventually underpin BMW's full global portfolio across all drivetrain types. MINI is also expanding in China, with 12 new additions planned in the next 18 months, including the MINI Vagabunt shown at the show.
The iX3, i3, and 7 Series all share BMW's new panoramic iDrive system, a full-width interior display setup with AI-assisted personalization. The assisted driving system, co-developed with Chinese AI partner Momenta, provides Level 2 navigation-guided assistance and features cooperative braking, which keeps the system active when the driver applies gentle brake pressure. BMW describes this as an industry first. The i7 electric 7 Series carries close to 800 kilometers of CLTC-rated range from its next-generation battery. The refreshed 7 Series includes over 50 digital functions developed specifically for the Chinese market. Head of BMW Group Design Adrian van Hooydonk walked through both the iX3 and i3 side by side, explaining how the vertical kidney grille on the SUV and horizontal treatment on the sedan differentiate the two while keeping both clearly within the same design family.
Bottom line: The Neue Klasse rollout at Beijing is BMW's clearest signal yet that it intends to compete seriously in China rather than gradually cede that market to domestic brands. The 1,000 km CLTC figure on the i3 will do its marketing work, even with the familiar understanding that CLTC and real-world range figures rarely agree.