BMW officially announced its partnership with Chinese technology firm Momenta for its next-generation electric car series, the Neue Klasse. According to a report by Tencent, this partnership is a significant step in the brand’s strategy to strengthen its competitiveness in the Chinese market.
BMW Enters the Electric Competition in China with a Domestic ADAS Solution
With this decision, the German automotive giant follows in the footsteps of Mercedes-Benz, which previously announced a similar agreement. In March, BMW officials stated that they were seeking a China-based technology partner for advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS). The Momenta move, which followed these announcements, solidified the plan.
The next-generation iX3 (codename: NA6), the first series-production vehicle under the Neue Klasse, will enter production at BMW’s Hungarian plant in the second half of 2025. The European launch is expected by the end of the year. The Chinese market is targeted for 2026. Models such as the i3 (NA0), iX3 (NA6), and the long-wheelbase iX3 (NA8) will be available in China.
Momenta will develop an advanced driving solution for BMW’s Neue Klasse models, providing end-to-end, navigation-supported autonomous driving capabilities in urban and highway conditions. Momenta’s own larger model will also be directly integrated into these systems.
Starting prices for the BMW Neue Klasse i3 and iX3 models are expected to start at 250,000 yuan (approximately $35,000). This price range will put the brand in direct competition with China’s leading domestic electric vehicle manufacturers, such as Li Auto, Aito, Xiaomi, and Nio.
The “Neue Klasse” name refers to BMW’s iconic models that launched its rise in the 1960s and 1970s. With this name, the brand is expected to make a strong return to the electric vehicle market.
Not only fully electric models but also hybrid SUVs built on this platform are being developed. These vehicles are part of BMW’s aim to continue the success it achieved with its popular X5 model with its next-generation energy vehicles.
