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.
iX3 and i3 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, digitalization, and software-defined vehicles.
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 kilometers 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 kilometers.
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 provides enough energy to drive up to 400 kilometers in 10 minutes.
i7: introducing Neue Klasse technologies into existing models
The extensive model revision of 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, cross-powertrain technology rollout that will benefit all future BMW models.
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 aim to create a striking presence and strong visual identity.
The interior of the new BMW 7 Series wants to stand out through its combination of luxurious materials, modern design, and advanced technologies. The design language, featuring high-quality surfaces such as leather, textiles, wood, crystal glass, and metal, and an immersive lighting concept with an ambient light strip and new lighting elements, creates an exclusive atmosphere.
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 center stage. Highlights include the new BMW Panoramic iDrive with optimal driver orientation, the first-ever BMW Passenger Screen for a cinematic experience or mobile working in the rear, and 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 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 kph 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. BMW Symbiotic Drive ensures seamless interaction between assistance systems and human driving behavior. 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.
Mini: Vagabund and The Skeg
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 color scheme, the Mini concept cars become a mobile soundstage, embodying a spirit of adventure, community culture, and festival lifestyle. One of the two Minix 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.
