BMW and CATL Deepen Partnership; Next-Gen iX3 to Debut at 2026 Beijing Auto Show

On February 25, during German Chancellor Olaf Scholz’s visit to China, BMW Group Chairman Oliver Zipse signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with CATL, focusing on collaborative decarbonization across the battery supply chain to systematically reduce the carbon footprint of electric vehicles throughout their entire lifecycle. BMW reaffirmed its “In China, for China” strategy, having already invested over RMB 120 billion in Shenyang and established four R&D centers and three software companies in the country. Marking a significant milestone in localization, the first locally produced NEUE KLASSE model—the long-wheelbase BMW iX3—will make its global debut at the Beijing Auto Show in April 2026. Built on an all-new EV architecture, it is specially optimized for Chinese customers in terms of interior space and driving experience. Starting in 2026, CATL will supply cylindrical batteries for this model, further supporting BMW’s electrification and low-carbon strategies in the Chinese market.