BMW's 2026 EVs to Feature NTT's Smart Connectivity Tech

Starting in 2026, BMW will adopt smart connectivity technology provided by Japan’s NTT Docomo Business for all-new electric vehicles sold globally, replacing its previously used Deutsche Telekom system. The technology will debut on the iX3, the first model based on BMW’s “Neue Klasse” (New Generation) platform. Equipped with an embedded SIM card, the iX3 will offer stable network connectivity in at least 100 countries (excluding China and the U.S.), enabling real-time transmission of traffic and vehicle status data to enhance driving safety and support remote over-the-air (OTA) updates. NTT secured the contract after its subsidiary Transatel demonstrated low-latency communication capabilities in tests across more than 100 countries. Notably, the U.S.-market iX3 will use a solution from KDDI instead. BMW plans to launch at least seven “Neue Klasse” models by 2027, all featuring the NTT system.