The BMW China

Innovation Day 2026

& Gen6 HVB Sop Ceremony

was held today (Oct 15)

in Shenyang.

The start of series production

of Gen6 high-voltage batteries

 is a decisive step

towards local production

of Neue Klasse models in China.

Dr Milan Nedeljković,

Chairman

of the Board of Management

of BMW AG,

witnessed the milestone in Shenyang

during his first visit to China

since taking office.

Dr Milan Nedeljković delivered an on-site speech and said, "This is a remarkable moment — for BMW, for Shenyang and for China. The start of series production for our Gen6 high-voltage batteries proves the competitiveness of BMW. It also proves once again that we are and will be a longstanding partner of China. With the NEUE KLASSE, we are starting a new chapter for BMW in China. BMW is ready to lead this new era."

Following the new BMW iX3, the first Neue Klasse model, the new China-specific BMW i3 has demonstrated its technological strength on public roads. BMW announced at the event that the vehicle had completed a 1,213-kilometre drive without recharging — clear evidence of the Neue Klasse's integrated capabilities.

The result is not attributable to a single specification or technology. It reflects the highly efficient interplay of Gen6 eDrive technology, large cylindrical cells, an 800-volt architecture, energy management, software and vehicle integration.

The BMW Group

has laid out a clear strategic plan.

Nearly 20 new and updated models

in the Chinese market

will feature

the Neue Klasse technology

by 2027.

In addition,

the company will expand

local production of key models

and aims to raise the share

of locally produced vehicles

sold in China

to more than 95 percent by 2030.