BMW has formed a partnership with Chinese autonomous driving firm Momenta to develop a smart driving system designed specifically for the Chinese market, both companies confirmed on Sunday, highlighting growing efforts by global automakers to localize innovation in the world’s largest car market.
The system will be implemented in several of BMW’s domestically produced next-generation models. It is intended to offer full-scenario, point-to-point navigation-assisted driving capabilities, covering both highway and urban environments.
BMW’s decision to work with Momenta follows similar collaborations between the Chinese startup and global carmakers including Mercedes-Benz, Toyota, and Nissan. Founded in 2016 and based in Suzhou, Momenta has positioned itself as a key player in China’s smart driving technology sector. Its business extends beyond China to markets including Germany, Japan, and the United States, and it has received strategic investment from major automakers and suppliers.
The partnership comes as BMW adjusts its product development strategy in China. The automaker launched a supplier recruitment effort in early 2025, with local companies including QCraft and DeepRoute reportedly involved in the bidding. Momenta was ultimately selected for its technical capabilities and local expertise, according to local media reports.
China’s electric vehicle market has increasingly shifted focus to advanced driver-assistance features, with domestic competitors such as BYD accelerating their own smart driving offerings. In February, BYD introduced updates to 21 models under its Smart Driving Edition, and by July, the company reported over 1 million units sold with its proprietary assisted driving technology.
