BMW is set to manufacture its “Neue Klasse” electric cars in China, adding to its global production capabilities. Starting from 2025, the next-generation electric vehicle models will be produced in Shenyang by the BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) joint venture. Furthermore, the batteries required for these vehicles will also be produced at the same location.
In November 2022, BBA announced a substantial investment of ten billion yuan (approximately ā¬1.3 billion) in the new site. The facility will assemble sixth-generation battery cells into battery packs starting from 2026. While BMW has not disclosed the specific battery cell supplier, it has existing partnerships with Chinese companies such as CATL, Eve Energy, and Envision AESC. Notably, the collaboration with Envision AESC focuses primarily on production in the United States.
A virtual ground-breaking ceremony for the new battery assembly site has already taken place as part of BBA’s 20th-anniversary celebration. Although BBA has several plants in Shenyang, the exact location of the battery assembly remains unspecified. Similarly, it is unclear which part of the plant will accommodate the production of the New Class electric cars. Presently, BBA manufactures electric models like the iX3 and the i3 eDrive 35L in Shenyang’s Dadong plant and Lydia district plant, respectively.
While the New Class model produced in Debrecen, Hungary, will belong to the 3 Series segment, BMW has not disclosed the specific model that will be manufactured in Shenyang. Moreover, the carmaker has not provided information on the production capacity for the New Class in Shenyang. However, it is worth noting that over the past 20 years, production has expanded from 30,000 to an impressive 830,000 units per year.
By establishing production capabilities in Shenyang, BMW has confirmed its fifth production site for the New Class electric cars. Alongside Shenyang and Debrecen, the EVs will also be manufactured in Munich (Germany), San Luis PotosĆ (Mexico), and Spartanburg (USA). BMW plans to introduce at least six new models within a span of 24 months, starting from 2025, as part of its electric vehicle lineup.
Milan NedeljkoviÄ, BMW AG Board Member for Production in Shenyang, expressed his enthusiasm for the integration of the “Neue Klasse” into the production in China. He highlighted the significance of the move, stating that it would contribute to further electrification efforts and the overall success of the company. Shenyang’s plants have evolved from a small assembly facility to become BMW’s largest production location worldwide, showcasing the brand’s commitment to the Chinese market and the advancement of electric mobility.
