Finance
Bmw Eyes Stabilisation in China With Latest 'Neue Klasse' Launch
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on March 18, 2026
2 min readLast updated: March 18, 2026
Quick Summary
BMW sees EV prices in China stabilising—and even rising—after steep discounts, as it kicks off the launch of its Neue Klasse platform. The strategy aims to halt a sales slide and regain momentum in China with new iX3 and i3 models.
BMW Unveils 'Neue Klasse' in China to Regain Ground in Electric Vehicle Market
BMW's Strategy and Market Response in China
Stabilisation of Electric Vehicle Prices
MUNICH, Germany, March 18 (Reuters) - Prices are stabilising in China after a period of heavy discounting in the electric vehicle market, BMW sales chief Jochen Goller said on Wednesday.
Launch of the Neue Klasse Platform
Introduction of the i3 All-Electric Sedan
He was speaking after the German premium carmaker revealed its new i3 all-electric sedan, the latest launch on BMW's 'Neue Klasse' technology platform, with which the company plans to overhaul its model lineup to catch up in a rapidly changing and tech-driven auto market.
Strategic Importance of Neue Klasse in China
The 'Neue Klasse' is the foundation of BMW's attempt to win back lost ground in China, the world's largest car market, where European automakers have been put under pressure in an intense price war with local brands.
Market Trends and BMW's Sales Outlook
Price Trends and Market Stabilisation
"What we're seeing is, on the one hand, stabilisation, and in some cases even a price increase, which is why we assume that the trend has now taken hold," Goller told reporters in Munich.
Sales Projections and Growth Plans
China Sales Targets
BMW aims to keep its China sales stable in 2026 after a 12.5% slump in 2025.
Upcoming Neue Klasse Models
The first 'Neue Klasse' model presented was the iX3 all-electric SUV, a China-specific version of which is to debut at the Beijing car show in April and go on sale there at the end of the year. A local version of the i3 will follow early next year, Goller said.
BMW's Ambitions for Growth
"Of course, we want to grow again in China with the 'Neue Klasse'," he added.
Reporting Credits
(Reporting by Rachel MoreEditing by Madeline Chambers)
Key Takeaways
- •BMW reported signs of price stabilisation, and in some cases price increases, in China’s EV market following intense discounting. (apnews.com)
- •The automaker is launching its Neue Klasse electric platform—including the iX3 SUV (debuting mid‑2026) and a local i3 sedan/long‑wheelbase variant—as a technology-led push to regain ground in China. (bmwblog.com)
- •BMW’s China sales slumped in 2025 (e.g., a 12.5% decline and eroded market share), prompting the company to double down on localized R&D, partnerships with CATL, Alibaba, Momenta, and AI/software innovations through Neue Klasse to strengthen competitiveness. (ainvest.com)
References
Frequently Asked Questions about BMW eyes stabilisation in China with latest 'Neue Klasse' launch
1What is BMW's 'Neue Klasse'?
The 'Neue Klasse' is BMW's new technology platform aimed at overhauling its model lineup, focusing on electric vehicles to catch up in the fast-evolving auto market, particularly in China.
2How are electric vehicle prices changing in China?
Prices are stabilising in China after a period of heavy discounting, with some signs of price increases, according to BMW sales chief Jochen Goller.
3Which new BMW electric vehicles are launching in China?
BMW has launched the i3 all-electric sedan and will debut a China-specific version of the iX3 all-electric SUV at the Beijing car show, with more local versions to follow.
4What are BMW's sales expectations in China?
BMW aims to keep its China sales stable in 2026 after experiencing a 12.5% decline in 2025.
5When will the new BMW models go on sale in China?
The China-specific iX3 all-electric SUV will go on sale at the end of the year, with a local version of the i3 sedan following early next year.
