BMW eyes stabilisation in China with latest ‘Neue Klasse’ launch

MUNICH, Germany, (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.

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.

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.

“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.

BMW aims to keep its China sales stable in 2026 ​after a 12.5% ​slump in ⁠2025.

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.

“Of course, we want to grow again in China with the ‘Neue ​Klasse’,” he added.

Reporting by Rachel More Editing by Madeline Chambers