Key highlights
- BMW selects Chinese tech firm Momenta to develop ADAS for Neue Klasse EVs.
- First model, the next-gen iX3, to launch in Europe by end-2025; China rollout in 2026.
- ADAS system will offer point-to-point navigation across urban and highway scenarios.
BMW has officially partnered with Momenta, a Chinese autonomous driving startup, to develop advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) for its upcoming Neue Klasse EVs. The move signals BMW’s intent to sharpen its competitive edge in China’s fast-evolving electric vehicle market, where local brands like Nio, Xiaomi, and Li Auto are rewriting the rules.
Momenta’s ADAS tech will debut in the next-generation iX3, which enters production at BMW’s Hungarian plant later this year. A European launch is expected by year-end, followed by a China-specific rollout in 2026 that includes the new i3, iX3, and a long-wheelbase iX3 variant.
What Momenta brings to the table
Momenta will integrate its end-to-end intelligent driving system, designed for point-to-point navigation across both urban and highway environments. The system uses a proprietary large AI model, trained on Chinese road conditions, traffic behavior, and user expectations.
BMW says the collaboration will deliver:
- Navigation-assisted driving tailored for China
- High-definition mapping and real-time traffic adaptation
- Scalable software architecture for future upgrades
This isn’t Momenta’s first rodeo. The company already supplies ADAS tech to General Motors, Toyota, Honda, and SAIC, and has a license for high-definition road mapping which is critical for autonomous driving.
Why is BMW betting on China?
BMW’s decision to localize ADAS development reflects a broader strategy to reclaim market share in China, where its Q1 2025 sales dropped 17% year-on-year. The Neue Klasse platform is more than just a new EV lineup, it’s a full reset of BMW’s tech stack, design language, and digital experience.
The company has invested CNY 20 billion (USD 2.8 billion) to upgrade its Shenyang plant, which will produce the China-bound Neue Klasse models. BMW also employs 600+ software engineers in Nanjing to accelerate innovation cycles.
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