BMW Vision Driving Experience

Neue Klasse to be designed specifically for the Chinese market

The first model in BMW's new generation "Neue Klasse" model group will be the new fully electric crossover "iX3," with a model exclusive to the Chinese market to be launched in 2026. — The first model in BMW’s new generation “Neue Klasse” model group will be the new fully electric crossover “iX3,” with a model exclusive to the Chinese market to be launched in 2026.

BMW plans to launch its new generation model, the Neue Klasse, in the Chinese market in 2026. At the Shanghai Motor Show 2025, BMW unveiled for the first time in China the completely newly developed central computer, the Heart of Joy Control Unit, and the standalone BMW Panoramic iDrive, which functions independently and independently of other systems or devices for the Chinese market.

The first Neue Klasse will be the iX3, which will be manufactured at the Debrecen plant in Hungary from the end of 2025. All Neue Klasses sold in the Chinese market will be custom designed by a design team in Shanghai and produced at the Shenyang plant. Speaking at the press conference, BMW AG Chairman Oliver Zipse commented on the purpose of this show as follows:

“Innovative dynamics, pioneering spirit and true driving pleasure… these are characteristics deeply rooted in BMW’s DNA. The Neue Klasse, which will go on sale in the Chinese market in 2026, will allow customers to experience these values on an entirely new level. The user interface will be more intuitive, the design more advanced and the driving experience more precise and dynamic.”

Test rig with innovative luminous paint

At the Shanghai Motor Show, the BMW Vision Driving Experience was unveiled, featuring a special luminous paint scheme that changes colour in the dark depending on the charging status.

The BMW Vision Driving Experience serves as a high-speed test rig for components developed for the next-generation production vehicle, the Neue Klasse, to thoroughly verify the functionality of the drivetrain and management systems.

The latest active aerodynamics generates 1.2 tons of downforce and a maximum lateral force of 3G.The car is equipped with a completely newly developed central computer, the Heart of Joy Control Unit, which handles the drivetrain, brakes, charging, regeneration system, and steering components, processing information 10 times faster than conventional systems.

The Vision Driving Experience debuted at the Shanghai Motor Show with an innovative luminescent paint finish. This special photosensitive pigment is effective even in low ambient light. In low light, it changes color from a whitish yellow to an expressive neon yellow depending on the charge state. Furthermore, the rear section of the vehicle is fitted with a “magic film” that, when stimulated by ultraviolet light, creates an expressive gradation from yellow to orange to pink from the rear to the front.

China-exclusive “BMW Panoramic iDrive”

BMW Panoramic iDrive will be introduced in the Neue Klasse. A standalone version, scheduled to be introduced in the Chinese market from mid-2026, was unveiled in Shanghai. BMW Panoramic iDrive consists of the newly developed BMW Panoramic Vision (a head-up display that projects content across the entire width of the windshield) and the BMW Operating System X.

The system offers a wide range of dedicated digital features, including the AI-based BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for China, which integrates a large language model (LLM) developed in collaboration with Chinese tech giant Alibaba.