On November 21, the Guangzhou Auto Show officially commenced. The BMW Group showcased a range of products from its three core brands: BMW, MINI, and BMW Motorrad, including the 2026 BMW X5, the new BMW M3 Touring version, and the electric MINI COOPER PAUL SMITH designer edition. The 2026 BMW X5 has been upgraded in three dimensions: intelligence, comfort, luxury, and design. It comes standard with an intelligent driving assistance system, comfort seats, and a high-end audio system. The new BMW M3 Touring version, as the first M high-performance touring car for the Chinese market, is equipped with a 3.0-liter straight-six twin-turbocharged engine.
The MINI brand captivated numerous attendees with its personalized display. The MINI stand featured the exclusive color “Notting Hill Green” of the MINI PAUL SMITH designer edition as the main theme, marking the China debut of the electric MINI COOPER PAUL SMITH designer edition. In addition, the new electric MINI JCW Monte Carlo Night 60th Anniversary Edition was also unveiled at the stand, paying tribute to the classic Mini that triumphed in the Monte Carlo Rally 60 years ago with 13 exclusive markings.
At this auto show, BMW’s new-generation technology cluster debuted on the same stage for the first time, showcasing BMW’s innovative breakthroughs in electrification and intelligence. The new-generation BMW iX3, as the first model equipped with next-generation technology, is undergoing comprehensive vehicle testing worldwide and is planned for mass production in 2026 at BMW’s Shenyang manufacturing plant. The new-generation BMW iX3 will feature the BMW Driving Control Superbrain, next-generation electric drive, BMW’s pioneering panoramic iDrive, and intelligent driving assistance solutions.
BMW’s independently developed “Driving Control Superbrain” integrates core sub-functions such as powertrain, braking, charging, energy recovery, and steering into a single central control unit, allowing the new-generation BMW iX3 to respond rapidly. Additionally, the new generation of China-exclusive intelligent driving assistance solutions, jointly developed by BMW and Chinese tech company Momenta, was also presented at the show. This solution employs end-to-end large model technology for environmental perception, path planning, and vehicle control.
The debut of the BMW New Generation electric drive system was also a major highlight of this auto show. BMW’s sixth-generation power battery, equipped with the brand’s unique 4695 large cylindrical battery cells, increases energy density by up to 20%. The new generation electric drive system features a combination of a separate excited synchronous motor and an asynchronous motor, reducing motor energy loss by up to 40% and improving vehicle efficiency by 20%. The domestically produced new generation BMW iX3 achieves a CLTC comprehensive range of over 900 kilometers, while the 800V high-voltage platform enhances charging efficiency, allowing for a range increase of up to 400 kilometers in just 10 minutes.
The BMW New Generation Supersensory Intelligent Cockpit made another appearance at the Guangzhou Auto Show. Upon entering the “Giant Screen Edition” New Generation Cabin, spectators from the driver’s perspective can see four major interactive interfaces—new 3D head-up display, panoramic horizon display, supersensory central control, and supersensory steering wheel—organized and arranged according to the “visual cone” concept. The China-exclusive BMW New Generation Operating System X, led by the BMW China R&D team, integrates numerous local digital ecosystems, functions, and elements.
This article is a translation by AI of a Chinese report from 42HOW. If you have any questions about it, please email bd@42how.com.