BMW to phase out CLAR-based eectric models in China

BMW is reportedly set to discontinue production of its electric models manufactured by its joint venture, BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA), in Shenyang this July. These models include the compact SUV iX1, the battery-electric saloon i3—developed exclusively for the Chinese market based on the internal combustion 3 Series and available since 2022—and the China-specific version of the i5, which is produced for Western markets in Dingolfing. This information comes from an insider report on Weibo, as cited by the Chinese specialist publication CNEVPost.

All three models are based on BMW’s CLAR (Cluster Architecture), a modular vehicle platform designed to support multiple powertrain technologies. According to the report, discontinuing these models would free up production capacity at BMW Brilliance Automotive (BBA) in Shenyang for vehicles based on BMW’s next-generation electric platform, Neue Klasse.

Just days ago, BMW reaffirmed during the celebration of the seven-millionth vehicle produced at its Shenyang plant that the site is being upgraded for local production of Neue Klasse models. The upgrades include advancements in the production system, digital architecture, and supply chain collaboration capabilities.

“Leveraging a higher level of flexible manufacturing, AI-powered quality management, and a highly connected digital production network, the Shenyang Production Base is laying a solid foundation for the local production of Neue Klasse models while further strengthening BMW’s overall competitiveness in electrification, digitalization, and sustainability — continuing to lead the future of premium automotive manufacturing,” BMW stated.

At Auto China in Beijing, BMW unveiled the BMW iX3 and BMW i3 with extended wheelbases. These are the first Neue Klasse models developed in China for the Chinese market and are set to be produced by BBA in Shenyang. Some features of the new models have been tailored to Chinese customer needs. One example is voice interaction: while BMW relies on Amazon technologies in Europe and the USA, China uses an independent solution developed in collaboration with local technology partners such as DeepSeek, BMW explained on the sidelines of the motor show.

BMW, like other Western automakers, is facing significant pressure in China. The Munich-based manufacturer recently revised its forecast for the current year downward, partly due to weak performance in the Chinese market. While the company initially expected stable sales of around 50,000 units per month at the beginning of the year, this projection has now been adjusted downward for the full year due to persistently subdued consumer demand. In the year to date (January to May), BMW recorded a 17.6% decline in sales in China compared to the previous year.

cnevpost.com, bmwgroup.com (plant preparation), bmwgroup.com (PDF annual forecast)