BMW Starts Gen 6 Battery Production in China as Neue Klasse i3 Sets 1,213km Range Record

BMW has started production of its sixth-generation (Gen 6) batteries in China, marking a significant step in the company's plan to scale up next-generation cell manufacturing for its Neue Klasse electric vehicle lineup.

Alongside the production milestone, BMW revealed that the Neue Klasse i3 50L achieved a real-world range of 1,213 km on a single charge during an unrefueled road test — a figure that underscores the performance leap the automaker promises from its new battery chemistry and vehicle architecture.

The Neue Klasse platform represents BMW's most comprehensive EV overhaul to date, built from the ground up around proprietary Gen 6 cells that deliver roughly 20% more energy density and 30% better cost efficiency than the company's previous-generation batteries. Production of the cells is being centered in China to keep costs down and supply volumes high ahead of the Neue Klasse models' market debut.

The i3 50L, a long-wheelbase variant of the brand's flagship sedan, will be one of the first models to ride on the Neue Klasse architecture. The 1,213 km test distance was conducted under real-world driving conditions, rather than controlled laboratory cycles, giving the figure additional credibility among industry observers.

BMW's China-based battery production comes as the company seeks to remain competitive in the world's largest EV market, where domestic brands already dominate on price and range. The Neuge Klasse i3 is expected to go on sale in China alongside other Neue Klasse models starting in 2026.