BMW pauses production of i3, i5 and iX1 in China to shift resources to new ‘Neue Klasse’ EVs

BMW announced that production of its i3, i5 and iX1 electric models in China will be halted from July. The move is described as a routine End‑of‑Production (EOP) adjustment intended to free capacity for the upcoming “Neue Klasse” generation of electric vehicles, which will feature advanced technology, autonomous capabilities and upgraded user experience. BMW officials emphasized that the pause does not signal a withdrawal from the Chinese EV market and that after‑sales service and parts supply for existing models will remain unaffected. The decision follows three consecutive years of declining deliveries in China, with sales falling from 825,000 units in 2023 to an estimated 714,500 in 2024, and an EV market share of only 6.6% for BMW compared with over 50% for the overall passenger‑car segment.