The global automotive industry is entering a new era of electrification and innovation, with Volkswagen Group and BMW preparing to showcase their latest advances at Auto China 2026 in Beijing. Both companies are demonstrating how strategic market positioning and technological collaboration are shaping the future of mobility in China and beyond.
Volkswagen Group is executing its largest-ever electric vehicle campaign under the “In China, for China” strategy, reflecting the centrality of the Chinese market to its global ambitions. At its Media Night on 21 April, Volkswagen will present ten models across four brands, including four world premieres that highlight the company’s commitment to electric mobility and AI-powered driving technologies.
Key premieres include:
JETTA: unveiling its first show car for smart electric mobility in the entry-level segment, targeting younger, tech-savvy consumers.Volkswagen ID. UNYX: the second model developed through its partnership with Chinese EV startup XPENG, reflecting deeper localisation efforts.FAW-Volkswagen ID. AURA: the first all-electric model built on the China Electronic Architecture (CEA), signalling VW’s investment in modular EV platforms.Audi E7X1: the exterior reveal of Audi’s second series production model designed to appeal to new customer groups.
Oliver Blume, CEO of Volkswagen Group, emphasised the strategic importance of China:
“Three years ago, we launched our ‘In China, for China’ strategy to fully tap into the potential of the Chinese innovation market… The new models we are presenting at this year’s Auto China confirm that Volkswagen is making significant progress on its path to becoming a global tech driver.” (JustAuto)
Ralf Brandstätter, CEO of Volkswagen Group China, added that starting in 2026, the company will launch a new vehicle on average every two weeks, underlining the speed and scale of its EV offensive. In total, Volkswagen plans to launch over 20 electrified vehicles this year alone, including pure electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and range-extender models, while simultaneously updating internal combustion engine vehicles to cater to evolving customer preferences.
Meanwhile, BMW Group is pushing the envelope on technological innovation through its partnership with Croatian engineering firm Rimac Technology, a subsidiary of Rimac Group, to develop a high-voltage battery system for the all-electric BMW i7. The collaboration integrates BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive (Gen6) technology into the 7 Series sedan, using 4,695 lithium-ion cylindrical cells to achieve around 20% higher volumetric energy density compared with the previous Gen5 system.
Production of the battery takes place at Rimac’s Croatian facilities before being delivered to BMW Plant Dingolfing in Germany, the sole production site for the 7 Series. The system combines the Gen6 cell technology with the existing Gen5 module architecture, providing longer driving range, faster charging capability, and improved overall efficiency. Thomas Engelhardt, BMW Group Senior Vice President for High-Voltage Storage and Charging Development, stated: “We are quickly rolling out Neue Klasse technologies across our entire model portfolio… The teams of both companies have developed a tailor-made solution for the new BMW i7.”
The i7 will debut at Auto China on 22 April, reinforcing BMW’s commitment to electrification at the luxury end of the market. BMW’s fully electric i3 50 xDrive, featuring dual motors with a combined output of 345 kW (469 hp) and 645 Nm of torque, has already entered the Neue Klasse line, further demonstrating BMW’s integrated EV strategy.
Auto China 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark event for the automotive sector. Volkswagen is focusing on rapid market expansion, model localisation, and electrification at scale, while BMW is prioritising technical innovation, high-voltage battery performance, and luxury EV development. Together, the two European automakers are showcasing the dual paths shaping the future of mobility: speed-to-market in a growing EV market and cutting-edge technology that maximises efficiency, range, and performance. The exhibition highlights how China continues to be a pivotal market and innovation hub for the global shift toward electrified, AI-enhanced mobility.
Written By:
*Cole Jackson
Lead Associate at BRICS+ Consulting Group
Chinese & South America Specialist
**The Views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of Independent Media or IOL.
** MORE ARTICLES ON OUR WEBSITE https://bricscg.com/ (https://bricscg.com/)
** Follow @ (https://x.com/brics_daily)brics_daily (https://x.com/brics_daily)on Twitter for daily BRICS+ updates and instagram @brics_daily (https://www.instagram.com/brics_daily?igsh=bmhvbTd0YzA4a2wx)
