BMW is significantly restructuring its product strategy in China, marking the largest regional adjustment for the company to date. Chairman Oliver Zipse confirmed that the brand will completely exit the entry-level segment based on the UKL front-wheel-drive platform.
The UKL architecture previously supported several models in China, including the 1 Series sedan, 2 Series Active Tourer, 2 Series Gran Coupe, X1, and X2. Currently, only the locally produced X1 (U12) and 2 Series Gran Coupe (F78) remain on the market.
The withdrawal also affects the M Performance lineup, with the X1 M35Li and M235L models being discontinued in China. BMW will no longer update its front-wheel-drive entry-level vehicles for the local market.
The company is shifting its focus toward the Neue Klasse electric platform. The new BMW iX3, built on this architecture, features an 800V high-voltage system, the sixth-generation BMW eDrive technology, and a wheelbase of 3005 millimeters.
Starting October 16, BMW will begin a nationwide tour of the new iX3 across multiple cities in China. The vehicle will be showcased at various dealerships to demonstrate the brand's new strategic direction.
