BMW claims that even Chinese manufacturers can't keep up with their development pace (2 photos)

AI accelerates BMW development

In recent years, Chinese automakers have set new standards not only in embedded technologies and advanced powertrains, but also in the speed of new model launches. However, according to BMW Development Director Joachim Post, the German automaker has now reached a point where it can develop and launch new models even faster than its Chinese competitors.

The Neue Klasse transformation

The brand’s transition to the Neue Klasse platform is already well underway. This new era brings with it not only a radically different design philosophy, but also new electric vehicles on a new platform with improved engines and more advanced batteries. As part of this update, BMW promises to launch 40 new models and updates over the next two years.

“Who can do it? Our Chinese colleagues can’t do it either. You can always develop a single vehicle quite quickly. But this approach was not applied to the iX3 and the New Class. We have spent a lot of time and energy to ensure a significant technological breakthrough for the entire model range. After all, we will only be successful if we integrate the technologies that have now been developed into the entire model range,” said Post.

He added that

“we can now bring cars to market in the way they say in Bavaria, ‘like making pretzels.’ No one can repeat what we plan to do in the next two years so quickly. And that’s why I say what we’re doing now is more than ‘China speed.’”



German automakers are accelerating

Earlier this month, Audi announced that it was working on the next-generation TT in a ‘China speed’ style, saying that the model would be on the market just 30 months after approval. Clearly, German companies are aware of the need to shorten the development time of new models.

The role of artificial intelligence

One of the reasons BMW will be able to launch more models faster than ever before, according to Post. He said that the technology “helps us a lot,” especially in the areas of programming and software development. Tasks that used to take days can now be completed in minutes with the help of AI.

Future prospects

In the future, development times could be shortened even further. Post noted that in the past, when someone, such as an engineer, left the company, they took their knowledge with them. Now BMW can train an AI model to retain that knowledge and, more importantly, prevent it from becoming an advantage for a competitor.

The planned scale of BMW’s model line-up is unprecedented for the company and could have a significant impact on the competitive landscape in the global automotive market. The ability to adapt and innovate quickly is becoming a key factor in the fight for leadership, especially in the world of electromobility, where technology is rapidly evolving. The success of the Neue Klasse strategy could determine the German brand’s position in the market in the near term.