BMW began series production of its Gen 6 high-voltage batteries in Shenyang on October 15. The batteries will initially power the Neue Klasse iX3 and i3 models for the Chinese market. The first deliveries of the long-wheelbase iX3 for China are scheduled for November.
Shenyang Becomes Third Gen 6 Battery Production Site
The battery project in Liaoning province involves an investment of 10 billion yuan (approximately $1.5 billion). Construction began in May 2023. Following Debrecen, Hungary, and Ilbach-Straßkirchen, Germany, Shenyang is the third location in the global Gen 6 battery production network.
The technology combines large cylindrical cells, an 800-volt architecture, and sixth-generation electric drive technology. According to BMW, the start of battery production means all three core components of this drive system are now manufactured in China. Trial production of the Energy Master began in Shenyang in late September. The unit serves as the central controller for Gen 6 batteries. BMW says it developed both the hardware and software in-house.
Neue Klasse in China: Batteries for the iX3 and i3
The long-wheelbase iX3, developed exclusively for China, has been available for preorder since August 21. Deliveries are set to begin in November. The i3 50L sedan was also developed as a long-wheelbase model for the Chinese market.
Alongside the production launch, BMW reported that the i3 50L had traveled 1,213 kilometers without recharging. The test vehicle had a 113.4-kWh battery and reached its destination with a 1% charge remaining.
Sources:
https://www.press.bmwgroup.com/deutschland/article/detail/T0461769DE/bmw-group-startet-serienproduktion-von-gen6-hochvoltbatterien-in-shenyang
https://cnevpost.com/2026/10/15/bmw-starts-gen-6-battery-production-china/
