German automaker BMW introduced plans to integrate artificial intelligence from Chinese startup DeepSeek into its new vehicle models sold in China later this year, marking a significant growth of its AI partnerships in the country.
CEO Oliver Zipse made the statement at the Shanghai auto display, emphasizing China’s role in advancing AI technologies.
“Key advances in AI are happening here,” Zipse stated. “We are strengthening AI partnerships for integration in our cars in China.”
BMW also unveiled its next-generation iDrive device, dubbed the “BMW Panoramic iDrive,” set to debut in Chinese-market vehicles as early as mid-2026. The Panoramic iDrive functions as an expansive display device that projects information throughout the full width of the windshield, presenting an advanced evolution of traditional heads-up presentations.
The machine will run on BMW’s newly developed “Operating Machine X,” 70% of which includes locally developed software and source code tailored for the Chinese language market. Further, BMW delivered its AI-based smart personal assistant, powered by a proprietary language version co-developed with Alibaba.
Read more: DeepSeek disrupts AI industry with low-cost, high-performance model
The assistant will be greater through DeepSeek’s AI reasoning capabilities over the years.
Those improvements are a part of BMW’s Neue Klasse electric automobile platform, which is gaining attention for its ambitious performance and range abilities. The interior enhancements, along with AI enhancements and display innovations, purpose to set BMW apart in an increasingly competitive EV and smart vehicle market.
BMW has no longer confirmed whether those new features may be rolled out globally, but it is predicted that other markets will observe after their initial release in China.
Lingyue Digital will work with Volcano Engine to use AI in marketing and client services, presenting efficient product matching and purchase recommendations, according to a report by Shanghai Securities Information. The tie-up aims to enhance the car-buying experience for users and improve operational performance for sellers, the report said.
The Shanghai automobile show is being held at the National Exhibition and Convention Center and runs through May 2. A record of almost 1,000 agencies from 26 nations and regions will attend the event, with more than 100 new vehicle models set to debut in an exhibition area of over 360,000 square meters.