BMW to add LFP batteries in selected Neue Klasse models

By Sophie Lindqvist

BMW's 46-millimetre nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) round cells deliver a company-claimed 20% energy-density gain, and CEO Milan Nedeljković confirmed lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries will enter selected Neue Klasse models. The first application is the entry-level iX3 30L, developed specifically for China. This long-wheelbase version already uses LFP, while higher-specification iX3 variants retain NMC batteries.

Nedeljković confirmed the decision during BMW's telephone conference announcing third-quarter financial results. His explanation placed LFP alongside, rather than ahead of, the established NMC round-cell platform, and the adoption will not cover every segment.

What changes in the Neue Klasse battery strategy?

Nedeljković said:

“With Neue Klasse, we are starting with the NMC technology and the cylindric batteries, and this technology is now superior in the market. We see that our range we can offer with the iX3 and the i3 are deeply impressing also in China, and that is why we start on that level.”

BMW's reasoning begins with cylindrical NMC cells, which the company considers superior in the market. His reference to the iX3 and i3 links that starting point to their reception in China. The statement does not signal a blanket LFP conversion across the Neue Klasse range.

Why does China receive the first LFP version?

LFP offers a different cost structure and range from NMC, Nedeljković said. He added:

“So we will add the LFP technology in our vehicles, but we will be very specific in which vehicle and for which purpose. And so it will come, but it will not be a generic exchange or a generic offer in all segments.”

That selective approach makes the China-developed iX3 30L the first implementation of the revised battery strategy. BMW has not said when an LFP-powered Neue Klasse model might arrive in Europe.

What does the Gen6 Battery contain?

BMW has unveiled two Neue Klasse models: the iX3 electric SUV and the i3 electric saloon. BMW says the i3 will offer up to 912 kilometres of range, roughly 100 kilometres more than the iX3.

BMW says both series use an 800-volt architecture and large-format NMC round cells measuring 46 millimetres in diameter for the first time. Compared with the previous prismatic NMC cells, the round cells enable an energy-density increase of around 20 per cent, according to the company.

The company sources cells from various partners depending on the world region, although it did not identify them. Under its cell-to-pack principle, cells integrate directly into the high-voltage battery.

Under pack-to-open-body, the battery housing becomes part of the vehicle structure. BMW calls the approach the Gen6 Battery.

What remains unverified before a wider rollout?

BMW's 20 per cent energy-density comparison is a manufacturer claim; the announcement includes no independent test result. BMW also disclosed no battery capacities, cell production volumes, supplier contracts, plant capacity figure or European launch date for an LFP Neue Klasse model.

Because this is a chemistry announcement rather than a plant program, there is no production milestone to confirm. The immediate test is whether BMW expands beyond the China-specific iX3 30L without disturbing the NMC-centered plan for Europe and other markets.

Watch four items:

• The first LFP-equipped Neue Klasse model offered in Europe and its launch date.
• Production volumes for the China-specific iX3 30L.
• Cell-supplier names and regional supply allocations.
• A production or plant-capacity milestone for LFP battery output.

Without those disclosures, BMW has announced a selective battery strategy, not a measurable rollout. The first European launch date and the first production-volume report will carry more weight than the chemistry announcement alone.