Core Insights - BMW has partnered with Chinese autonomous driving company Momenta to develop a new generation of intelligent driving assistance systems, set to debut in the 2026 domestic Neue Klasse iX3 model, which will feature comprehensive point-to-point driving assistance capabilities for both highways and urban roads [3][4] - This collaboration comes in response to a significant 15.5% year-on-year decline in BMW's sales in China during the first half of the year, highlighting the urgency for BMW to adapt to the competitive landscape where rivals like Mercedes-Benz and Audi have already engaged with local suppliers [3][7] Group 1 - The intelligent driving assistance system will utilize an AI-driven "perception-planning-control" integrated architecture, employing large-scale neural networks for environmental perception, path planning, and vehicle control, aiming to achieve a level of driving judgment comparable to human drivers [3][5] - Momenta's AI system will be deeply integrated with BMW's chassis system, allowing real-time adjustments to suspension stiffness and vehicle posture during maneuvers, thereby maintaining BMW's signature driving precision and handling [5][6] - BMW's shift towards collaboration with a younger Chinese tech company like Momenta is driven by the latter's more open cooperation model, which aligns better with BMW's needs [5][6] Group 2 - Historically, BMW has been cautious in its approach to intelligent driving, focusing primarily on basic features like adaptive cruise control and lane-keeping, but the current market dynamics necessitate a more aggressive strategy [6][7] - The competitive landscape has prompted BMW to reassess its market strategy, as evidenced by a series of internal reviews that identified strategic shortcomings as a key factor in its declining sales [8][9] - Other luxury automakers, such as Audi and Mercedes-Benz, have been quicker to adapt, with Mercedes having invested in Momenta as early as 2017 and Audi launching a new brand to compete with emerging players [9][10] Group 3 - The collaboration with Momenta marks a significant pivot in BMW's approach to intelligent driving, recognizing the need to integrate cutting-edge technology from local suppliers to remain competitive in the Chinese market [9][10] - Despite the partnership, challenges remain for BMW, as the new models will not be available until 2026, raising concerns about the company's ability to keep pace with rapidly changing market demands [10] - To succeed in the competitive landscape, BMW must not only embrace external partnerships but also focus on product definition, invest in local R&D teams, and effectively integrate external technologies with its internal systems [10]
宝马“联姻”中国智驾独角兽