News, 19 March 2025
BMW has formed a strategic alliance with Huawei to incorporate the HarmonyOS NEXT into its Neue Klasse electric vehicles manufactured in China. The Neue Klasse models intended for global markets will continue utilizing BMW’s iDrive X, which is based on the Android Automotive OS.
This partnership highlights BMW’s growing integration with China’s technology ecosystem, as nearly 25% of users of its mobile applications rely on Huawei devices, according to Sean Green, President and CEO of BMW Group Region China. The focus of this collaboration is to improve in-car applications and digital connectivity for users of HarmonyOS, ensuring smooth integration between Huawei smartphones and BMW vehicles.
BMW’s choice to use Huawei’s HarmonyOS NEXT exclusively in China is indicative of the rapid digital advancements occurring in the country and the rising demand for proprietary ecosystems. Unlike earlier versions, HarmonyOS NEXT is designed to function independently from Google’s Android framework, enabling Huawei to create a fully integrated, localized system.
In addition to software integration, BMW is enhancing its collaboration with Chinese tech partners, particularly in areas such as artificial intelligence, intelligent voice interaction, and large language models. The company has established its largest research and development presence outside Germany, with four major centers located in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenyang, and Nanjing.
As part of these efforts, BMW plans to implement a digital key feature for HarmonyOS users in China later this year, which will allow them to unlock, lock, and start their vehicles using Huawei smartphones. Moreover, a more sophisticated smart interconnection solution is scheduled to be introduced by 2026 alongside the launch of the locally produced Neue Klasse models.
