(Photo: BMW)
BMW Group has started series production of its sixth-generation (Gen6) high-voltage batteries at its plant in Shenyang, China. The site becomes the third operational hub in BMW’s global Gen6 network, following Debrecen in Hungary and Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Germany.
BMW i3 50L, rear three-quarter view at unveiling. Photo: BMW
The Gen6 architecture marks BMW's transition to cylindrical cells integrated directly into the pack without intermediate modules, a method known as cell-to-pack. According to BMW, the new format yields over 20% higher energy density, up to 30% faster charging, and greater range compared with fifth-generation packs. The battery housing also integrates an Energy Master central control unit developed in-house.
The 1,213km road test
To showcase the new battery hardware, BMW completed an endurance road test with a BMW i3 50L, an extended-wheelbase Neue Klasse saloon developed specifically for China. The car covered 1,213km on a single charge across motorways, national highways, and city streets, arriving at its destination with 1% battery remaining.
BMW i3 50L interior with dashboard and twin screens. Photo: BMW
BMW has not published the total driving time or average speed, so the 1,213km figure represents a specific internal road test rather than an official certified range rating. For perspective, the run surpasses the 1,202km driven by the experimental Mercedes Vision EQXX in 2022, though it sits behind the 1,338km Guinness World Record achieved by a production Audi A6 Sportback e-tron across Poland in September 2026. The Chinese-market i3 50L carries a 113.4kWh battery with an 800V electrical architecture, claiming an official rating of over 1,000km on China's CLTC cycle and the ability to add 400km in 10 minutes at up to 400kW DC.
Global battery network
BMW is maintaining a “local for local” production model: the Shenyang facility will supply future Neue Klasse models assembled in China. Further battery assembly sites in Woodruff in the United States and San Luis Potosí in Mexico are scheduled to begin series production in the coming months.
