BMW has allied with Alibaba Group Holding to jointly research and develop large language models, intelligent voice interaction, and other cutting-edge technologies, with the German auto giant to adopt AI tech from the Chinese internet giant for its new models in China.
BMW will equip Alibaba's Tongyi Qianwen LLM series to its next-generation China-made models, which are set to start mass-production next year, the Munich-based carmaker announced today. The autos will leverage the tech to empower the all-new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant for the first time, bringing AI agents into the cockpit, it added.
The AI has human-like communication and multi-agent collaboration capabilities, enabling precise intent recognition and complex command interpretation, providing a natural and seamless interactive experience, BMW noted. The firm will also introduce an active interaction recommendation feature, utilizing in-car sensors and cameras to offer personalized services to clients, it noted, adding that the tech will be integrated across its entire powertrain lineup and all vehicle models.
The new intelligent electronic and electrical architecture allows AI integration into vehicles, providing a better interaction experience and enhanced over-the-air capabilities, said Dai Hexuan, chief executive of BMW Brilliance Automotive.
BMW's Asia-Pacific technology center has undergone a comprehensive upgrade, with the Chinese team deeply involved in the development process, noted Dr. Robert Kahlenberg, senior vice president of BMW R&D China. AI has helped boost development efficiency by 30 percent, contributing to creating a cockpit that better understands Chinese users, he added.
BMW also launched its 360-degree full-chain AI strategy in China yesterday, focusing on digital production operations, comprehensive user experiences, and R&D innovation. It aims to accelerate the full-chain integration of AI in the country.
Deepening international cooperation is crucial for global development, and China is a key pillar of BMW's future strategy, Chairman Oliver Zipse said at the China Development Forum's 2025 annual meeting.
