BMW has announced that, starting in 2026, all new-generation vehicles in China will feature artificial intelligence developed by Chinese tech giant Alibaba. This move aims to close the gap with local competitors and usher in a new era of mobility.
The AI system will include two digital assistants: Car Genius, which functions as a technical expert, and Travel Companion, which supports navigation and entertainment. Powered by Alibaba’s Qwen language model, the system will enhance voice recognition, offer restaurant suggestions, plan travel routes, and adapt to drivers’ preferences.
“Our partnership with Alibaba is an example of joint growth. The key goal is to create a smarter, safer, and more personalized journey for Chinese drivers,” said Sean Green, BMW President in China.
BMW and Alibaba have been collaborating since 2015, focusing on digital solutions and technology integration in vehicles.
