BMW Group and Alibaba Group have announced a new strategic partnership in China to bring Alibaba’s Qwen large language model (LLM) into BMW’s next-generation vehicles, the Neue Klasse models.
This partnership combines BMW’s car technology with Alibaba’s AI capabilities to create an advanced in-car experience in China.
As part of this collaboration, the new BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) will use a custom AI engine developed by both BMW and Alibaba. This AI engine will be based on Yan AI, a smart cockpit solution powered by Qwen, created by Banma, Alibaba’s intelligent cockpit provider.
The AI-powered BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant (IPA) will first appear in the BMW Neue Klasse models made in China, starting in 2026. It will set a new standard for smart and interactive car technology.
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For Alibaba, this partnership shows its goal to use AI to transform industries, helping leaders like BMW with Qwen’s advanced features. It also highlights BMW’s commitment to using AI in its research and development, following its recent AI strategy launch in China.
Sean Green, President and CEO of BMW Group Region China said, “Our long-term partnership with Alibaba Group is exemplary of common growth achieved with co-creation. BMW will work closer with Chinese tech partners on electric mobility and intelligent technologies to write our renewed win-win story,”.
Eddie Wu, CEO of Alibaba Group said, “Our partnership with BMW Group marks a pivotal leap in deploying AI-powered large language models at the forefront of advanced manufacturing, and Qwen’s integration into BMW’s in-car systems showcases how AI can revolutionize mobility, AI is a driving force to advance productivity across industries. We look forward to working closely with BMW to pioneer AI applications in the mobility sector that drive innovation and truly elevate user experience.”
Since 2015, BMW and Alibaba have worked together in areas like cloud computing, smart manufacturing, networking, logistics, and voice interaction. The new focus on AI LLM integration marks an important step in their partnership. The two companies are also exploring more opportunities in infrastructure, platform development, and intelligent services.
About Alibaba
Alibaba is focused on making business easier worldwide, leading in AI, cloud computing, and e-commerce.
About BMW Group
BMW is a top global manufacturer of cars and motorcycles and also offers premium financial services. It has over 30 production sites around the world and sells in more than 140 countries.
