Germany is betting on China: BMW and Mercedes-Benz integrate Chinese AI driver assistance systems into their electric vehicles

Two of the largest German automakers — BMW and Mercedes-Benz-have chosen the path of technological collaboration with China, relying on advanced developments in the field of artificial intelligence. New models of electric vehicles, including BMW's flagship Neue Klasse platform, will be equipped with intelligent driver assistance systems (ADAS) developed by the Chinese company Momenta. This strategic decision reflects a shift in the global alignment of technological forces in the automotive industry.

Working with Momenta for BMW means not only moving to a more advanced autopilot, but also demonstrating confidence in Chinese technology solutions in the field of autonomous driving. Momenta specializes in integrating navigation and driverless systems using large artificial intelligence models, and now its products will be part of BMW's next-generation architecture.

The first production model with the new systems, the iX3 (project NA6), will start production at BMW's Hungarian factory in the second half of the year. It is expected to enter the European market by the end of the year. As early as 2026, the company plans to focus on China, where the next-generation i3 (NA0), the standard version of the iX3 (NA6) and the extended wheelbase modification (NA8) will be launched.

As part of the agreement, Momenta will create an intelligent vehicle management solution that provides point-to-point navigation in both urban and high-speed environments. In addition, Momenta's own end-to-end AI model will be integrated into the cars, which is able to process and predict behavior in road scenarios in real time.

Mercedes-Benz has also previously partnered with Momenta, making this technology platform one of the key suppliers of ADAS systems for the German automotive industry. This confirms that Chinese companies are becoming increasingly competitive not only in the production of batteries and electronics, but also in the field of intelligent software, which was previously considered an exclusive area of competence of the West.

The fact that German brands like BMW and Mercedes-Benz are delegating the development of key intelligent components to Chinese partners indicates that the innovation center in the field of AI systems is moving towards the East. Such alliances can accelerate the adoption of autonomous driving technologies and reduce the time to market for the latest solutions.