Uncertainty paves way for loss in the worldwide contest for electric vehicles dominance
The International Motor Show (IAA) in Munich is gearing up for a grand return, with an increased number of automakers set to participate in the event. BMW, holding the largest exhibition space, will debut the iX3, the first car of the so-called "Neue Klasse," putting a fully electric platform center stage.
The iX3 is expected to have a range of 800 kilometers and charging speeds that outpace even the Porsche Macan. This electric SUV's success will largely depend on its price, as it enters a market where EVs play a minor role in sales but are already in the technological premier league.
BMW's early embrace of electromobility has been paying off, with the company selling more EVs than its rivals. The iX3's impressive specifications further solidify BMW's position in the EV market.
Norway, leading the way in Europe in terms of EV adoption, has seen a significant increase in BEV sales. From 15.5% in 2016, Norway's market share of new BEVs climbed to 89% in 2021, and by July 2025, BEVs accounted for 97% of new registrations.
The crisis facing German carmakers is pronounced, with profits dwindling, market share plummeting, and job losses. In contrast, the phase-out of combustion engines in Norway is effectively complete. European car associations have warned the EU that the targets for phasing out combustion engines are overly ambitious.
The IAA arrives at an opportune moment, as the number of companies attending has rebounded, particularly manufacturers. Around 30 carmakers are expected to set up stands in Munich in 2025, a third more than two years ago. The Chinese manufacturer Xpeng, directly adjacent to Volkswagen, indicates a significant increase in Chinese manufacturers' presence on the show floor.
CATL, the world market leader in batteries, has unveiled a model that can recharge roughly 500 kilometers of range in just five minutes. A study by PwC's consulting arm Strategy& expects that by 2030, it will be standard to add about 400 kilometers of range in ten minutes for EVs.
Most Chinese carmakers at the IAA will present electric vehicles (EVs), with Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) accounting for more than a quarter of sales in China in the first quarter. The surge in Chinese carmakers attending has increased by 40%.
With the IAA, electromobility enters a new phase. Those who hesitate to scale up EVs risk losing out globally. The iX3 is a testament to BMW's commitment to this new era, and it will be fascinating to see how the future of the automotive industry unfolds at the IAA in Munich, opening on September 9.
