Price War in China – Now BMW and VW Also Lower Prices

BMW is now also reducing prices. While a large number of car manufacturers in China are already offering high subsidies or price reductions, the Munich-based automaker had previously resisted. Now, local media reported that BMW is granting a discount of up to 100,000 RMB (13,500 euros) for its all-electric model i3.

However, sellers at BMW dealerships say they are indeed offering discounts and that these measures were only introduced this month, according to a report from the Chinese EV Post. For the BMW i3 eDrive35 L, which is currently listed at a price of 353,900 RMB (48,040 euros), interested buyers will now pay only 33,660 euros. Buyers will receive an additional subsidy of 815 euros if they trade in their used vehicle.

Just introduced, already massive price cuts

BMW officially launched the BMW i3 in China on March 31, 2022, offering only a version specifically available for the Chinese market, the BMW i3 eDrive35L. On February 20, BMW announced the market launch of the BMW i3 eDrive40L in China, which is offered in two versions with starting prices of 383,900 RMB (52,100 Euros) and 413,900 RMB (56,180 Euros) respectively. The BMW i3 eDrive40L is the premium model of the BMW i3, offering better performance and greater range, according to a press release by the company.

Mercedes was the first German manufacturer to adjust prices

In addition to BMW, Mercedes-Benz dealers are also rumored to offer enormous price discounts, including up to 14,900 Euros for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class. A salesperson at a Mercedes-Benz dealership in Beijing stated that the information circulating online was untrue. Consumers would only receive discounts on their vehicles if they register their cars in Beijing. The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is currently reduced by 8,100 Euros and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class by 6,800 Euros, according to the salesperson.

Volkswagen is losing ground in China

The price war in the Chinese automotive industry continues, and Volkswagen is the latest to follow suit. FAW-Volkswagen is offering discounts of up to 40,000 RMB (5,400 euros) on the ID. model family, with the range starting at 23,740 euros. This information comes from a poster that the Volkswagen joint venture in China published on Weibo on March 11.

This is meant to celebrate the second anniversary of the introduction of the ID. model family, as stated on the poster. In addition to the discount, FAW-Volkswagen is offering customers a free camping kit. Pure electric vehicles of the ID. series from SAIC-Volkswagen are being sold with discounts of up to 4,070 euros, and customers can receive additional benefits worth up to 1,350 euros at dealerships according to another poster.