BMW used the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show to unveil the M4 Nurburgring Edition, a special version of its high-performance M4 that pays tribute to the iconic Nürburgring circuit, also known as the "Green Hell." This limited-edition model is painted in BMW Individual Frozen Deep Green, a color that enhances the car's connection to the track. In addition to the striking green hue, the M4 Nurburgring Edition features a red-accented grille and bronze alloy wheels, which are paired with eye-catching red brake calipers to create a dynamic visual presence.
Inside, the car retains much of the M4 Competition's interior but adds exclusive touches to mark the edition's uniqueness. Special door sill plates highlight the vehicle's special status, while two-tone sport seats are embroidered with an outline of the Nürburgring on the headrests. Carbon fiber trim further enhances the sporty feel, and the flat-bottom steering wheel is wrapped in Alcantara for a more tactile, race-inspired experience. The M4 Nurburgring Edition is powered by the same high-performance twin-turbo 3.0-liter inline-six engine found in the M4 Competition, which produces an impressive 523 hp. With this powertrain, the car can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in just 3.2 seconds, making it one of the quickest road-going BMWs.
Production of this special edition will be strictly limited to 53 units, a number that commemorates BMW M's 53rd anniversary. However, this version of the M4 will be exclusive to the Chinese market, with no plans to release it internationally.
Apart from the M4 Nurburgring Edition, BMW's stand at the Shanghai Auto Show featured the Vision Driving Experience Concept. This futuristic vehicle sports a fluorescent paint finish with light-sensitive pigments that recharge during the day, glowing in a vibrant neon yellow when fully charged. The concept also includes a “magic film” on its body that reacts to UV light, creating a dynamic color shift from yellow to orange and then pink.
In other announcements, BMW confirmed that the iX3 Neue Klasse electric SUV will enter production later in 2025, although it won’t be available in China. Instead, the country will receive a unique version of the model in 2026. In addition, BMW introduced a modified version of Panoramic iDrive and the BMW Operating System X tailored for China. Notably, 70% of the software in this version has been locally developed, with Alibaba’s Intelligent Personal Assistant integrated into the system. Over time, the technology will be enhanced with artificial intelligence from the Chinese company Deepseek.
Finally, BMW showcased the 3-Series 50 Years Edition, which celebrates five decades of the 3-Series. This limited-run model is capped at 2,500 units and comes with a special paint job, 19-inch wheels, carbon fiber trim, and an Alcantara-wrapped steering wheel with a red 12 o'clock marker, making it a more exclusive take on the popular sedan.