BMW has pulled out of the 2026 Paris Motor Show after originally confirming its attendance, but the automaker will still make a major appearance at an October auto show. BMW is heading to AUTO ATHINA 2026 in Athens, where it will showcase the new-era i3, fifth-generation X5, facelifted 7 Series and several M models.
BMW Brings New Models to AUTO ATHINA 2026
AUTO ATHINA 2026 runs from October 3 to 11 at the Metropolitan Expo in Athens. BMW will occupy Hall 3, Stand C1, with a lineup that includes several models making their Greek debuts, alongside existing vehicles and performance-focused M models.
The new i3 50 xDrive will lead BMW’s lineup with its nationwide Greek debut. Unlike the earlier i3 city car with a carbon fiber reinforced plastic (CFRP) chassis, which BMW discontinued several years ago, the new model is essentially an electric 3 Series built on a bespoke platform. It is separate from the CLAR-based “G50” sedan debuting this week.
BMW also says an as-yet-unseen model will appear at the show, with all signs pointing to the first-ever iX4. Visitors will have to wait until October 8 to see it.
Fifth-Generation BMW X5 Makes Greek Debut
The fifth-generation X5 will also make its Greek debut at AUTO ATHINA 2026. The SUV is offered with a broad range of powertrains, although BMW has not specified which version it will bring to Athens.
The X5 is available with gasoline, diesel, plug-in hybrid and battery-electric powertrains, while a fuel-cell hydrogen model is coming later this decade.
BMW 7 Series LCI Brings Neue Klasse Technology
The facelifted 7 Series, or 7 Series LCI, will make its first appearance in Greece at the event. BMW’s flagship sedan is notable because it is the first existing model to inherit technology from the Neue Klasse family.
That places the 7 Series between BMW’s current generation of vehicles and the technology represented by the automaker’s Neue Klasse family.
BMW’s Athens lineup will also include the 1 Series, 2 Series Gran Coupe, X1, iX2, X3, iX3 and 5 Series. The performance lineup will feature the M3, M5 and XM.
MINI Brings Its Full Model Family to Athens
BMW will also be joined by MINI at AUTO ATHINA 2026. MINI plans to bring its complete model family to Greece, led by the Countryman, the largest car ever to come from Oxford.
The lineup will also include the five-door Cooper Paul Smith Edition hatchback, the electric Aceman subcompact crossover, the gas-only Convertible and a selection of John Cooper Works models.
While BMW will not attend the 2026 Paris Motor Show as originally planned, the automaker and MINI are set to maintain a substantial presence at AUTO ATHINA 2026 in Athens, with new Greek debuts and a broad selection of models scheduled for the October event.
