BMW's series 5 cells had a prismatic structure. For the series 6...

BMW's series 5 cells had a prismatic structure. For the series 6 cells they are flipping to cylindric shape involving a 46mm width and a 95mm or 120mm length. This would make the batteries the same width as Telsa's 4680 cell, but longer than the 80mm length of Tesla's cell.

What chemistry is involved in the cell is unclear as there contrasting comments relating to both LFP and high nickel. High nickel typically refers to chemistries like NMC811 and NMC9.5.5. If they are using LFP then something is most likely being added to improve the density (Manganese?).

Adding silicon to the anode improves the energy density but comes with a problem that Silicon has significant expansion/contraction depending on whether or not its in a charged or discharged state. It would appear that the BMW cylindric series 6 battery have found a partial solution to this enabling increased silicon which would improve the batteries density.

Some old commentary from 2022 referenced the series 6 cells as coming into production in 2025 and enabling a 620 mile (1000km) range for BMW vehicles while the article below references 500 miles (~800km). Its likely to mean BMW will soon release some longer vehicles offerings.

With BMW planning to build six factories around this new series 6 design, it is clearly their intention to use it as their benchmark product for a while.