BMW begins production of new electric i3 in Munich

BMW has commenced production of the new, fully electric i3 at its central Munich plant. This model is the second member of the Neue Klasse electric family, following the iX3, and serves as the all-electric counterpart to the traditional 3 Series.

The transition marks a historic shift for the Munich facility, which has produced over 9 million 3 Series vehicles since 1975. By 2027, the plant is scheduled to produce only pure electric models. To prepare for this, BMW has spent four years upgrading the site with new body shops, modernized assembly halls, and enhanced digital and automated systems, which the company estimates will reduce production costs by approximately 10%.

BMW is utilizing a ‘local for local’ regional production network for the Neue Klasse. High-voltage batteries for the i3 are sourced from the Irlbach-Straßkirchen plant in Lower Bavaria, while the Gen6 electric drive components—including the motor, power electronics, and transmission—are manufactured in Steyr, Austria.