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2026-08-03 06:54 UTC → 2026-08-03 13:06 UTC ·
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BMW expands Neue Klasse, electric M3 unveiled and EV lineup
BMW BMW’s Neue Klasse platform is becoming the core of its future line‑up. The company confirmed that a third shift at its Debrecen plant hit the 50,000‑unit iX3 milestone and is adding added a third second shift to support roughly 150,000 annual vehicles from at the Neue Klasse platform. Steyr motor factory, raising e‑motor output to over 100 000 units annually to feed new electric models. The company also opened orders for the i3 50 xDrive First Edition, a fully electric Series 3 sedan with up to 906 km WLTP range, 800‑V architecture and deliveries M3, slated for autumn 2026. In the M‑division, BMW unveiled 2027, will be offered in two parallel versions: a limited‑run M3 CS Handschalter – quad‑motor ZA0 delivering 800‑1 000 bhp on a 6‑speed manual, rear‑wheel‑drive model for the U.S. market, priced at $107,100 100 kWh‑plus 800‑V battery, and slated for production in July 2026. a conventional G84 petrol model with a turbo‑charged straight‑six, possibly with mild‑hybrid assistance. The same day it announced that the current G80‑coded M3 will be the last manual‑shift M3, with production ending after retain the 2027 model year; historic badge, according to M‑division chief Frank van Meel. Production of the next‑generation M3 will be offered as a fully electric version i3 ends in 2027 alongside a conventional gasoline model. BMW introduced July after nine years, while the M2 equipped i3 First Edition was launched at Goodwood with a £57,905 UK price and premium interior options. Spy shots revealed an upcoming i3 Touring with dual‑motor output up to 345 kW and a 108.7 kWh pack. New electric models entered global markets: the new i5 eDrive40 M xDrive all‑wheel‑drive system, delivering 480 hp, 0‑100 km/h Sport Pro assembled in 3.7 Malaysia (250 kW, 6.0 s and production beginning 0‑100 km/h), the iX3 40‑variant in August 2026 at Spain (637 km WLTP, €63,650) and the San Luis Potosí plant. Pricing iX3 50 xDrive in Brazil (570 km range, R$600 000). The iX4 fastback EV was previewed for a 2027 US launch. M‑models received updates: the Spanish market was also disclosed. A high‑performance M3 Competition Touring and hybrid M5 were demonstrated M2 xDrive entered production in Argentina, Mexico (price €101,500) and a high‑output M2 M xDrive for the US/Switzerland (473 hp, 3.6 s). A next‑generation M3 Touring electric version was announced (G88) is approved for the U.S. and global markets. At the 2026 24‑Hours of Le Mans, BMW revealed the electric M Concept Neue Klasse – a four‑motor, 800‑V electric M3 2028‑29 US launch, with a projected 800‑1 000 hp output, synthetic engine‑sound system and “Heart of Joy” control software. The concept underscores BMW’s dual‑track strategy: an electric M3 slated for 2027 as the “natural enemy” of the traditional M3, while a gasoline‑powered version will follow later. To support the rollout, mild‑hybrid 3.0‑L engine. BMW is expanding also expanded its San Luis Potosí plant, modernising electric SUV range with the Leipzig factory iX1 and shifting some Chinese EV production to Mexico, positioning the Neue Klasse as the core of its future electric lineup. iX2 in Taiwan, featuring new SiC inverters and CCS2 charging, and announced a cheaper iX3 “40” for Spain while evaluating a 3 Series Touring for North America.