# German carmakers' model lineup and EV transition > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/german-carmakers-upcoming-model-lineup > Updated: 2026-08-17T11:03:53.000Z. Sources: 62. Developments: 7. In late July 2026, Audi, BMW, and Mercedes‑Benz unveiled a mix of electric, hybrid, and conventional models for the 2027 model year. Audi plans to replace the TT with an all-electric sports car and introduced the Nuvolari plug-in hybrid supercar. Mercedes-AMG announced the CLE 53 performance sedan, while BMW's M division previewed a high-performance i3 M variant featuring four electric motors. Early August saw Audi UK open orders for a new Q7 SUV and BMW reaffirming its diesel X-series strategy. On 4 August 2026, BMW expanded its electric rollout by delivering the iX3 50 xDrive in Malaysia and unveiling a next-generation i3 at the Chengdu auto show, promising over 1,000 km WLTC range. By 8 August 2026, BMW commenced mass production of the new i3 electric sedan at its Munich plant. Built on the Neue Klasse architecture, the i3 is the second member of the Neue Klasse family following the iX3. The Munich facility, which has produced over 9 million 3 Series vehicles since 1975, is undergoing a four-year transformation to transition to exclusive electric vehicle production by 2027. This shift aims to reduce manufacturing costs by approximately 10 percent through digitalization. To support the i3, BMW is utilizing a ‘local for local’ production network, sourcing high-voltage batteries from Lower Bavaria and Gen6 electric drive components from Steyr, Austria. Automakers continue to diversify propulsion strategies. Audi is reviving the A2 nameplate with the A2 e-tron, an aerodynamic electric model using a MEB-based platform with battery capacities ranging from 50 to 79 kWh. BMW is pursuing a multi-pathway approach, developing the compact i1 electric hatchback for 2028 with a potential 800-volt architecture, while also testing hydrogen fuel cell technology with the iX5 Hydrogen. ## Claims - Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said there was previously no decision on a successor to the Q8, but the company has now decided to develop a new generation. (corroborated by 4 sources) - Audi CEO Gernot Döllner said there was initially no decision on a successor to the Q8, but the company has now decided to develop a new generation. (corroborated by 4 sources) - The BMW iX3 50 xDrive is available in Malaysia at a price of RM378,800 (or RM399,800 with the service package). (corroborated by 2 sources) - The iX3 50 xDrive uses dual‑motor all‑wheel drive delivering 345 kW (463 hp) and 645 Nm, accelerating 0‑100 km/h in 4.9 seconds with a top speed of 210 km/h. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The iX3 50 xDrive is equipped with a 108.7 kWh NMC battery on an 800 V architecture, offering a WLTP range of 679–805 km and fast charging that adds about 372 km in ten minutes. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new generation Q8 is expected to be launched no earlier than 2028. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new Q8 will share its platform with the current Q7 and may retain V6 and V8 gasoline engines. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The upcoming Q8 will remain a combustion‑engine SUV despite Audi’s broader electrification strategy. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new Q8 is expected to be launched before the end of the decade, with the earliest appearance in 2028. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The next‑generation Q8 will be built at Audi’s Bratislava plant in Slovakia. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The new Q8 will likely share its platform with the Q7 and may retain V6 and V8 combustion engines. (corroborated by 2 sources) - The Q8 will sit between the Q7 and the upcoming Q9 in Audi’s SUV lineup. (corroborated by 2 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-08-17: BMW and Mercedes-Benz announce new vehicle updates and awards BMW's new electric i3 has been named Car of the Year 2026 by CAR Magazine, while Mercedes-Benz announces updates to its C-Class lineup starting at 48,844 euros. 7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-and-mercedes-benz-announce-new-vehicle-updates-and-awards ### 2026-08-11: BMW begins production of new electric i3 in Munich BMW has started production of the all-electric i3 at its Munich plant, marking a transition toward exclusively electric vehicle manufacturing at the historic site by 2027. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-begins-production-of-new-electric-i3-in-munich ### 2026-08-08: Audi and BMW advance new electric and hydrogen vehicle strategies Audi, BMW, and Cupra are advancing new electric and hydrogen vehicle strategies, including the revival of the Audi A2 e-tron and the development of BMW's high-tech i1 compact electric model. 13 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-expands-powertrain-options-with-hydrogen-ix5-and-electric-i1 ### 2026-08-08: BMW begins mass production of electric i3 sedan in Munich BMW has launched mass production of the electric i3 sedan in Munich. The facility is transitioning to become an all-electric plant by 2027 using the new Neue Klasse architecture. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-begins-production-of-new-i3-electric-model-in-munich ### 2026-08-06: BMW to unveil massive new model range and convert Munich plant to all‑electric production by 2027 BMW will roll out its largest batch of new models through 2027, covering electric, hybrid and hydrogen powertrains, while its Munich plant will switch to all‑electric production of the Neue Klasse platform, sl​ 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/bmw-to-unveil-massive-new-model-range-and-convert-munich-plant-to-allelectric-production-by-2027 ### 2026-08-04: BMW i3 electric sedan begins production in Munich BMW starts production of the i3 electric sedan in Munich, adds a high‑performance i3 M prototype and a Touring version that drops the rear glass hatch. 27 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-q8-and-bmw-diesel-suvs-new-generations-planned ### 2026-07-30: Audi, BMW and Mercedes Preview 2027 Electric and Hybrid Car Lineup Audi, BMW and Mercedes preview 2027 electric and hybrid models, including an all‑electric Audi TT replacement, a plug‑in hybrid Nuvolari, the Mercedes‑AMG CLE 53 and a high‑power BMW i3 M version. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/audi-bmw-and-mercedes-preview-2027-electric-and-hybrid-car-lineup --- Cite as: German carmakers' model lineup and EV transition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/german-carmakers-upcoming-model-lineup