- BMW i3 Series Production begins at Munich plant.
- Neue Klasse manufacturing improves efficiency and lowers production costs.
BMW Group announced on August 6 that it has officially started series production of the new BMW i3 at its Munich plant, marking the second production model based on the company's Neue Klasse architecture. The milestone follows an extensive four-year transformation of the manufacturing facility, positioning the site for BMW's next generation of electric vehicles while strengthening production efficiency and long-term competitiveness.
Munich Plant Completes Four-Year Transformation
The production launch comes after a comprehensive modernization program at the Munich facility in Germany. The project included the construction of a new body shop, an advanced assembly hall, and upgraded logistics areas. Throughout the transformation, the plant continued manufacturing up to 1,000 vehicles per day, demonstrating BMW's ability to maintain production while implementing major infrastructure upgrades for future electric vehicle manufacturing.
Neue Klasse Production Improves Manufacturing Efficiency
The introduction of the Neue Klasse production system is expected to reduce manufacturing costs at the Munich plant by approximately 10%. The improvement is driven by optimized production processes, increased automation, expanded digitalisation, and the flexible vehicle architecture developed specifically for BMW's next generation of electric vehicles. The upgraded factory is designed to deliver higher efficiency while providing greater flexibility for future model production.
Battery and Electric Motor Supply Network
BMW's new Irlbach-Straßkirchen battery plant in Germany will supply sixth-generation high-voltage battery systems to the Munich facility and other German manufacturing sites. Meanwhile, the Austria-based BMW Steyr plant is manufacturing electric motors for both the BMW iX3 and the new BMW i3. Current production has exceeded 4,000 electric motors per week, with annual output expected to surpass 100,000 units in 2026, compared with approximately 8,500 units produced during 2025.
BMW i3 Production and Manufacturing Highlights
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Vehicle | New BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) |
| Production Site | Munich Plant, Germany |
| Manufacturing Cost Impact | 10% reduction |
| Battery Supply | Irlbach-Straßkirchen Plant, Germany |
| Motor Production | BMW Steyr Plant, Austria |
| Motor Output | Over 4,000 per week; above 100,000 expected in 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did BMW start series production of the new BMW i3?
The BMW Group began series production of the new BMW i3 on August 6 at its Munich plant in Germany. The model is the second vehicle built on the company's Neue Klasse architecture and follows a four-year modernization of the manufacturing facility. The upgraded plant incorporates advanced automation, digitalisation, and improved production systems to support BMW's next-generation electric vehicle strategy while lowering manufacturing costs and increasing operational flexibility.
How does the new BMW i3 production improve manufacturing efficiency?
The new BMW i3 benefits from the Neue Klasse production system, which is expected to reduce manufacturing costs at the Munich plant by approximately 10%. The savings result from enhanced production processes, higher automation, digital manufacturing technologies, and a more flexible vehicle architecture. In addition, sixth-generation batteries from BMW's Irlbach-Straßkirchen facility and electric motors from the Steyr plant strengthen the company's integrated EV production network.
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