BMW has started series production of the new all-electric BMW i3 at its main plant in Munich, marking the launch of the second model based on the automaker’s Neue Klasse vehicle architecture.
Series production officially began on August 6, with BMW preparing for a rapid production ramp-up to meet strong demand for the electric sedan. The company said interest in the model has been high since pre-orders opened ahead of its market launch.
BMW Prepares For Rapid i3 Production Ramp-Up
The BMW i3 follows the electric BMW iX3 as the second Neue Klasse model and represents the next stage of the company’s electrification strategy.
“The models of the Neue Klasse are proving to be very popular. The second Neue Klasse model, the BMW i3, is already seeing strong demand since orders opened ahead of its launch,” said Jochen Goller, BMW Board Member for Sales.
BMW has brought forward the opening of the i3 order books in response to demand. The First Edition became available to order in June with a starting price of €75,340.
BMW has also announced pricing for the later entry-level i3 50 xDrive, which will start at €65,900.
Munich Plant Undergoes Major Transformation
BMW extensively modernised its Munich production facility in preparation for the i3 and additional Neue Klasse models.
The transformation included construction of a new body shop and a new assembly hall with dedicated logistics areas. The redevelopment took approximately four years.
Final functional testing of the new production facilities was completed in December, allowing pre-series production of the i3 to begin in February.
The new electric 3 Series was subsequently unveiled without camouflage in March, revealing BMW’s latest interpretation of its core executive sedan in a fully electric format.
Production Costs Reduced By 10%
The launch of i3 production has also enabled BMW to reduce manufacturing costs at the Munich plant by 10%, according to the company.
BMW attributed the improvement to early planning, cooperation between development teams and suppliers, modern production technologies and optimised manufacturing processes.
Targeted automation and digitalisation are also contributing to improved efficiency, while the Neue Klasse vehicle architecture has been designed to simplify and optimise production.
“With the fully-electric BMW i3, we are bringing together what belongs together: The 3 Series embodies BMW more than almost any other model – and Plant Munich represents our brand more than almost any other production site,” said Raymond Wittmann, BMW Board Member for Production.
Wittmann added that the combination of BMW’s headquarters, development operations and manufacturing capabilities in Munich will support the wider global production network as the Neue Klasse platform is rolled out.
Munich To Become Fully Electric By 2027
BMW plans to transition the Munich plant to production of battery-electric vehicles only from 2027.
The facility is expected to become the company’s second all-electric vehicle production site after the BMW plant in Debrecen, Hungary, where the iX3 is manufactured.
Additional Neue Klasse models are scheduled to follow the i3, with BMW positioning the platform as a foundation for its next generation of electric vehicles.
The expansion of Neue Klasse production is expected to play a central role in maintaining the long-term industrial importance of BMW’s Munich headquarters while accelerating the company’s transition toward battery-electric mobility.
