BMW i3 series production launches in Munich
BMW has entered series production of its second Neue Klasse model, the BMW i3, at its main plant in Munich. The group says it has recorded high demand for the all-electric sedan since preorders opened in June,
On 6 August, BMW officially launched series production of the model at its Munich headquarters, where a particularly steep ramp-up curve awaits. The firm aims to scale production from zero to high volumes in the shortest possible time to meet the strong demand for the vehicles promptly. “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’s Board Member for Sales.
In preparation for series production of the i3, as well as future Neue Klasse models, BMW extensively refurbished its plant near Munich’s Olympiapark. The construction of a new body shop and a new assembly hall, including logistics areas, took around four years. In December, final functional tests of the new facilities were completed, paving the way for pre-series production of the i3 to begin in February – though at the time, the new electric model was kept literally under wraps, with the i3 concealed under camouflage foil for its first public appearance.
By mid-March, the camouflage was removed, and since then, the fully electric 3 Series was revealed in its entirety. Given the high level of interest in the vehicle, which follows the electric SUV BMW iX3 as the second model of the Neue Klasse, BMW brought forward the opening of the order books for the i3 – with a ‘First Edition‘ of the electric mid-size saloon becoming available to order since mid-June with a starting price tag of €75,340. BMW has also already disclosed the price for the later base version, the i3 50 xDrive: the entry-level variant of the electric 3 Series will start at €65,900.
Raymond Wittmann, BMW’s Board Member for Production, describes the launch as a ‘new era’ for the Munich plant: “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. The unique combination of headquarters, development and production at our main plant in Munich is a key driving force for our global production network: Every one of our plants benefits from the experience and knowledge gained from the launch of the Neue Klasse in Munich.”
With the start of BMW i3 production, the Munich plant has simultaneously reduced its manufacturing costs by 10 per cent. This achievement is attributed to forward-looking planning, close collaboration with development teams and suppliers, and modern production technology within the new facilities. BMW states that, in addition to optimised production processes, targeted automation, and digitalisation, the new vehicle architecture of the Neue Klasse also contributes to efficiency.
As announced in 2024, BMW plans to produce only battery-electric vehicles in Munich from 2027 onwards. This will make it the company’s second all-electric vehicle plant, following the entirely new factory in Debrecen, Hungary, where the BMW iX3 is manufactured. Additional Neue Klasse models are expected to follow soon, securing the future viability of the Munich headquarters for decades to come, according to BMW.