BMW begins series production of the new i3 in Munich

Series production of the second model of the Neue Klasse family by BMW has just begun at the Bavarian manufacturer’s main plant in Munich. The brand has recorded strong demand for this fully electric saloon since reservations opened last June. For this reason, production is expected to ramp up very quickly.

To prepare for the arrival of the i3 and future models from the same family, BMW carried out a thorough renovation of its main plant beside the Olympiapark in Munich. The construction of a new body shop and a new assembly hall, with their corresponding logistics areas, took around four years. In December, the final tests of the facilities were completed, which allowed pre-production to start in February. At that time, the vehicle was still kept under camouflage, even during its first public appearance.

In mid-March, the public was finally able to see the definitive look of the new i3 saloon. Given the high level of interest, BMW brought forward the opening of orders. Since mid-June, the First Edition version has been available from 75,340 euros. The brand has also announced the price of the entry-level version to follow, the i3 50 xDrive, which starts at 65,900 euros.

“With the fully electric BMW i3 we are bringing together what belongs together. The 3 Series represents BMW like almost no other model, and the Munich plant represents the brand like almost no other production site. The unique combination of headquarters, development and manufacturing at our main Munich site is a key driver for our entire global production network.”

Ready to face new challenges

With the start of i3 production, the Munich plant has reduced its manufacturing costs by 10 percent. BMW attributes this progress to early planning, close collaboration between development teams and suppliers, and modern technologies installed in the new facilities. In addition to optimised processes, automation and digitalisation, the new vehicle architecture of the Neue Klasse also contributes to this greater efficiency.

As announced in 2024, from 2027 the Munich plant will produce only fully electric vehicles. It will be the second BMW site dedicated exclusively to this type of model, after the Debrecen plant in Hungary, where the iX3 is built. More models of the Neue Klasse will soon follow, which, according to the company, will secure the future of the Munich plant for decades.