BMW boosts iX3 production in Hungary to meet the high level of demand

BMW has moved this month from two to three production shifts for the iX3 SUV at its Hungarian plant in Debrecen. This means the facilities are operational practically 24 hours a day. In this way, the Bavarian firm aims to meet the high volume of orders it still has pending.

The first iX3 units rolled off the assembly line at the Debrecen plant in October 2025. The company managed to scale up production shortly afterwards, and by March it added a second shift. Now, only six months later, the Bavarian firm has added yet another shift.

The iX3 is the first representative of the Neue Klasse, the new electric generation of BMW. It is offered in two versions. The iX3 50 xDrive, with all-wheel drive, delivers 345 kW and 645 Nm, and can reach 100 km/h from a standstill in just 4.9 seconds. This version is homologated for up to 805 km WLTP with a 108 kWh battery. On the other hand, the iX3 40, rear-wheel drive and available from late May, reduces power to 235 kW with 500 Nm of torque, offering acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds and a WLTP range of 635 km thanks to its 82.6 kWh battery. Both versions charge from 10 to 80 % in 21 minutes (300 kW for the 40 and 400 kW for the 50). Prices start at €63,400 and €70,900, respectively.

Although, for the time being, all iX3 production is concentrated in Europe at the Hungarian plant in Debrecen, from 2027 a parallel line will be added in Mexico, and in China a long-wheelbase version will be launched.

The Neue Klasse gets off to a good start

Management of the Bavarian firm says that a production ramp-up of this magnitude is only possible if the workforce grows at the same pace. Hiring and training so many employees in such a short time also requires an extraordinary team effort. Around 5,000 employees currently work in Debrecen.

The factory applies the BMW iFACTORY concept, which is highly digitalised and flexible. This concept makes it possible to manufacture a wide range of configurations and colours, including special finishes, according to each customer’s specifications.

In the coming months, a second model of the Neue Klasse will also come off the Debrecen assembly line. For now the Bavarian firm has not wished to give further details, but it is speculated that it could be an electric coupé SUV internally known as NA7 and that would be marketed as the iX4.

In March 2023, BMW announced that, after the platform’s launch, it planned to introduce six models of the Neue Klasse within 24 months. That schedule is being maintained. Two are already in production: the iX3 in Hungary and the i3, which has been built in Munich since August.

The Debrecen plant, dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles, covers more than 400 hectares and has involved an investment of over €2 billion.

Technical specifications of this car

CrossoverBMW iX32 versions · from 62,900 €