BMW has officially started production of the new BMW i3, marking the latest step for its dedicated electric sedan built on the company’s Neue Klasse platform. The new i3, which revives a familiar nameplate, is now being manufactured in Munich and launches initially as the i3 50 xDrive before additional variants join the lineup.
BMW Starts Production of the New i3
Only a few months after unveiling the new BMW i3, the automaker has begun series production of the electric sedan at its Munich plant. While the i3 name first appeared on BMW’s original electric hatchback introduced in 2013, the latest model is an entirely new vehicle designed as an electric sedan.
The i3 name continued after the hatchback ended production in 2022 through a China-exclusive electric long-wheelbase 3 Series sedan. The newly launched model, however, is not based on the combustion-engine 3 Series. Instead, it is a purpose-built electric vehicle developed on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse architecture.
The platform is shared with the iX3, which BMW produces at its Debrecen facility in Hungary, while the new i3 is built in Munich.
Launch Model and Future Variants
At launch, BMW is producing only the i3 50 xDrive. The company plans to expand the lineup with additional versions, including the expected i3 40 and i3 M60.
The range is also expected to be topped in 2027 by a fully electric M3, codenamed ZA0, which will carry the same iconic M3 name as the gasoline-powered sports sedan.
Pre-Sales Opened Early Following Strong Demand
BMW moved forward pre-sales after experiencing strong demand for the new i3. Orders opened across Europe in mid-June with the introduction of the First Edition.
The First Edition comes with an extensive list of standard equipment and is priced at €75,340 in Germany. Customers who prefer to configure their own vehicle will be able to order the standard model, priced at €65,900, when order books open at the end of September.
Europe First, U.S. Deliveries Later
BMW is building the standard-wheelbase i3 in Munich. The long-wheelbase version produced in China will not be sold in Europe or North America.
The standard-wheelbase i3 is scheduled to reach customers in Europe this fall, with deliveries of the First Edition taking priority. The first shipments to the United States are not expected until later in 2027.
Production Expansion and Munich’s EV Transition
Beginning in 2027, BMW will also manufacture the standard-wheelbase i3, codenamed NA0, at its San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico alongside the iX3.
BMW said its Munich facility will stop building combustion-engine vehicles as the plant transitions entirely to electric vehicle production next year.
More Neue Klasse Models Are on the Way
BMW has also confirmed the i3 Touring (NA1) for production in Munich. The model was recently spotted testing ahead of an anticipated launch next year.
Like the sedan, the Touring is expected to receive multiple variants. A fully electric M3 Touring, reportedly carrying the codename ZA1, has also been mentioned.
Gasoline-Powered 3 Series Will Move to Dingolfing
Production of the conventionally powered 3 Series will move to Dingolfing. BMW has confirmed the G50 sedan, while the G51 wagon is believed to be planned.
The new 3 Series is scheduled to debut before the end of the year and will include a six-cylinder M Performance model. Another gasoline-powered M3, codenamed G84, is expected to follow sometime in 2028.
The start of production for the new BMW i3 marks another milestone in the company’s Neue Klasse rollout, with additional electric models and expanded manufacturing planned across multiple facilities in the coming years.
