High demand after early orders: BMW Plant Munich kicks off BMW i3* series production with aggressive ramp-up plan

BMW Group Plant Munich has launched series production of the all-new BMW i3* as the second model in the Neue Klasse lineup, following a surge in early orders that triggered a steep ramp-up curve at the historic facility. The fully-electric BMW i3 became available for order in mid-June, and demand has been so strong that the plant is accelerating production to meet it. “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, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales.

The launch marks a pivotal moment for the Munich plant, which has undergone a four-year transformation involving the construction of a new body shop and a new assembly hall with integrated logistics areas. “The start of production of the BMW i3 heralds a new era for our main 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,” said Raymond Wittmann, Member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Production. The plant is now positioned to produce the BMW i3 at significantly lower manufacturing costs—down by a further 10%—thanks to forward planning, close collaboration with development teams and suppliers, and the adoption of modern production technologies within the new structures.

Optimized processes, targeted automation, digitalization, and the Neue Klasse’s new vehicle architecture are all contributing to these efficiency gains. Starting in 2027, Plant Munich will exclusively produce fully-electric vehicles, with additional Neue Klasse models set to follow. “The future viability of our plant will be ensured, above all, by the people who drive change and innovation with enthusiasm. Together, we challenge ourselves every day, harnessing digitalisation and automation, and gradually making Plant Munich even more efficient – without compromising our high quality standards,” said Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich.

The Munich plant has been the heart of 3 Series production since 1975, with over nine million units built there. The site has been fundamentally remodeled for the Neue Klasse while maintaining production of up to 1,000 vehicles per day. The transformation includes a new body shop, a cutting-edge vehicle assembly line with integrated logistics, and a delivery hall currently in commissioning, where final customer inspections are conducted before handover.

The result is a plant that is now more efficient, flexible, and digital—fully equipped for the demands of electromobility and the Neue Klasse. The BMW iFACTORY vision—focused on efficiency, sustainability, and digitalization—has been fully realized at Plant Munich. Globally, the BMW Group is strengthening regional value creation with the newly built BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Lower Bavaria, located about 90 minutes from Munich.

This plant will supply sixth-generation high-voltage batteries to Plant Munich and other German sites under a “local for local” strategy, supporting the production of Neue Klasse models like the BMW i3. Battery production at Irlbach-Straßkirchen combines a zero-defect approach with advanced manufacturing technologies developed at Bavarian pilot plants, ensuring high quality through continuous inline inspection.