BMW Group Starts Pre-Series Production of New BMW i3 in Munich

BMW Group reports that pre-series production of the new BMW i3 has started at its Munich plant, marking a key step toward series production in 2026.

The BMW Group plant in Munich has reached a new stage in its transformation as the first pre-series vehicles of the new BMW i3 roll off the assembly line. This milestone marks the start of the final preparation phase ahead of series production, which is scheduled to begin in the second half of 2026.

For the first time, a BMW i3 has been built entirely at the Munich site, passing through every stage of the production process on location. From the modernised press shop and the new body shop to the paint shop, final assembly and logistics, the pre-series vehicles run through the complete manufacturing cycle. Although volumes remain limited, all parts are supplied via the intended material flows, allowing processes to be tested under near-series conditions.

A key focus during this phase is the validation of new production equipment and tools, as well as their digital integration into existing systems. Each component and every production step is closely examined to ensure that manufacturing, logistics and IT processes interact smoothly. This approach helps identify optimisation potential before series production begins.

The new BMW i3 is part of the Neue Klasse, BMW’s next generation of electric vehicles. For the Munich plant, the project plays a central role in a broader transformation programme. The site is undergoing extensive redevelopment and is set to produce exclusively fully electric vehicles by the end of 2027, making the i3 one of the first series models to pave the way for this transition.

Alongside technical validation, employee training is a core element of the ramp-up phase. Staff have been trained initially in virtual environments using augmented reality and are now working directly on the newly installed machinery. Close cooperation across all production areas is designed to ensure a seamless and reliable start to series production.

BMW has not yet released technical specifications or consumption data for the new i3, noting that the vehicles are still in a pre-series stage. Nevertheless, the move into pre-series production signals a clear shift from planning to execution. In the coming months, the focus at the Munich plant will be on refining processes and applying lessons learned to support a smooth and stable launch of series production in the second half of 2026.