BMW begins production of Gen6 electric engines in Austria

BMW Group starts series production of Gen6 electric engines at Steyr for the Neue Klasse platform, improving efficiency, range, and EV competitiveness.

The BMW Group has taken a decisive step in its electrification strategy as series production of sixth-generation electric engines (Gen6 eDrive) for the Neue Klasse platform has officially begun at its Steyr plant in Austria. This marks a historic moment for the site, which has spent over 40 years building gasoline and diesel engines and is now producing a fully electric drivetrain for the first time.

The project has been in development for several years. Since 2022, BMW has invested over €1 billion to transform Steyr into a center of expertise for electric drivetrains. The plant manufactures the rotor, stator, transmission, and inverter, while aluminum housings are supplied by the Landshut facility. New cleanroom environments have been installed for inverter assembly, marking BMW's entry into advanced electrical engineering.

The Gen6 system is built on an 800-volt architecture using silicon carbide (SiC) technology, boosting efficiency and significantly reducing energy losses. Compared to the previous generation, production costs are down by 20%, weight by 10%, and energy losses by 40%. These advances increase overall vehicle efficiency by approximately 20%. The first Neue Klasse model, the BMW iX3 50 xDrive, is expected to achieve a range of up to 800 kilometers (WLTP) on a single charge.

BMW’s strategy emphasizes technological openness: the Steyr plant will continue producing combustion engines while simultaneously expanding electric drivetrain manufacturing. As demand grows, up to half of the plant’s workforce—around 1,000 employees—will focus on electric powertrains. By 2028, Steyr aims to produce as many as 600,000 electric engines annually.

The Neue Klasse platform will underpin a wide range of upcoming BMW models. Within the first two years after launch, at least six new vehicles are expected to debut. Production will span multiple facilities, including plants in Hungary, China, the U.S., and Mexico, enabling flexible regional supply and localized component manufacturing.

Industry observers highlight that Gen6 eDrive positions BMW among the leaders in the electric vehicle market. With extended range and faster charging speeds surpassing those of Tesla and Mercedes, and a new cylindrical battery design offering higher energy capacity, BMW aims to solidify its standing as competition in the EV sector continues to intensify.