BMW i3 Neue Klasse: Pre-Series Production Begins in Munich

BMW is crossing a major milestone with the new i3 electric sedan, firing up pre-series production at its Munich facility. This sedan built on the Neue Klasse platform will enter full production in the second half of 2026, taking over from the iconic gasoline-powered 3 Series on the Bavarian plant's assembly lines after 50 years of reign.

"For the first time, we've built a complete BMW i3 in our own plant — using cutting-edge manufacturing technology and digitally interconnected processes" — Peter Weber, Director of BMW's Munich Plant

Neue Klasse Taking Shape on the Line

Official photos released by BMW show camouflaged prototypes now assembled with genuine production parts. Unlike earlier prototypes partially built in the research center's pilot plant, these pre-series i3s are rolling entirely off Munich's production lines.

This testing phase validates all final equipment: stamping presses, body shop, paint booth, and final assembly. Teams are checking logistics flows and processes before commercial launch planned for the second half of 2026.

Betting on 50 Years of History

The stakes here go beyond a simple model launch. This electric i3 is going to oust the gasoline 3 Series from its historic home where it's been assembled non-stop for half a century. A powerful symbol of BMW's shift to electrification.

The sedan borrows the i3 name dropped when the small electric city car was discontinued, but shares no technical connection with it. It's built on the brand-new Neue Klasse architecture, purpose-built for electric vehicles and already deployed on the iX3 launched earlier this year.

When Will It Arrive at Dealerships?

Sales kick off in the second half of 2026, first in European markets then worldwide. BMW hasn't announced a precise timeline yet, but pre-series production suggests they're on track.

The German maker is betting big on this sedan to take on the Tesla Model 3 and Audi A4 e-tron. It'll pack the panoramic iDrive screen already seen on the Vision Neue Klasse concept shown in 2023.

Performance Specs—Holding the Cards

BMW is keeping technical details under wraps but promises "solid performance and generous range" according to internal sources. The Neue Klasse platform supports rapid charging and could deliver serious power, judging by the iX3's 469 horses.

The Gasoline 3 Series Isn't Dead Yet

Here's the paradox: the gasoline-powered 3 Series will keep trucking along on the older CLAR platform. BMW is keeping a dual offering while the market fully transitions to electric. Two philosophies will temporarily coexist in the lineup.

This cautious strategy reflects the uncertainty surrounding Europe's EV market, which saw sales slowdown in 2025. Munich would rather keep all options open than bet everything on electric alone.

The Munich plant is becoming a full-scale laboratory for this transition. After decades of combustion engines, the lines are adapting to batteries and electric motors. It's a technical and human challenge that BMW seems to be tackling methodically.

---

📚 Read Also

• BMW iX3 Price Hikes Before First Deliveries Hit
• Hyundai Ioniq 3 2026: Price and Design of the Electric City Car Revealed
• XPeng GX: This Chinese Electric SUV Copies the Range Rover for €50K