BMW Group is accelerating its shift toward electric mobility with a major transformation of its Munich production facility, which will begin series production of the new BMW i3 in August 2026.
The Munich plant, one of BMW’s oldest manufacturing sites, has undergone extensive модернизация to become more efficient, flexible, and digitally advanced. The upgrade is part of BMW’s broader “iFACTORY” strategy, which focuses on efficiency, sustainability, and digitalisation across its global production network.
BMW confirmed that from 2027, the Munich facility will operate as a fully electric vehicle plant, marking a significant milestone in the company’s electrification roadmap. The transformation is backed by an investment of approximately €650 million.
The upcoming BMW i3 will be the second model in the Neue Klasse lineup, a new generation of electric vehicles designed to redefine performance, efficiency, and digital integration. BMW also plans to expand production at the site with additional Neue Klasse models, including a future i3 Touring variant.
The plant’s overhaul includes a new body shop equipped with around 800 industrial robots and an automation rate of nearly 98%, significantly reducing production complexity. Advanced AI-powered systems are being used for quality control, including automated surface inspection and processing technologies in the paint shop.
BMW has also integrated digital tracking systems into the assembly line, allowing each vehicle to transmit data on up to 20,000 features during production. This enables real-time monitoring and quality assurance, enhancing overall manufacturing precision.
Logistics operations have been redesigned to improve efficiency, with around 70% of components set to be delivered directly to assembly lines. Automated transport systems and smart robotics will handle up to 60% of supply processes, supported by a centralized digital logistics control system.
The Munich plant will also benefit from a localized supply chain. High-voltage batteries for the new i3 will be produced at BMW’s facility in Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria, while electric motors will be manufactured at its Steyr plant in Austria.
BMW executives highlighted that the transformation will reduce production costs by an additional 10% compared to the current vehicle generation, while ensuring long-term competitiveness in the EV market.
With over a century of manufacturing history, the Munich plant’s transition into a fully electric and digitally driven facility underscores BMW’s commitment to leading the next phase of automotive innovation through its Neue Klasse platform.
