BMW Announces i3 Production Starts In The Second Half Of 2026

It’s at all times an eventful day when BMW posts its quarterly outcomes. Firm executives usually focus on monetary and gross sales figures, however sometimes, different attention-grabbing particulars emerge. Right this moment was a kind of days, as CEO Oliver Zipse confirmed that the brand new i3 will enter manufacturing within the second half of 2026.

Evolving from a unusual small hatchback into a bigger sedan, the i3 (NA0) might be in-built Munich. The historic plant is ready to provide solely EVs by the top of 2027, elevating the query of what is going to occur to the three Collection. For now, BMW’s boss isn’t sharing specifics, solely noting that “different places in our worldwide manufacturing community will observe with manufacturing of three Collection variants.”

For the primary time for the reason that E21 debuted 50 years in the past, a 3 Collection era received’t be made at dwelling in Munich. We’re listening to production will move to Dingolfing, though that hasn’t been formally confirmed. As anticipated, different websites within the world community may even assemble the eighth-generation mannequin.

Though Zipse mentioned the gasoline and electrical sedans collectively, the 2 won’t be equivalent underneath the pores and skin. Whereas their styling and infotainment know-how might be intently aligned, the platforms will differ. The following 3 Series (G50) will proceed to make use of the confirmed CLAR structure, whereas the returning i3 will experience on the Neue Klasse electric-only platform pioneered by the iX3. In the event that they shared the identical underpinnings, it could make sense to construct them collectively, however that’s not the case.

There’s no official affirmation but on whether or not both mannequin will spawn a wagon. Usually, a brand new 3 Collection Touring could be anticipated, although the destiny of the “G51” stays unsure. Our sources counsel the electrical i3 Touring (“NA1”) has a greater probability of taking place. It’s rumored to enter manufacturing a few 12 months after the sedan, probably on the similar Munich facility.

Since China stays BMW’s largest single market regardless of softening demand, localized variations of each the three Collection and i3 are deliberate. As standard, they’re anticipated to function stretched wheelbases to offer further rear legroom, together with extra luxurious interiors tailor-made to native preferences.

Additional down the road, an M3 powered by an inline-six engine and one other totally electrical M3 will spherical out the three Collection household.