BMW Is Boosting iX3 Production To Meet Strong Demand

Not lengthy after BMW unveiled the second-generation iX3, orders began flooding in. As a refresher, the world debut on the IAA Mobility Present in Munich came about final September. A mere month later, the electrical SUV was already outselling the gas-fueled X3 in Germany by way of orders.

In November, CEO Oliver Zipse stated the mannequin internally generally known as “NA5” was having an “exceptionally optimistic begin.” A lot so, in reality, that the order books have been already thick sufficient to cowl manufacturing nicely into 2026. By December, the iX3 was almost bought out in Europe, in line with BMW Italy President and CEO Massimiliano Di Silvestre.

Der Spiegel is now reporting that order consumption stays robust. Citing BMW insiders, the German newspaper claims the iX3 is attracting “very excessive order volumes” from each personal and fleet patrons. To deal with the inflow of demand, BMW intends to ramp up manufacturing at its new Debrecen plant in Hungary.

A 3rd shift is allegedly set to be added earlier than initially deliberate. As soon as working at full capability, the manufacturing facility can construct as much as 150,000 automobiles yearly. Der Spiegel additionally notes that the iX3 is attracting clients who’ve by no means purchased a BMW earlier than, with one in three reportedly new to the model.

It’s value noting that returning BMW patrons are allegedly ordering the iX3 with out even seeing it within the metallic. Take a look at drives will solely be doable from early March, when the Neue Klasse EV goes on sale in Europe. Individuals must wait till the summer time, whereas clients in China will obtain a long-wheelbase version later this 12 months. The stretched iX3 “NA6” can even be bought in India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

For almost two years, Debrecen would be the solely manufacturing facility within the BMW Group’s manufacturing community assembling the standard-wheelbase iX3. The “NA5” is anticipated to enter manufacturing on the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico beginning in August 2027.

The excessive order consumption is much more spectacular when you think about that BMW at present presents only a single model: the iX3 50 xDrive. As soon as the rear-wheel-drive, single-motor variant reaches Europe by the top of the 12 months, demand ought to spike once more. The iX3 40 will carry a decrease beginning worth, whereas efficiency lovers can stay up for the iX3 M60 forward of an eventual X3 M within the coming years.

The swoopy iX4 hasn’t been formally introduced but, however spy shots counsel its world premiere is prone to happen this 12 months. It might make sense for BMW to construct the electrical coupe-SUV in Debrecen as nicely, making the choice so as to add that third shift sooner than deliberate a logical transfer.

Supply: Der Spiegel (subscription required)