BMW i3: Production starts in the second half of 2026
Was technological openness the right path? The BMW Group is performing better than other German car manufacturers, as demonstrated by the latest quarterly figures presented by CEO Oliver Zipse.
Despite the challenging market in China, global sales growth of 8.7% was achieved in the third quarter compared to the previous year; excluding China, growth was even higher at 12.2%. Through September, sales in Europe rose by 8.6% compared to 2024, and in the US by 9.5%. These strong results offset the performance in China, according to Zipse.
Source: Motor1.com Germany
Zipse continued: "Growth drivers were both our electrified vehicles and the BMW M models. Thanks to our technology-neutral approach and the appeal of our premium brands, we offer our customers a wide range of products that perfectly match their individual needs and preferences."
In the coming months, we will take our portfolio to the next level with the launch of the NEW CLASS. Two months ago, at the IAA Mobility show here in Munich, we unveiled the BMW iX3*, the first vehicle in the NEW CLASS. The response was overwhelming – from visitors, fans, media, analysts, and policymakers from around the world. A few weeks later, we celebrated the official opening of our new plant in Debrecen, where the iX3 is produced.
Customer demand is already exceeding our expectations. Orders from Europe alone extend several months into 2026. This confirms the extremely positive launch of the vehicle.
Image courtesy of: BMW
The New Class (we spell it with a lowercase letter, unlike BMW) will soon be joined by other models. Among them is an i3 , which shares only its name with the former electric city car . Zipse also commented on this during the annual press conference:
"The next model in the NEW CLASS, which we teased at the IAA, is about to launch: the new BMW i3. With the eighth generation of the BMW 3 Series, we are bringing the NEW CLASS and its technology clusters to the heart of the BMW brand. Production of the i3 will start in the second half of 2026 at our main plant in Munich. Other locations in our international production network will follow with the production of 3 Series models."
During 2026, we will demonstrate how the technologies of the NEW CLASS will be integrated into further models such as the 7 Series and the X5. By 2027, we will launch 40 new and revised models worldwide featuring the technologies of the NEW CLASS and the new design language.
BMW still has big plans. The next X5 will be available with practically every type of powertrain; even a hydrogen variant is slated for series production.
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