[Mani59]

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+++ New production lines go into pre-series operation at BMW Group Plant Munich +++ Series production of new BMW i3 to begin in second half of 2026 +++



4th February 2026

Munich. BMW Group Plant Munich is entering the next phase, as the plant launches production of the first near-series test vehicles for the new BMW i3*. This marks the beginning of the final preparation phase for the start of series production in the second half of 2026.

“Production of pre-series vehicles is an important milestone for our plant,” says Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich. “For the first time, we have built a BMW i3 entirely at our plant – using state-of-the-art manufacturing technology and digitally connected processes. With production now close to series maturity, our logistics and production processes are performing under real-world conditions across all technologies: in our modernised press shop, the new body shop, the state-of-the-art paint shop and the new assembly area, as well as the innovative logistics structures. Over the coming months, we will apply the lessons learned from the ramp-up to further refine the processes for series production and ensure a smooth series launch.”

On the road to series production

Integration of new models begins with pre-series vehicles – a crucial step in gearing up for future series production.

What makes Plant Munich unique is that a team from the facility has so far worked alongside a team from the nearby pilot plant to assemble the first vehicles at the Research and Innovation Centre. With the completion of Plant Munich’s new manufacturing and logistics areas, vehicles now pass through all production steps on site. This means that all logistics processes, manufacturing equipment and operations must already run smoothly. Although quantities are still small, all parts are supplied via the designated material flows and processed on the production line. Every part and every production step is closely scrutinised. A particular focus is on the approval inspection for cutting-edge production equipment and tools, and on how these are digitally integrated with existing systems.

Running system tests for the future vehicle model helps identify further potential for optimisation. In the coming months, efforts will be directed towards refining processes, based on the insights gained.

Employee training – first virtually, then in the real world

During this phase, employees will also undergo intensive training: until recently, using augmented reality and now, on the new installations and machinery. Close cooperation across all areas of production will ensure operations are seamlessly integrated for a smooth and successful series launch.

[GOLFFRR]

ok here we go... lets see how this roles out.

[I-driver]

Juzzed up to see progress.
The M version will be a game changer. Time to say good bye to Tesla and other ipads on wheels.

[Evinrude1975]

The beginning of the end

[stoked335d]

It rolls out in camo? How much is that individual paint option? 😁

[SFBavarianArea]

Looks properly mean head on 🤗


They finally uncovered those front fenders


Front arches are more pronounced than I would’ve guessed (for a non-M)…giving me mk3 Jetta vibes -which- could be something if they can pull it off as a whole (surfacing/shadow/etc.)


Still disguising that hofmeister kink…I’m waiting


Is that a new blue or Monaco/San Marino-esque??


The wheels are a nice nod to the 2002 Turbo Hommage concept…they don’t look like the full blown 795Ms but still get the point / callback across (notice that front fender) :

[adhrp]

Originally Posted by SFBavarianArea

Looks properly mean head on 🤗


They finally uncovered those front fenders


Front arches are more pronounced than I would’ve guessed (for a non-M)…giving me mk3 Jetta vibes -which- could be something if they can pull it off as a whole (surfacing/shadow/etc.)


Still disguising that hofmeister kink…I’m waiting


Is that a new blue or Monaco/San Marino-esque??


The wheels are a nice nod to the 2002 Turbo Hommage concept…they don’t look like the full blown 795Ms but still get the point / callback across (notice that front fender) :

What's with that Habsburg jaw on the front...it looks fugly. I don't think the photos above show such a protrusion.

[SFBavarianArea]

Originally Posted by SFBavarianArea

Looks properly mean head on 🤗


They finally uncovered those front fenders


Front arches are more pronounced than I would’ve guessed (for a non-M)…giving me mk3 Jetta vibes -which- could be something if they can pull it off as a whole (surfacing/shadow/etc.)


Still disguising that hofmeister kink…I’m waiting


Is that a new blue or Monaco/San Marino-esque??


The wheels are a nice nod to the 2002 Turbo Hommage concept…they don’t look like the full blown 795Ms but still get the point / callback across (notice that front fender) :

Originally Posted by adhrp

What's with that Habsburg jaw on the front...it looks fugly. I don't think the photos above show such a protrusion.

k.

[lefkonj]

Can't wait to see the I4 version of this design. Love my I4M50 and would gladly update to the new design or the Mi4 when it comes out.

[Sudtirol]

Interesting to see the tires are 1" taller than on the current i4.

Fronts show 245/40R20 whereas i4 has 245/40R19 so same 98mm sidewall but bigger tire diameter for lower rolling resistance (and better stance).

[jcarys]

I want to see dimensions and weight of this compared to the gas model. Still, it's the most interesting of the NK so far, something I might actually drive.

[ynguldyn]

Originally Posted by lefkonj

Can't wait to see the I4 version of this design. Love my I4M50 and would gladly update to the new design or the Mi4 when it comes out.

"The i4 version of this design" will have two doors.

If you want a replacement for your current 4-door i4, you're looking at it.

[JMD]

Looks like BMW is gonna 'milk' this thing until the udders fall off!

[Daaaadadundun]

There is almost no doubt in my mind that I am looking at the preproduction version of my first EV. I am certain that this is going to be a great looking car.

[JMD]

Originally Posted by Evinrude1975

The beginning of the end

Something similar to this was said when BMW entered the "SUV" market with the OG E53 X5! Although,...BMW prefers SAV over SUV!!

Now look, not only does the X5 still exist, it has much company by way of the X1, X2, X3, X4, X6, and X7!

So, what some 'may see' as the end,...BMW is seeing as a new beginning,...and opportunity to expand the lineup!

Case in point,....X5 owners don't shop the lower tier X SAVs,...and X7 owners won't shop below an X5,...to which, many X7 owners once owned an X5.

BMW isn't marketing their EVs to naysayers,...they are marketing their EVs to folks that 1) already understand the benefits of an EV over ICE,...and 2) those that want an ICE and EV option of a BMW.

Clearly, many are still stuck in the ICE Age! ijs

[John Casey]

Originally Posted by JMD

BMW isn't marketing their EVs to naysayers,...they are marketing their EVs to folks that 1) already understand the benefits of an EV over ICE,...and 2) those that want an ICE and EV option of a BMW.

Keep in mind this will be sold right alongside the new ICE 3 series (G50), just like the new iX3 (NA5) will be sold right alongside the current ICE X3 (G45), which will also be sold right alongside the iX (I20) for a few more years. There will be a lot of options at your local BMW dealership in the near future.

Want a new 3 series and hate EVs? BMW's got an option for you.
Want a new 3 series and want an EV? BMW's got an option for you.

It will be interesting to see how the take rates vary amongst the different versions.

[LuisBoston]

Originally Posted by JMD

Something similar to this was said when BMW entered the "SUV" market with the OG E53 X5! Although,...BMW prefers SAV over SUV!!

Now look, not only does the X5 still exist, it has much company by way of the X1, X2, X3, X4, X6, and X7!

So, what some 'may see' as the end,...BMW is seeing as a new beginning,...and opportunity to expand the lineup!

Case in point,....X5 owners don't shop the lower tier X SAVs,...and X7 owners won't shop below an X5,...to which, many X7 owners once owned an X5.

BMW isn't marketing their EVs to naysayers,...they are marketing their EVs to folks that 1) already understand the benefits of an EV over ICE,...and 2) those that want an ICE and EV option of a BMW.

Clearly, many are still stuck in the ICE Age! ijs

While there are many ICE queens who will die on that loud, slow(er) hill, BMW lost quite a few customers to Tesla when it had nothing to compete with the S and 3.

Now, they will come back to BMW. And then some.

[MDude]

Can’t wait to see the final product 😎

[chicagofan00]

[JK479]

Cheap hoodlines- reminds me of the new A5. Cost savings , no thanks.

[Needsdecaf]

Originally Posted by JMD

Looks like BMW is gonna 'milk' this thing until the udders fall off!

Milk what? It's the new design language. All the cars are going to look like this.

Did people say "BMW is gonna milk this thing" when Chris Bangle came out with flame surfacing?

Don't understand what this position even means.

[Chi58]

Man this anticipation on the M3 is getting to me.