BMW Prepares for All-Electric Future with Neue Klasse Production Starting in 2026

BMW plans to start production of its next-generation electric vehicle, the Neue Klasse, at its Munich headquarters factory in 2026. The company is developing a dedicated production and logistics system to accommodate the new EV platform. Currently, BMW is fine-tuning its production processes under a tight schedule.

The Munich plant currently manufactures the i4, 4 Series Gran Coupe, 3 Series, and 3 Series Touring in internal combustion and hybrid versions. However, by 2027, the facility will transition to an all-electric vehicle production site. BMW has confirmed that pre-production of the iX3, internally codenamed “NA5,” is already underway at its Debrecen factory in Hungary. The company is conducting production simulations in collaboration with the Hungarian team, with mass production set to begin by year-end.

While the Munich plant is transforming its existing facilities, the Debrecen factory was built from the ground up on undeveloped land. Both plants utilize identical production technology under BMW’s iFactory strategy. The Munich plant is also expected to produce the next-generation 3 Series electric sedan (codenamed “NA0,” the successor to the i3) and the i3 Touring (codenamed “NA1”) in the future.

The Munich factory is building three new production halls for body manufacturing, assembly, and logistics. BMW aims to reduce production costs through optimized processes and targeted automation while focusing on the Neue Klasse’s EV-specific design. By eliminating the multi-powertrain approach and concentrating solely on electric drivetrains, the company plans to streamline complex production steps, such as wiring harness installation, which previously varied based on engine configurations.

By the decade’s end, BMW projects a significant expansion of its battery EV market share. As part of this strategy, the Munich factory in Germany and the Debrecen plant in Hungary will transition into dedicated EV production facilities. In contrast, BMW’s Dingolfing and Leipzig plants in Germany will continue to operate flexible production lines, manufacturing internal combustion, hybrid, and electric vehicles on the same platform for the foreseeable future.