BMW has begun pre-series test vehicle production of the upcoming i3, its first electric 3 Series, which is scheduled to enter full production in the second half of 2026.
The pre-series vehicles are part of the final preparation phase ahead of full production.
Unlike the previous BMW i3, which was a hatchback, the upcoming model will serve as an electric counterpart to the existing 3 Series saloon.
It is part of BMW’s Neue Klasse range, which launched late last year with the iX3, and will spawn high-performance M models later on.
Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich, said: “Production of pre-series vehicles is an important milestone for our plant.
“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.”
