LOOK: Here's your first look at all-new BMW 3 Series...EV
BMW has built the first pre-series production of the i3 EV sedan
Readers of a certain age may remember BMW releasing the i3 mini EV way back in 2013. It's a chic-looking electric hatchback that's available purely as an EV or with a gasoline engine serving as a range-extender (i.e., generator).
Alas, the i3 was not long for this world, as BMW ceased production of the EV in 2022. While the hatchback itself has been consigned to the history books, BMW will be bringing back the i3 name for an all-new EV.
After being spotted several times and seeing the M version of the upcoming EV sedan, BMW has officially built the first pre-series production of the BMW i3, AKA the all-new 3 Series EV. This was made possible after BMW completed work on the new manufacturing and logistics areas at the company's Munich plant. But why did BMW go to the trouble of making pre-series production of the i3?
To ensure that the all-new BMW i3 goes smoothly and that parts integration is done with ease, BMW Group Plant Munch is entering the next phase, as the plant launches production of the first near-series test vehicles for the new 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. 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,” said Peter Weber, Head of BMW Group Plant Munich.
As for the vehicle itself, the BMW i3 is still covered in camouflage. But based on what our spies saw a few months ago, it's clear that this is the all-new 3 Series, albeit using electric propulsion. The overall shape and design of the all-new i3 is reminiscent of the next-generation 3 Series our spies managed to spot before, and also looks like the M3 EV prototype we reported a few months ago.
With BMW officially confirming the existence of the all-new i3, it won't be long before the automaker unveils the EV, as well as the next-generation 3 Series.
