BMW launches series production of all-electric i3 in Munich

Series production of the all-electric i3 is starting at BMW's main plant in Munich, making it the first "Neue Klasse" model to be built in series in Germany, the company said on Thursday.

The company, in a statement, said high demand for the i3 has lead to "a steep ramp-up curve at the plant."

Before that, the plant, where models from the 3 Series and 4 Series are built, had been rebuilt over several years while production continued.

Production board member Raymond Wittmann said the move sparks a new era for the main plant.

"With the fully-electric BMW i3, we are bringing together what belongs together: The 3 Series embodies BMW more than almost any other model - and Plant Munich represents our brand more than almost any other production site," Wittmann said in the statement.

With the start of the i3, manufacturing costs in Munich will be reduced by 10%, plant manager Peter Weber said.

From 2027, only all-electric vehicles are to be produced at the company's Munich headquarters. Further "Neue Klasse" models are to follow, but it is not yet known which ones.

For the "Neue Klasse," a new body shop, a vehicle assembly line, logistics areas and a delivery hall were built on the plant site.