It’s always an eventful day when BMW publishes its quarterly results. Company executives typically discuss financial and revenue figures, but occasionally other interesting details come to light. Today was one of those days as CEO Oliver Zipse confirmed that the new i3 will enter production in the second half of 2026.
The i3 (NA0) evolves from a quirky little hatchback into a larger sedan and is built in Munich. The historic factory is scheduled to produce only electric vehicles by the end of 2027, raising the question of what will happen to the 3 Series. The BMW boss is not providing any specific information for the time being, he only points out that “other locations in our international production network will follow with the production of 3 Series variants”.
For the first time since the E21 debuted 50 years ago, a generation 3 will not be made at home in Munich. We hear that production is moving to Dingolfing, although this has not been officially confirmed yet. As expected, other locations in the global network will also assemble the eighth generation model.
Although Zipse discussed the gas and electric sedans together, the two won’t be identical under the skin. While their design and infotainment technology will be closely aligned, the platforms will differ. The next 3 Series (G50) will continue to use the proven CLAR architecture, while the returning i3 will ride on the Neue Klasse all-electric platform developed by the iX3. If they had the same foundations, it would make sense to build them together, but that’s not the case.
There is no official confirmation yet as to whether either model will spawn a station wagon. Normally a new 3 Series Touring would be expected, but the fate of the “G51” remains uncertain. Our sources believe that the electric i3 Touring (“NA1”) has a better chance. Rumor has it that production will begin about a year after the sedan, probably at the same Munich factory.
Since China remains BMW’s single largest market despite slowing demand, localized versions of both the 3 Series and i3 are planned. As usual, they are expected to feature longer wheelbases to provide more rear legroom, as well as more luxurious interiors tailored to local preferences.
Later, an M3 with an in-line six-cylinder engine and another fully electric M3 will complete the 3 Series family.
