NA0 BMW i3 Neue Klasse series production starts in Munich, Malaysia launch in 2027?

BMW Group has officially started series production of the all-new NA0 BMW i3 at its Munich plant in Germany, marking another milestone in the rollout of the company's Neue Klasse family of vehicles. The production launch comes after strong customer interest prompted BMW to open order books earlier than originally planned.

The new i3 becomes the first Neue Klasse model to enter series production in Germany and represents the next chapter for BMW's iconic 3 Series, reimagined as a fully electric sedan. The NA5 BMW iX3 is manufactured in BMW's plant in Debrecen, Hungary.

According to BMW, customer demand has exceeded initial expectations following the early opening of order books, prompting the company to accelerate production ramp-up at its Munich facility. The plant is expected to progressively increase output over the coming months to meet global demand.

The start of production also concludes one of BMW's largest factory transformation projects in recent years. Around one-third of the Munich plant has been redeveloped while normal vehicle production continued, with the facility now featuring a new body shop, assembly hall, logistics centre and delivery area dedicated to Neue Klasse vehicles. From 2027 onwards, BMW's home plant will exclusively manufacture fully electric vehicles.

The Munich plant has been redesigned around BMW's iFACTORY production concept, which makes extensive use of digital planning, artificial intelligence and virtual simulations to improve manufacturing efficiency. Employees were trained using augmented reality before production equipment was commissioned, while production processes were digitally validated before physical installation began.

BMW says the modernised production system will reduce manufacturing costs at the Munich plant by around 10% compared with the previous generation, while improving production flexibility and overall efficiency.

The all-new BMW i3 is based on the Neue Klasse architecture and introduces BMW's latest generation of electric vehicle technology, including an 800-volt electrical system, sixth-generation eDrive powertrain and a completely redesigned digital cockpit. The model follows the recently launched iX3 SUV as the second production vehicle built on the Neue Klasse platform.

Closer to home, BMW Malaysia recently launched the NA5 2026 BMW iX3, available in a sole 50 xDrive M Sport Pro variant. It is priced from RM 378,800 with the standard 2-year, unlimited mileage warranty package. Opt for the 5-year BSRI package and the price increases to RM 399,800. All 50 units have been spoken for, by the way.

As for the NA0 BMW i3, we reckon that a Q1 2027 launch in Malaysia is possible. After all, between the NA5 iX3's global debut to its eventual arrival here took 11 months, hinting that the same could be said for the NA0 i3.