BMW has announced plans to shift its Munich plant, a historic facility dating back to 1922, towards the production of electric vehicles by the end of 2027. The plant, originally dedicated to aircraft engine manufacturing, has been crafting cars since 1952, starting with the BMW 501.
To facilitate the transformation for high-volume electric vehicle production, BMW has allocated 650 million euros (around $714 million) for expanding the Munich plant. Engine production was relocated to Austria and the U.K. last year, signaling the end of engine manufacturing at German facilities.
Producing the 3-Series and 4-Series lines, the Munich plant plans to halt combustion versions by late 2027, shifting focus to the Neue Klasse EV. In 2026, production of the next-generation 3-Series family, including the Neue Klasse EV, will begin in Debrecen, Hungary, with additional units planned for China and North America.
The term “Neue Klasse,” translating to “New Class” in German, denotes BMW’s upcoming generation of EVs, featuring a newly developed platform and introducing fresh design elements for exteriors and cabins, previewed in the Vision Neue Klasse concept from the previous year.
BMW CEO Oliver Zipse has affirmed that the Vision Neue Klasse concept closely resembles the upcoming Neue Klasse sedan, set to be followed by an SUV prototype, likely belonging to the next-generation X3 family. Subsequently, four more Neue Klasse EVs are expected in rapid succession, potentially encompassing various body styles rather than distinct model lines.