Photos: First new BMW i3 enters near-series production with digital factory integration

The BMW Group plant in Munich has commenced near-series production of the new BMW i3, marking a critical milestone ahead of the full-scale series launch expected in the second half of 2026. This phase involves rigorous real-world testing of the plant’s modernized facilities—including the press shop, body shop, paint shop, and logistics systems—to ensure they can support mass production. Initial test runs have yielded valuable data that will be used to optimize assembly processes and material flows, with a strong emphasis on digitally integrating manufacturing equipment to prevent technical bottlenecks. Significantly, this is the first time the BMW i3 is being manufactured entirely within the Munich plant, consolidating all production steps under one roof, a shift from previous practices that split assembly between the Munich plant and a nearby pilot facility. Employee training has transitioned from virtual augmented reality sessions to hands-on work with actual equipment, ensuring workforce readiness. BMW has not yet released final fuel consumption or CO2 emission figures for the new i3, focusing