The Bavarians have finally made a decision regarding the future of their most practical body type. The first electric 3 Series Touring, designated as the i3 Touring (factory code NA1), will be produced at BMW's "home" plant in Munich. This decision carries symbolic weight, considering that this factory, which has been operating for over a century, is preparing for a complete transformation into the new era of electric vehicles.
Rumors that BMW might "kill off" the 3 Series Touring after the current G21 model's life cycle ends have proven unfounded. During the world premiere of the i3 sedan, company CEO Oliver Zipse hinted at expanding the model lineup by showing the silhouette of a touring model in the background. However, we now have confirmation that the i3 Touring will become part of the Neue Klasse family, the new platform on which the brand places great expectations.
Series production of the i3 sedan (NA0) will begin in August of this year, while for the Touring version, we will have to wait a bit longer. Although exact dates have not yet been specified, it is logical to assume that the first commercial units will roll off the production line no earlier than the second half of 2027. This aligns with the plans for the modernization of the Munich plant, which from 2027 will completely cease production of vehicles with internal combustion engines (ICE).
For those not ready to switch to electric propulsion, there is news that can be interpreted in two ways. BMW is considering the possibility of producing the next generation of the 3 Series Touring with an ICE (possibly designated as G51). However, even if this project gets the "green light," it will not be produced in Munich. Since the main plant is becoming exclusively electric, production of ICE versions will likely be relocated to Dingolfing, where they will share the assembly line with the G50 sedan.
Munich is not the only location for the Neue Klasse. The iX3 crossover is produced at the new plant in Debrecen, Hungary. Starting in 2027, the Mexican plant in San Luis Potosí will join the process, and from 2028, i3 sedans for the American market will also be produced there.
Interestingly, BMW is keeping its plans for the Regensburg plant under wraps. Experts expect that the next generation of the iX1 model (NB5) will be produced there, prototypes of which have already been spotted multiple times during testing. The redesign of the brand's smallest electric crossover is expected next year, fitting into the overall pace of electrification across the model lineup.