First BMW i3 EV Rolls Off Production Line

The upcoming electric 3-Series is BMW's most important new model.

Feb. 5, 2026 at 5:55pm

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BMW has built the first pre-production model of its upcoming i3 electric sedan at the Munich plant where the final car will be mass-produced. While the full reveal is still to come, this marks a key milestone as the i3 prepares to join BMW's lineup as the brand's first global electric 3-Series.

Why it matters

The i3 is a critical new model for BMW as it transitions its iconic 3-Series lineup to electric power. As BMW's first dedicated EV sedan, the i3 will play a major role in the brand's electrification strategy and help establish its presence in the growing electric vehicle market.

The details

The production model of the i3 appears to closely follow the design of the earlier Vision Neue Klasse concept, featuring BMW's signature kidney grilles and headlight design. Unlike the previous i3 hatchback, this new model is built on a dedicated EV platform and will be offered alongside an internal combustion variant of the Neue 3-Series.

  • The first pre-production i3 was built at BMW's Munich plant in February 2026.
  • Full production of the i3 is expected to begin later in 2026.

The players

BMW

A German multinational corporation that produces luxury vehicles and motorcycles.

Vision Neue Klasse

A concept car that previewed the design of the upcoming BMW i3 electric sedan.

Fred Smith

The motorsports editor at Road & Track magazine, who has a passion for auto racing.

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What they’re saying

“The i3 is going to be one of BMW's most important cars ever—its first global electric 3-Series, and the first sedan ever built on the much-touted Neue Klasse EV platform.”

— Fred Smith, Motorsports Editor (Road & Track)

What’s next

Full production of the BMW i3 is expected to begin later in 2026 after the completion of pre-production testing.

The takeaway

The arrival of the BMW i3 marks a significant milestone in the brand's transition to electric vehicles, as it brings the iconic 3-Series nameplate into the EV era and establishes BMW's presence in the growing electric sedan market.