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A Historic Shift: The Electric Revolution Takes Over BMW’s Munich Home

Big things are happening at BMW as the company prepares to solidify its electric future. The German automaker is breaking an unwritten rule that has been in effect for half a century, signalling a powerful commitment to the next generation of e-mobility. This monumental change centers on the heart of the brand: the legendary 3 Series.

The 3 Series Moves Out to Welcome the i3

Since 1975, the 3 Series Sedan, arguably BMW’s most important model, has been built at the company’s main plant in Munich, Germany. That all changes in the second half of 2026. The next-generation, Neue Klasse-based BMW i3 will take the reins, kicking the internal-combustion 3 Series sedan out of its historic home.

This massive organizational shift, announced quietly in the company's recent earnings documents, shows unequivocally that BMW is taking its electric vision seriously. While it may be leaving its birthplace, the combustion-powered 3 Series is far from sidelined. Though not yet officially confirmed, the next-generation 3 Series is rumored to continue its legacy at Dingolfing, the automaker’s largest European plant, alongside the 7 Series and 8 Series.

The New i3: An Electric Alternative to a Legend

The arrival of the new BMW i3 marks a significant evolution for the nameplate, transforming it from a quirky city hatchback into a fully grown, all-electric alternative to the ubiquitous 3 Series sedan.

What's fascinating is that both the electric i3 and the eighth-generation, combustion-powered 3 Series will be sold simultaneously. Despite any design similarities, they will utilize fundamentally different engineering:

  • BMW i3: Built on the cutting-edge Neue Klasse architecture, which is EV-only.

  • 3 Series: Continues to use the proven CLAR platform, supporting rear-wheel drive and all-wheel drive for combustion, plug-in hybrid, and even existing all-electric powertrains.

The Cutting Edge of Neue Klasse Technology

The foundation for this new electric era has already been successfully laid with the new iX3 crossover, the first model to use the Neue Klasse architecture. This launch proved that a legacy automaker can hold its own against progressive brands like Tesla and BYD by offering world-class technology.

The Neue Klasse platform brings the latest and greatest advancements to the market, which the new i3 will also enjoy: an 800-volt battery for ultra-fast charging, bespoke battery cells, advanced silicon carbide (SiC) components, and highly efficient drive units. This technology has already delivered impressive driving range, very fast charging abilities, and well-rounded driving behavior in the iX3.

The same excellence is expected to hold true when the new i3 lands next year. The market will soon see if the electric sedan can ultimately trump the combustion version, which has long been the gold standard for BMW fans worldwide.

If you are searching for OEM BMW Parts, such as genuine 2025 BMW i4 parts, check out the manufacturer direct selection at BMW Discount Parts. All products are factory direct from BMW with a full warranty. 

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