The Bavarians have finally decided on the future of their most practical body type. The first-ever electric station wagon 3 Series, which will receive the index i3 Touring (factory code NA1), will be produced at BMW's 'home' plant in Munich. This decision seems symbolic since this plant, which has been operating for over a century, is preparing for a complete transformation into the new era of electric vehicles.
New architecture and old traditions
The rumors that BMW might 'kill' the 3 Series station wagon after the current G21's life cycle ends did not materialize. During the world premiere of the i3 sedan, the company's CEO, Oliver Zipse, hinted at the expansion of the model range by showing the silhouette of a station wagon in the background. We now have confirmation: the i3 Touring will become part of the Neue Klasse family, the new platform on which the brand has high hopes.
Serial production of the i3 sedan (NA0) will start in August this year. As for the Touring version, we will have to wait a little longer. Although exact dates have not yet been named, it's logical to assume that the first commercial examples will come off the assembly line no earlier than the second half of 2027. This coincides with the plans for the modernization of the Munich plant, which from 2027 will fully cease production of internal combustion engine vehicles (ICE).
What will happen to gasoline versions?
For those who are not ready to switch to 'electric,' there is news that can be interpreted in two ways. BMW is considering the possibility of producing the next generation 3 Series Touring with an ICE (possibly indexed G51). However, even if this project gets the 'green light,' it will not be assembled in Munich. Since the main plant is becoming exclusively electric, the production of ICE versions will likely be transferred to Dingolfing, where they will share a line with the G50 sedan.
Distribution of forces in the global network
Munich is not the only site for Neue Klasse. The iX3 crossover is assembled at a new plant in Debrecen (Hungary). From 2027, the Mexican plant in San Luis Potosi will join the process, and from 2028 will also produce i3 sedans for the American market.
Interestingly, BMW keeps secret its plans for the plant in Regensburg. Experts expect that the next generation iX1 (NB5), prototypes of which have already been repeatedly seen in tests, will be registered there. The update of the brand's smallest electric crossover is expected next year, fitting into the general pace of electrifying the model range.
