KATHMANDU: BMW has started production of its all-electric i3 sedan at its Munich plant in Germany, marking a major step in the company’s transition towards electric vehicles.
The new i3 is positioned as a rival to the Tesla Model 3. BMW says demand for the electric sedan has been strong since orders opened in June.
The i3 is the first of several Neue Klasse models that will be produced at the Munich facility. From 2027, the plant is expected to produce only electric vehicles, ending decades of combustion-engine vehicle production at the site.
BMW has significantly upgraded the Munich plant for EV production. The company has added a new body shop, vehicle assembly and logistics areas, as well as a new delivery hall.
The upgrades and new production technologies have helped BMW reduce manufacturing costs at the plant by around 10 percent.
The BMW i3 is initially available in the i3 50 xDrive variant. It features a 108.7 kWh battery and dual electric motors producing a combined 463 hp and 645 Nm of torque.
The electric sedan can accelerate from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. It offers a WLTP range of up to 906 km on a single charge.
The i3 uses an 800-volt electrical architecture and supports DC fast charging at up to 400 kW. BMW claims the system can add up to 423 km of range in just 10 minutes.
BMW plans to expand the Neue Klasse lineup at the Munich plant with additional electric models, further strengthening the company’s shift towards EV production.
