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BMW Ends Some Gen5 EV Production Early to Focus on Neue Klasse
BMW is ending production of some previous-generation Gen5 electric vehicles ahead of schedule, as the new Gen6 platform has seen strong demand and delivers higher margins.
By George Kensington · 2 min read
BMW has decided to end production of some current Gen5 electric vehicles ahead of schedule and focus on its new Gen6 platform, known as Neue Klasse. The decision was announced by CEO Milan Nedeljković together with third-quarter results. The accelerated ramp-up of Gen6 models is driven by strong demand, and the company cites higher margins on the new vehicles as its main rationale.
The company has not yet named the specific Gen5 models that will be discontinued earlier than planned. Trade publications have speculated: for example, the i4 electric vehicle may stop production in 2027, the current iX1 may be replaced in 2027, and the iX may, according to these estimates, end production in 2028, after the launch of the iX7. These claims remain unverified and have not been confirmed by BMW.
The main confirmation of Neue Klasse's success is the first Gen6 model, the iX3. It received more than 100,000 orders within a year of reaching the market, while roughly 50,000 units were produced over the same period. In response to this demand, the plant in Debrecen, Hungary, has moved to three-shift operation.
Gen6 production is expanding across several countries at once. Assembly is already underway in Debrecen, Munich, Dingolfing, Spartanburg and Shenyang. Series production in South Carolina is due to begin by the end of 2026, and output at the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico is planned for 2027. To supply these plants, a new battery factory in Irlbach-Straßkirchen was opened in October, supplying batteries to the company's German facilities.
BMW has also pledged to launch new Gen6 derivatives every quarter through the end of 2027. In addition, the company plans to release an entry-level compact electric vehicle in Europe in 2028. According to unconfirmed reports, this could be a five-door hatchback called the i1.
Source: bmwblog.com
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