After 1,007 km on a single battery charge, in the BMW iX3 50 xDrive from Debrecen to Munich: the BMW EfficientDynamics Team has taken on a new challenge.

The Paneuropeana – the benchmark for range and charging speed: Launched by Rafael de Mestre, it represents the ultimate test of efficiency, charging speed and, consequently, the long-distance capability of electric cars.

The key criterion of this extraordinary road trip: Who can travel across Europe via specified checkpoints with the shortest total charging time?

The route

The route begins at the North Cape, a headland jutting out into the Arctic Ocean on the northern side of the Norwegian island of Magerøya. It lies approximately 2,100 km south of the North Pole at 71° 10′ 21″ N / 25° 47′ 40″ E – and is thus the northernmost point of continental Europe accessible by car.

The route ends in Tarifa, situated at the easternmost end of Spain’s Costa de la Luz in the Andalusian province of Cádiz. At 36° 0' 23'' N / 5° 36' 31'' W – and thus the southernmost point of mainland Europe.

The stages and checkpoints have been deliberately chosen so that the focus is not on speed on the road. The vehicles taking part in the Paneuropeana are regular road users travelling along country roads, motorways and through towns.

However, the charging points are not pre-determined. And alongside a highly efficient vehicle with outstanding fast-charging capability, this is where the challenge lies: optimising the route between checkpoints specifically to make the best use of the charging infrastructure, whilst also taking into account external factors such as the weather, traffic jams, etc.

The Paneuropeana Performance

In numbers: On the Paneuropeana, the BMW i3 crossed eight countries, covering 5,886.7 km on motorways, country roads and through towns.

On average, it consumed just 12.5 kWh per 100 km. This figure is actually below the official WLTP combined energy consumption of 18–13.4 kWh/100 km. The driving time alone was 3 days, 2 hours and 41 minutes, with an average speed of 79.7 km/h. The BMW i3 50 xDrive was charged en route exclusively at publicly accessible charging points within the respective national charging networks.

The BMW i3 50 xDrive, which was driven at all times by a single engineer in the vehicle, was accompanied by an identical BMW i3 and a BMW iX3 50 xDrive acting as support vehicles. All vehicles were 100 per cent identical in terms of hardware and software to the standard production specification available to customers.

Record: 2 hours, 45 minutes, 54 seconds of DC high-performance charging

The BMW i3 50 xDrive spent this time at the charging point whilst travelling through Europe, at an average charging power of 275 kW. The BMW i3 50 xDrive has thus set an impressive record, strikingly underlining the unrestricted long-distance capability of modern BMW electric models.

The car

For more than five decades, the BMW 3 Series has stood for unmistakable sporting driving pleasure, distinctive design and consistent technical progress. In 2026, the new BMW i3 – the first fully electric BMW 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse – will make its debut. It enhances the familiar character of the BMW 3 Series with new, outstanding features.

The new BMW i3 features the sixth generation of BMW eDrive technology. This comprises fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, highly efficient electric motors, 800-volt technology and bidirectional charging functionality. Compared with the previous generation, the BMW eDrive system – known as Gen6 – offers significantly greater ranges, improved efficiency and enables considerably faster charging.

The challenger: the new BMW i3 50 xDrive, with one electric motor on each of the front and rear axles. It has a total system output of 345 kW/469 PS and a maximum torque of 645 Nm. It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 4.7 seconds. It features a 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery (usable energy) comprising lithium-ion cylindrical cells, which are integrated into the vehicle according to the ‘cell-to-pack’ and ‘pack-to-open-body’ principles. It achieves a maximum range of up to 912 km (WLTP). Its top speed is 200 km/h.

DC charging capacities of up to 400 kW also ensure drastically reduced charging times. At a DC fast charger, the BMW i3 50 xDrive can recharge enough energy for up to 423 km (WLTP) in 10 minutes.

BMW Efficient Dynamics @ Neue Klasse

Under the name BMW EfficientDynamics, an exceptional technology package was first introduced into series production at BMW in 2007. The promise to customers describes an apparent contradiction: more driving pleasure – lower fuel consumption. What was measured in litres of fuel for combustion-engine models, both then and now, is measured in kWh for all-electric models.

The outstanding EfficientDynamics features of the record-breaking BMW i3 50 xDrive:

a drag coefficient of just 0.21 – the most aerodynamically efficient BMW to date. The tyres have a rolling resistance that is 14 per cent better than the ‘A’ efficiency label stipulates. The wheels on the BMW i3 during its record-breaking run: 19-inch M Aerodynamic Polygon 1061 M wheels.

Energy losses in the Gen6 electric motors have been reduced by 40 per cent compared to the Gen5. The volumetric energy density of the Gen6 cylindrical cells has been increased by 20 per cent compared to the prismatic cells of the Gen5. The energy recuperation performance of the Gen6 has reached a new level: the high-performance computer ‘Heart of Joy’ controls more than 95 per cent of all braking processes via the electric motors – thereby feeding energy back into the high-voltage battery.

Made in Munich

The BMW i3 is manufactured at the BMW Group plant in Munich, the BMW Group’s original production site. For more than a hundred years, the plant in Milbertshofen, in the north of Munich, has been producing premium vehicles. Over the past four years, the plant has undergone extensive modernisation: in addition to a new body shop, a state-of-the-art vehicle assembly facility, including logistics areas, has been built.

CO₂ emissions & consumption

BMW i3 50 xDrive: combined WLTP kombiniert in kWh/100 km: 18 - 13,4

The speeches and telephone conferences for journalists and analysts & investors will be broadcast live on our website https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/investor-relations/company-reports.html: 
 

08.30 am (CET): Speeches Milan Nedeljković and Walter Mertl 
09.05 am (CET): Journalists Q&A 
10.15 am (CET): Analysts & Investors Q&A 
 

The online version of the BMW Group Report 2025 can be explored here: https://www.bmwgroup.com/en/report/2025/index.html 


 

As of September, the BMW Group was also successful in maintaining course to meet its full-year financial targets in this highly competitive environment, as demonstrated by the EBT margin of 6.8 % for the quarter (YTD Q3: 6.6%) and the EBIT margin in the Automotive segment of 3.4 % (YTD Q3: 3.5%) – giving the company the financial scope to expand its measures.

While the Automotive segment’s operative EBIT margin before consideration of restructuring measures continues to be expected above 2.0% for the full year, the BMW Group has adjusted its outlook for the reported figure and now expects a full-year EBIT margin between -0.5% and +0.5% (previously: 1–3%). The company’s stable operational performance is underlined by its expectations for Free Cash Flow in the Automotive segment: for 2026 it maintains the expectation that the Automotive Free Cash Flow will be above €2.5 billion.

Portfolio measures are driven by the sustained strong demand for Neue Klasse models, to which the BMW Group has responded by introducing additional production shifts at an early stage. The resulting acceleration of the production ramp-up creates an opportunity to begin phasing out previous vehicle and technology generations earlier, including selected models based on Gen5 battery technology.

The Neue Klasse, including its technology clusters such as Gen6 technology, is set to become a major driver of profitability improvement over the coming years, supported by its high level of innovation and enhanced cost efficiency.

The technology is already available in models such as the BMW iX3*, BMW i3*, BMW i7*, BMW iX4* and BMW iX5*, and will be rolled out to many more models in the coming months.

At the same time, the company intends to leverage the momentum generated by its workforce restructuring program to expand its organizational and process realignment. For example, the reduction in management functions will be implemented faster than announced.

“Current developments in our industry call for decisiveness and swift implementation. We will therefore specifically intensify and accelerate structural measures,” said Milan Nedeljković, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW AG, on Wednesday in Munich. “By doing so we are realigning our company and improving our agility and long-term competitiveness. This lays the foundation for unlocking the full potential of our unique technology and product portfolio with the Neue Klasse in the coming years.”

The global market launch of the Neue Klasse has advanced further in recent months: its highly innovative models and technologies serve as the catalyst for the next phase of realignment and will contribute to the BMW Group’s long-term profitable growth.

As presented at the Capital Markets Day at the end of September, it also plans further measures to boost profitability and competitiveness: the Group will build on its consistent premium and multi-brand strategy as well as technology openness, while enhancing regionalisation of product range and expanding the high-end segment.

The BMW Group is also increasing the focus on value creation – to this end, the company will expand the use of high-quality “Industry Best Offer” solutions, which optimally combine innovation, scalability and cost-efficiency whilst securing efficiencies in development, procurement and production.

By leveraging the use of artificial intelligence, the company aims to focus even more on agility and impact. Agentic AI is increasingly becoming a productive part of day-to-day business. Whether used in crafting bespoke customer offers or as a digital colleague in procurement planning, AI agents pool knowledge, automate process steps and lay the foundations for faster and more informed decisions.

“Speed is a key success factor in our planned realignment. That is why we are intensifying measures to enhance efficiency and streamline structures already this year. In doing so, we intend to strengthen our future margins and be on course to deliver our profitability targets,” said Chief Financial Officer Walter Mertl.

Growth in the US and Europe, lower sales in China

In the third quarter, the BMW Group delivered 551,075 vehicles to customers – down (-)6.3% compared with the prior-year quarter. In total, the BMW Group recorded 1,707,802 deliveries over the nine-month period (-4.9%). Growth in Europe (in Q3: +2.6%; YTD Q3: +4.5%) and the US (in Q3: +2.5%; YTD Q3: +3.4%) could only partially offset the ongoing headwinds in the Chinese market.

Fully electric vehicles accounted for one-fifth of the BMW Group’s total sales in the third quarter (BEV + PHEV: 27.4%). In the Europe sales region, almost half of the vehicles delivered were electrified (46.9%; BEV share: 34.7%).

In China, the market environment remained challenging overall in the third quarter. BMW Group sales were down by a quarter compared with the previous year, which fell in line with the decline of the total market. The company is preparing for the market launch of the iX3 LWB in November, as well as further models from the Neue Klasse during 2027.

In the third quarter, the BMW Group posted revenues of €30,452 million (-5.8%; adjusted for currency translation effects -7.7%; YTD Q3: -7.3%; adjusted for currency translation effects -6.6%).

Moderate decline in R&D spending and capital expenditure

Since the peak in 2024, the company has seen a gradual decline in R&D expenditure and plans to meet the defined target ranges. Research and development expenditure fell moderately in the third quarter to €1,790 million and €5,504 million over the nine-month period respectively (Q3: -6.8%; 
YTD Q3: -7.4%). As in the previous year, the research and development ratio stood at 5.9% – both as in the third quarter and YTD September.

Capital expenditure fell significantly over the nine-month period to €3,657 million (-17.1 %; Q3: €1,757 million / +4.6%). The capex ratio as YTD September stood at 3.9% (2025: 4.4%; Q3 5,8%; Q3 2025: 5.2%). A capex ratio of less than 6% is also forecast for the full year.

Group EBT margin of 6.8% in third quarter

Group earnings before tax (EBT) of €2,083 million in the third quarter and €6,128 million after nine months (Q3: -10.6%; YTD Q3: -23.9%) benefited from positive valuation effects on interest-rate derivatives, particularly in the first and third quarters. The Group EBT margin was 6.8% in the third quarter and stood at 6.6% as of YTD September (Q3: -0.4 percentage points; Q3 YTD: -1.5 percentage points).

In the three-month period, the Automotive Segment generated revenues of €26,669 million (in Q3: -6.5 %; adjusted for currency translation effects -8.5 %; YTD Q3: -7.1 %; adjusted for currency translation effects -6.5 %). Lower manufacturing costs reduced the cost of sales. Lower sales volumes and strong competition in the global automotive sector, particularly in China, dampened the segment’s revenue performance. This was compounded by negative currency effects.

Segment earnings before financial result (EBIT) for the third quarter totalled €901 million (-39.7%; YTD Q3: -43.8%). The settlement of the legal proceedings relating to the Integrated Braking System had a positive impact.

The EBIT margin came in at 3.4% for the third quarter (-1.8 percentage points; 2026: 3.5%; 2025: -2.4 percentage points). In Q3 and the year to date, operating performance was impacted by 1.2 percentage points, owing to the well-known depreciation and amortisation of BBA assets resulting from the purchase price allocation, and, additionally, expenses related to higher import tariffs amounting to around 1.25 percentage points – after around 1.75 percentage points in previous year’s quarter respectively 1.5 percentage points in the first nine months of 2025.

Free cash flow of automative segment expected at >€ 2.5 billion in full-year

The Automotive Segment’s free cash flow for the first nine months totalled 
€724 million. In the third quarter, free cash flow amounted to - €566 million (2025: €2,688 million; Q3 2025: €343 million). The company maintains the expectation that the segment free cash flow will be above €2.5 billion.

Stable operating performance in Financial Services Segment

In the Financial Services Segment, the number of new financing and leasing contracts concluded increased slightly in the first nine months of 2026 to 1,292,663 contracts (+1.3%; in Q3: -5.4%).

For the third quarter, the segment reported profit before taxes (PBT) of 
€639 million in the third quarter and €1,647 million for the year to the end of September (Q3: -0.8%; YTD 2026: -10.3%). A significant headwind resulted from the addition to an existing provision in connection with the industry-wide compensation scheme for car financing customers in the United Kingdom made in the first quarter of 2026.

Guidance for 2026 adjusted

The expenses associated with the expansion and intensification of portfolio and structural measures described above will weigh on BMW Group’s operating result in the fourth quarter. 

 

Therefore, the company now expects an Automotive segment EBIT margin in the corridor of -0.5% to +0.5%; the EBIT margin before portfolio and structural measures continues to be exptected above 2.0%. Car deliveries are expected to be moderately below the prior year.
The Automotive segment RoCE is expected to be in a range of -1% to +1%.

 

Return on Equity (RoE) in the Financial Services segment is forecast at 13–16%.

 

In the Motorcycles segment, deliveries are now expected to be slightly below last year’s level (previously: on par with last year’s level). The EBIT margin is expected to be in a range of 4.0–6.0%, and RoCE in a range of 10–14%.

The full-year guidance includes adverse effects on the EBIT margin in the Automotive segment of approximately 1.25 percentage points from increased tariffs, 1.2 percentage points from depreciation and amortization of BBA assets resulting from purchase price allocation, and approximately 2.5 percentage points from portfolio and structural measures.

The BMW Group’s actual business performance may deviate from the expectations outlined above – for example, due to changes in political and macroeconomic conditions.
 

** As of 1 January 2025, the forecast range for the Group’s EBT forecast has been adjusted. Please refer to the glossary in the BMW Group Report 2024 for further details.

GLOSSARY – explanatory comments on key performance indicators

Deliveries to customers

A new or used vehicle is recorded as a delivery once it is handed over to the end user (which also includes leaseholders under lease contracts with BMW Financial Services). In the US and Canada, end users also include (1) dealers when they designate a vehicle as a service loaner or demonstrator vehicle and (2) dealers and other third parties when they purchase a company vehicle at auction and dealers when they purchase company vehicles directly from the BMW Group. Deliveries may be made by BMW AG, one of its international subsidiaries, a BMW Group retail outlet, or independent third-party dealers. The vast majority of deliveries – and hence the reporting of deliveries to the BMW Group – is made by independent third-party dealers. Retail vehicle deliveries during a given reporting period do not correlate directly to the revenues that the BMW Group recognises in respect of that particular reporting period.

Payout ratio

The payout ratio is preliminary. Although the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board will propose a fixed dividend per share at the Annual General Meeting, the number of shares entitled to a dividend is expected to fall by the Annual General Meeting due to the ongoing share buy-back programme. Accordingly, the total amount to be distributed to shareholders is also still expected to change by 13 May.

EBIT

Profit before financial result. Profit before financial result comprises revenues less cost of sales, less selling and administrative expenses and plus/minus net other operating income and expenses.

EBIT margin

Profit/loss before financial result as a percentage of revenues.

EBT

EBIT plus financial result.

PHEV

Plug-in-hybrid electric vehicle – hybrid vehicle with petrol engine and electric drive.

LWB: Long-wheelbase – a vehicle with an extended wheelbase.

CO2 Consumption Figures

BMW iX2 xDrive30: energy consumption combinedt: 16,6–16,4 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂-emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A; electric range: 446–479 km (WLTP)

BMW i3 50 xDrive Limousine: energy consumption combined: 18–13,4 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A; electric range: 729–912 km (WLTP)

BMW iX3 50 xDrive: energy consumption combined: 19,4–16,1 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A; electric range: 666–806 km (WLTP)

BMW i7 60 xDrive Limousine: energy consumption combined: 20,8 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A; electric range: 608–725 km (WLTP)

BMW iX4 50 xDrive: energy consumption combined: 19–15,7 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A; electric range: 680–828 km (WLTP)

BMW iX5 60 xDrive: energy consumption combined: 22,5–19,3 kWh/100 km (WLTP); CO₂ emissions combined: 0 g/km (WLTP); CO₂ class: A; electric range: 724–850 km (WLTP)

The following financial KPIs in the outlook for the 2026 financial year were changed as outlined here:

• EBIT Margin Segment Automotive: in the corridor -0.5% to +0.5% (before: in the corridor of 1-3%); the EBIT margin before structural and portfolio measures continues to be expected above 2.0%.

• RoCE Segment Automotive: in the corridor -1% to +1% (before: in the corridor of 1-5%).

The company’s stable operating performance is underscored by the unchanged expectation for Free Cashflow in the Automotive segment: The BMW Group maintains the expectation that the Automotive Free Cashflow will be above €2.5 billion in 2026.

Furthermore, the Board of Management of BMW AG changed the following KPIs in the full year guidance as outlined here:

• Deliveries in Segment Automotive: moderate decrease versus previous year (before: slight decrease).

• Share of all-electric cars in deliveries in Segment Automobile: slight increase versus previous year (before: at previous year’s level).

• CO2e emissions scope 3 supply chain and use phase in Segment Automobile: slight decrease versus previous year (before: at previous year’s level).

• Deliveries in Segment Motorcycles: slight decrease versus previous year (before: at previous year’s level).

The portfolio measures stem from the sustained high demand for Neue Klasse models, to which the BMW Group has responded by introducing additional production shifts at an early stage. The resulting acceleration of the production ramp-up creates an opportunity to begin phasing out previous vehicle and technology generations earlier, including selected models based on Gen5 battery technology.

With its technology clusters, such as Gen6 technology, the Neue Klasse will contribute to improving the company’s profitability in the coming years by its high level of innovation and enhanced cost efficiency.

At the same time, the company intends to leverage the momentum generated by its workforce restructuring program to expand its organizational and process realignment more quickly and comprehensively. For example, the reduction in management functions will be implemented faster than announced.

Details are provided in the Q3 Report, which will be published on 4th November 2026. The definitions of the KPIs can be found in the Glossary of the BMW Group Report 2025 on pages 429 to 431.

Clear allocation of production between Munich and Dingolfing

The BMW Group is allocating production of the new BMW 3 Series generation to two German vehicle plants: BMW Group Plant Munich produces the all-electric BMW i3. BMW Group Plant Dingolfing manufactures the BMW 3 Series Sedan variants with combustion engines and, from 2027 (see above), plug-in hybrid powertrains.

This allocation reflects the BMW Group’s technology-open approach and enables it to accommodate different customer requirements and powertrain concepts. In total, around one billion euros has been invested in the further development of the Munich and Dingolfing vehicle plants for this purpose.

In Dingolfing, the new BMW 3 Series Sedan is produced flexibly alongside BMW 4 Series and BMW 5 Series models on a shared production line in assembly hall 50. The production equipment can accommodate different powertrain variants.

Key components for the new BMW 3 Series Sedan come from BMW Group Plant Landshut, the largest component manufacturing site in the BMW Group’s production network. The site supplies, among other items, crankcases and cylinder heads for four- and six-cylinder engines, as well as the propeller shaft, a key component in power transmission.

Landshut also manufactures interior components such as the instrument panel, including the glove compartment. In the cockpit, newly developed lighting technology adds a distinctive touch to the interior of the new BMW 3 Series Sedan: an integrated light box backlights a variety of surface materials. At BMW Group Plant Landshut, this innovation progressed from pre-development through industrialisation to series production

With its high level of vertical integration and broad technology portfolio, Plant Landshut makes a significant contribution to the value of the new model generation.

An iconic model returns

The first generation of the BMW 3 Series, the BMW E21, was already being manufactured in Dingolfing from 1980. Several generations of the BMW 3 Series Sedan were produced there until 2004. From 2013 to 2021, the plant also manufactured the BMW 3 Series Gran Turismo. In total, more than 1.15 million BMW 3 Series vehicles have rolled off the production line in Dingolfing to date. The BMW 3 Series has been one of the BMW brand’s core models for more than 50 years. Since its market launch in 1975, around 18 million vehicles in the series have been sold worldwide.

Efficient integration into existing production structures

The new BMW 3 Series Sedan was integrated into existing production structures quickly, flexibly and efficiently. In the paint shop and assembly, the BMW 3 Series can largely be manufactured on existing lines using proven modular processes. Adaptations were primarily required for Neue Klasse innovations, such as BMW Panoramic iDrive and the associated changes to cockpit pre-assembly.

In the body shop, a new powertrain-neutral production line was installed within the existing building. The plant takes a systematic approach to reuse: around one third of the approximately 750 robots, as well as other equipment components, come from existing production facilities. Modern technologies, such as automatic best-fit adjustment of doors and closures and automated surface inspection, provide additional support for quality assurance.

Inbound logistics has also been further automated and digitalised. Automated forklifts, Splitbots and around 250 Smart Transport Robots work together intelligently to support incoming goods deliveries and the supply of materials to production.

These measures are part of the ongoing development of BMW Group production in line with the BMW iFACTORY vision. This combines lean production with resource conservation and digitalisation. Automation, artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics and digitalised logistics processes support efficiency and quality.

Investments strengthen the Dingolfing site

BMW Group Plant Dingolfing is the BMW Group’s largest European production site. Around 18,000 employees and approximately 950 apprentices work at the site. The plant produces around 1,350 vehicles per day. In addition to the new BMW 3 Series, its model range includes BMW 4 Series, BMW 5 Series and BMW 7 Series models, as well as the BMW iX, vehicles from BMW M GmbH and the BMW 7 Series Protection.

Outlook

The start of production marks the beginning of the series production ramp-up for the eighth generation of the BMW 3 Series at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. The market launch will take place in stages from the first quarter of 2027. By the end of 2027, the BMW Group plans to bring around 40 new or updated models featuring Neue Klasse technologies onto the road.

Radical presence. Ultimate performance.

The BMW M 1000 RS consistently transfers the high-performance credentials of the BMW M 1000 RR to the hyper naked segment. Its character is radical and immediately apparent: powerful, precise and uncompromising. No fairing distracts from its technology, and no detail is an end in itself. The M 1000 RS makes its capabilities visible – with a deep, dark aesthetic, powerful proportions and the self-assured stance of a motorcycle that fears no comparison.

218 hp. An unequivocal claim to leadership.

At its heart is the superbike engine from the BMW M 1000 RR, which delivers its full output of 218 hp in the BMW M 1000 RS. As a hyper naked bike, it therefore pushes the boundaries of its segment. Combined with a wet weight of just 185 kg, this results in an exceptional power-to-weight ratio – and immediate performance that is present in every riding situation. The BMW M 1000 RS combines explosive acceleration, precise control and the agility of a hyper naked bike with the technological rigour of a superbike.

High-tech. Down to the last detail.

The technical basis is the BMW M 1000 R with the M Competition Package. The M rider footrest system from the BMW M 1000 RR and a seat height increased by 20 mm create a riding position that is significantly more front-wheel oriented than on the BMW M 1000 R, underlining the uncompromisingly sporty character of the M 1000 RS. Building on this foundation, the concept is sharpened consistently: an M full titanium exhaust system underscores its lightweight-construction and performance credentials. Matt carbon M winglets with RS lettering combine a distinctive racing look with aerodynamic function. The rear end of the BMW M 1000 RR makes the transfer of technology from the superbike segment clearly visible. Matt carbon components, the brushed aluminium fuel tank, new graphics and the M seat in Alcantara look with RS embroidery define its exclusive, dark presence.

Racing. Redefined.

The RS designation has a special history at BMW Motorrad. Models such as the BMW RS 255 Kompressor of 1935 to 1939 and the later BMW RS 54 stand for racing at the highest technological level. The BMW M 1000 RS takes this tradition into a new dimension: an uncompromising hyper naked bike with the heart of a superbike and the ambition to own the fast lane.

1,000 units. Maximum exclusivity.

The BMW M 1000 RS is limited to 1,000 units worldwide and will be available from BMW Motorrad dealers from March 2027. The retail price in Germany is €40,000, including 19 per cent VAT.

The necessary technical equipment is fitted as standard in the new BMW iX3 and BMW iX4 models, as well as in all model variants of the BMW X5, 3 Series and 7 Series. This allows customers to activate all available assistance functions even after purchasing the vehicle. The required software is installed over the air.

Important milestone reached for type approval.

The new driver assistance systems will be type-approved in accordance with the regulations of the updated UNECE R171 (DCAS Series 2). The necessary tests in real-world traffic have already been successfully completed by an independent technical service. This means that the technical requirements for the system’s approval have been met, subject to official confirmation in early 2027.

Cooperative driver assistance with BMW Symbiotic Drive.

BMW Symbiotic Drive will also ensure a seamless and intuitive interaction between the driver and the assistance system when using the new functions in urban driving scenarios. When driver assistance is active, the driver can work with the system by accelerating, steering and braking in line with their personal driving style. This cooperative interaction is a central component of the new BMW Level 2 driver assistance systems. The symbiotic interaction between driver and vehicle can also be experienced with active safety functions such as Lane Keeping Assist. The driver’s intention is detected based on steering behaviour and gaze direction, so that the system only provides assistance in the form of a warning and steering intervention if the driver is actually unintentionally drifting out of their own lane or if the system detects an imminent collision.

BMW Panoramic iDrive supports the safe use of the partially automated driving functions through intuitive controls and clearly presented information. When driver assistance is active, situation-specific information is displayed directly in the driver’s field of vision in the BMW Panoramic Vision, giving the driver a clear understanding of the status of the assistance systems. The new ‘BMW Maps with Driver Assistance’ navigation view on the central display also aids orientation in complex traffic situations and makes assisted and partially automated driving even easier to follow. The function combines route guidance, the vehicle’s surroundings and driver assistance information in a single 3D view on the central display. It shows the next navigation step, how the vehicle perceives its surroundings and which assistance functions are supporting the driving task.

The BMW Group has filed several patent applications in connection with the development of the new urban driver assistance functions.

Munich. The BMW Group increased its sales in Europe and the US in the first nine months of the year, although business in China remained challenging. In Europe, deliveries rose by around +4.5%, while in the US, the company recorded growth of +3.4%. In the first nine months of the year, the BMW Group delivered more than
1.7 million vehicles to customers worldwide, representing a slight decline in sales (-4.9%).

“In difficult market conditions, we were able to hold our own in Europe and the US. The continued strength in new orders for our fully electric vehicles, in particular, confirms our course. The BMW iX3* is providing positive impetus for growth in the market, and we are also seeing strong customer interest in the new BMW 3 Series and BMW X5,” said Jochen Goller, member of the Board of Management of BMW AG responsible for Customer, Brands, Sales. “The product momentum generated by our Neue Klasse models and Neue Klasse technologies strengthens our position for the challenges ahead.”

Between July and the end of September 2026, the BMW Group delivered 110,257 fully electric vehicles worldwide (+7.2%). In Europe, one in three BMW Group vehicles delivered to customers during this period was fully electric (34.7%). BEV sales increased here disproportionately to 81,941 units (+37.5%). This also applies to Germany, where the BMW Group’s fully electric models recorded exceptionally high growth (+38.5%).

The BMW brand delivered around 1.5 million vehicles to customers between January and the end of September (-6.4%). In Europe, the BMW brand reported growth of +1.4%. In the US, the BMW brand also increased its sales +4.3%, achieving growth in an overall declining market, driven by higher sales of BMW X models.

In China, the BMW brand’s decline in sales (-21.2% YTD September) reflects the performance of the automotive market as a whole. The rollout of the China version of the new BMW iX3 will get underway there in November. BMW M GmbH delivered 148,510 vehicles (-6.1%) worldwide in the first nine months of 2026, with sales remaining stable in the declining Chinese market.

Since the start of the year, MINI has sold a total of 220,247 vehicles, increasing its deliveries by 6.8%. 37.2% of those vehicles were fully electric. This positive trend was partly driven by the John Cooper Works models and the MINI Paul Smith Edition*. Further impetus is expected from the new MINI Countryman Untamed Edition.

The Rolls-Royce brand delivered 3,592 vehicles to customers between January and September (-12.4%). In the first nine months of the year, BMW Motorrad sold 149,452 motorcycles and scooters to customers (-6.1%).

BMW Group sales in Q3/YTD September 2026 at a glance

¹ BEVs and PHEVs

BMW & MINI sales in the regions/markets

² Provisional registration figures

³ Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, Middle East, Africa

The delivery figures reported in this press release are provisional and may change up until the BMW Group Report 2026 is published. Notes on how delivery figures are prepared can be found in the BMW Group Report 2025 on p. 427.

Questions and answers:

How many cars did the BMW Group deliver to customers in the first nine months of 2026?

The BMW Group delivered a total of 1,707,799 vehicles between January and the end of September.

How did BMW Group sales perform in the first nine months of 2026?

Despite the challenging market conditions, the BMW Group achieved growth in Europe and the US. From January to September, deliveries increased by 4.5% in Europe and 3.4% in the US.

Why are you already declaring the new BMW iX3 a success?
The new BMW iX3 has reached more than 100,000 new orders in Europe within just one year. This makes it the most successful market launch of a BMW Group model to date and underscores its role as a driver of electromobility.

How successful are the BMW Group’s electric cars?

In the third quarter of 2026, the BMW Group delivered 110,257 fully electric vehicles worldwide (+7.2% year-on-year). In Europe, BEV sales climbed 37.5% to 81,941 units. That means that one in three BMW Group vehicles delivered to customers was fully electric (34.7%).

BMW Group Corporate Communications

Michaela Martinus, Communications Sales

Telephone: +49 160 96313773

Email: michaela.martinus@bmwgroup.com

Max-Morten Borgmann, Head of Communications BMW Group, Finance, Sales

Telephone: +49 89 382-24118

Email: max-morten.borgmann@bmwgroup.com

Media website: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en

Email: unternehmenskommunikation@bmwgroup.com

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133.5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

The first fully electric BMW 3 Series based on the Neue Klasse celebrates its premiere in the form of the new BMW i3. It refines the familiar character of the BMW 3 Series with the addition of standout new attributes. Two fully electric models will be available from launch. These will be joined by further new BMW 3 Series variants with highly efficient petrol engines and 48V mild hybrid technology. Taking to the stage as the most sporting member of the range, the new BMW M350 xDrive combines the allure of an M Performance model with the inimitable character of a BMW six-cylinder in-line engine. A plug-in hybrid drive variant (PHEV) will be added to the BMW 3 Series line-up over the coming year.

The drive system variants of the new BMW 3 Series highlight the BMW Group’s technology-open approach to impressive effect.

A modern, unmistakable and consistent exterior design for all new BMW 3 Series models.
The new BMW 3 Series models tailor the visually striking Neue Klasse design language to the dynamic character of the sporting BMW sedan. The fully electric BMW i3 and its sister models with internal combustion engine (ICE) differ only in details that reflect the drive system type at hand.

The new BMW 3 Series with modern 2.5-box design is instantly recognisable as a BMW. Its silhouette showcases the signature BMW sporting proportions. A longer wheelbase, short overhangs and eye-catching surfaces shape the distinctive appearance of the BMW 3 Series. The set-back glasshouse teams up with the prominently flared wheel arches to imbue the car’s shoulders with exceptional athleticism. The flanks are defined by a striking character line that lowers the visual centre of gravity of the new BMW 3 Series closer to the road. The door handles of the new BMW 3 Series are flush fitting and extend automatically when the car is unlocked.

The front end of the new BMW 3 Series models includes a fresh but at the same time familiar interpretation of two design icons: the BMW kidneys and twin headlights. They merge into a visually striking single unit, creating an innovative light signature. Meanwhile, new M Yellow Lights adopted from racing car design provide a bold identifying feature for the new BMW M Performance models.

The rear end of the new BMW 3 Series – with its markedly horizontal light arrangement – exudes both technical progress and precision. And the pronounced wheel arches accentuate the sedan’s broad, sporting stance.

The wheels available for the fully electric BMW i3 range from 19-inch to 21-inch items. The BMW 3 Series models with a combustion engine can be specified with light-alloy wheels between 18 and 20 inches in size. The new BMW 3 Series can also be ordered as an option with the M Sport package or M Sport package Pro. These underscore the sporting character of the individual models and give them a particularly dynamic appearance. The extensive range of exterior paint finishes for the new BMW 3 Series includes the exclusive shade M Le Castellet Blue metallic. A host of BMW Individual paint finishes will follow over the course of 2027.

The interior: sporty, inviting and with a new level of BMW-typical driver orientation.
The reduced design language of the Neue Klasse extends into the high-quality interior of the new BMW 3 Series. The dynamic-, airy- and modern-feeling cabin features a whole new form of driver orientation with the display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive. It is made up of four elements: the BMW Panoramic Vision, BMW 3D Head-Up Display, Central Display and multifunction steering wheel.

In the new BMW 3 Series, the BMW Panoramic Vision and optional BMW 3D Head-Up Display project driving-relevant content into the driver’s line of sight. The 17.9-inch Central Display is positioned on the instrument panel and angled clearly towards the driver. The newly designed BMW steering wheel featuring a central spoke in its upper section now also takes its place in the BMW 3 Series. With its multifunction buttons, the steering wheel has been optimised to be particularly intuitive to use. The M steering wheel and BMW Individual steering wheel can also be specified as an option for the new BMW 3 Series models.

The lines flowing forwards from the doors on either side into the instrument panel create an enveloping wraparound effect for the driver and passengers in the new BMW 3 Series, while a large panoramic sunroof with climate comfort glazing teams up with the large-surface windows to provide an extremely airy and light-filled ambience.

The standard seats of the new BMW 3 Series models offer secure lateral support and high comfort levels. They feature electric adjustment, a memory function and the Travel & Comfort System. Multifunction seats and M Sport seats can be specified as options. Seat heating for the rear seats can also be added as an option. As an alternative to the standard-fitted hi-fi sound system, hi-fi and surround sound systems from Harman Kardon are available to bring outstanding sound quality to the new BMW 3 Series.

The new BMW 3 Series models give customers a choice between four different interior designs each offering a harmoniously coordinated selection of colours and materials. The My Modes also offer new BMW 3 Series customers extensive scope for customising their car’s displays, sound, lighting and drive system.

Comprehensive digital user experience with BMW Panoramic iDrive, BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and future-proofed software & electronics architecture.
Flawless ergonomics and intuitive operation have been standout features of the BMW 3 Series for decades. And the display and operating system BMW Panoramic iDrive with BMW Operating System X in the latest-generation models continues this tradition. It follows the principle of showing the right information in the right place at the right time. The multimodal operating logic of BMW Panoramic iDrive combines touch-based, haptic and voice-based interaction. The BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant plays a key role here, and the integration of Amazon Alexa+ AI technology¹ further expands its range of functionality, enabling more dialogue-based and extremely intuitive verbal interaction.

BMW Operating System X serves as an intelligent platform for the display and operating system. It is based on the Android Open Source Project (AOSP) and designed to offer excellent update and upgrade capabilities. This means that the system enables the continuous addition of new functions and digital services – and stays up to date for a long time. In addition, BMW Operating System X in the new BMW 3 Series unlocks a larger entertainment offering than ever. And new features added to the optional BMW Digital Premium package make the new BMW 3 Series models particularly user-friendly and attractive. Among these features are the Security Assistant and the extended navigation functions included in BMW Maps. Regular Software Updates keep the BMW 3 Series up to speed.

Fully electric BMW i3 with long range and fast charging times.
As well as models with highly efficient combustion engines and 48V mild hybrid technology, the BMW 3 Series line-up now also includes a fully electric version. As a Neue Klasse model, the new BMW i3 comes with sixth-generation (Gen6) BMW eDrive technology. This comprises fundamentally new high-voltage batteries with cylindrical cells, highly efficient electric motors, 800V technology and bidirectional charging functionality. The Gen6 BMW eDrive system offers considerably longer range than the predecessor generation and enables significantly faster charging. The BMW i3 will be available in two versions from launch, both of which have one electric motor on the front axle and another on the rear axle.

The new BMW i3 50 xDrive has a system output of 345 kW/469 hp and develops peak torque of 645 Nm (475 lb-ft). It accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.7 seconds. The BMW i3 50 xDrive is fitted with a 108.7 kWh high-voltage battery and impresses with its long-distance ability – it offers a maximum range of 912 km / 567 miles (WLTP)². In addition, DC charging rates of up to 400 kW ensure dramatically shorter charging times: at a DC fast-charging station, the BMW i3 50 xDrive can take on enough energy in ten minutes³ for up to 423 km (263 miles) of driving.

The system output of the new BMW i3 40 xDrive is 275 kW/374 hp. The second fully electric variant of the new BMW 3 Series has an 82.8 kWh high-voltage battery and offers a maximum range of 710 km / 441 miles (WLTP)².

The new BMW i3 line-up will be topped by an exceptionally dynamic model variant in the near future, with the ultra-potent BMW i3 M60 xDrive M Performance model set for launch in 2027.

From entry-level variants to BMW M Performance models, the new BMW 3 Series range will therefore span a wide performance spectrum, regardless of the drive system at work.

BMW M350 xDrive: sporting flagship with powerful six-cylinder engine.
The new BMW M350 xDrive is the combustion-engine flagship of the BMW 3 Series range, elevating BMW’s six-cylinder in-line engines to a new level of perfection. Under the bonnet of the BMW M350 xDrive is a 3.0-litre petrol unit that benefits from a 48V mild hybrid system complete with crankshaft-driven starter generator and develops maximum output of 326 kW/443 hp. As its performance attributes underscore in compelling style, the new BMW M350 xDrive marks the entry point into the world of BMW M. It sprints from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 4.1 seconds on its way to an electronically governed top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph).

Joining the BMW M350 xDrive at the launch of the new BMW 3 Series models powered by highly efficient combustion engines are two variants with four-cylinder in-line petrol units. All petrol engines for the new BMW 3 Series feature the latest generation of BMW TwinPower Turbo technology.

BMW i3: Heart of Joy brings a new dimension in driving pleasure to electric vehicles. BMW M350 xDrive now with Drift Moment.
For five decades now, the BMW 3 Series has been a byword for unadulterated driving pleasure. Sporting prowess, precise handling and long-distance comfort are an integral part of its DNA. The new fully electric BMW i3 carries these attributes into the Neue Klasse age, harnessing the full potential of electric mobility in the process. The result is a new dimension in Sheer Driving Pleasure. The BMW i3 thrills with razor-sharp, fleet-footed and composed handling. The Heart of Joy high-performance computer dictates the all-new driver experience. It works ten times faster than previous systems and represents a leap forward in technology. In time-honoured BMW 3 Series fashion, the BMW i3 sets new dynamic standards.

The Heart of Joy was developed specifically for the sixth generation of the fully electric drive system architecture employed in the Neue Klasse. Its Driving Stack brings all the drive system and driving dynamics functions together into a single control unit for the first time. Like its all-electric stablemate, the BMW 3 Series with combustion engine also features an intelligent BMW Driving Stack, in this case optimised over the course of decades and again honed precisely for the drive system at hand. Both Driving Stacks are high-end solutions tailored to their respective applications. The new BMW 3 Series models all serve up an unmistakable driving experience that differs according to the type of drive system employed.

Customers looking to enhance the sporting ability and maximise the comfort of their combustion-engined BMW 3 Series can specify the optional adaptive suspension or adaptive M suspension. Adaptive M suspension comes as standard on the BMW M350 xDrive and is available as an option for the all-wheel-drive BMW i3.

The new BMW M350 xDrive represents the dynamic pinnacle of the new BMW 3 Series ICE line-up. It combines agility and precision with high levels of comfort in everyday use and over long-distance journeys. In addition, it brings a completely new driving experience to the road with the new Drift Moment feature. Designed to extract maximum pleasure from sliding sideways through corners and activated via the Central Display, Drift Moment allows the driver to send the engine’s power to the rear wheels only. This creates an unbridled, emotionally thrilling experience at the wheel that has previously been reserved for the high-performance models from BMW M GmbH.

Advanced assistance systems maximise safety and comfort both out on the road and when parking.
All the new BMW 3 Series models will be offered with an extensive array of standard-fitted and optional assistance systems. The application of cutting-edge technology and the increased use of artificial intelligence in the new BMW 3 Series provide even greater safety and genuinely reduce the strain on the driver during partially automated driving and parking. Innovative SAE Level 2 driver assistance systems and active safety functions offer clear improvements over the predecessor generation; BMW Symbiotic Drive ensures intuitive interaction between human behaviour and driver assistance; the Motorway Assistant enables hands-free driving up to 130 km/h (81 mph) in 21 countries⁴; and from 2027, new assistance functions will offer navigation-guided, partially automated driving in urban areas.

BMW Group Plant Munich is the home of the new BMW i3. Production of the BMW 3 Series with combustion engine will take place in Dingolfing, Bavaria.
The new fully electric BMW i3 is built at BMW Group Plant Munich – the BMW Group’s home plant. BMW has been producing vehicles at this tradition-rich location for more than 100 years. In 1975, the first ever BMW 3 Series rolled off the assembly line here. And now, in 2026, the plant is entering a new era with the first fully electric BMW 3 Series. Next year, Plant Munich will switch entirely to the production of fully electric Neue Klasse models. The new BMW 3 Series with highly efficient combustion engines will be built at BMW Group Plant Dingolfing – the BMW Group’s largest European manufacturing facility. Meanwhile, production of the core components for the fully electric drive system and combustion engines powering the new BMW 3 Series is handled by BMW Group Plant Steyr in Austria. The high-voltage batteries will be supplied by the new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen in Bavaria.

The new BMW 3 Series follows the BMW Group’s holistic approach to sustainability across the supply chain, production and use phase.

*All of the equipment features, fuel/electric power consumption and CO₂ figures in this media information refer to the German market. These may vary in other markets.

¹ Will be rolled out gradually for all BMW models with BMW Operating System 9 and X from the second half of 2026 at the latest. Availability will be steadily expanded, starting with the German and US markets.

² The figures stated were determined based on the prescribed WLTP measurement procedure. The real-world values depend on various factors, such as load, driving style, route, weather, auxiliary consumers (including climate control systems), tyres and battery condition.

³ The extra range added after ten minutes of high-power charging was determined in accordance with ISO 12906 in the WLTP cycle and assumes that the charging infrastructure enables the maximum DC charging power. The range added and charging performance depend on the vehicle equipment, state of charge/condition of the battery, ambient/battery temperature, driving profile, auxiliary consumers, vehicle-specific charging settings and the charging power provided at the charging station.

⁴ By the end of 2026 in Germany, United Kingdom, Ireland, Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, Czechia, Poland, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, USA, Canada and Japan.

Munich/Dingolfing/Irlbach-Straßkirchen. The BMW Group is investing around two billion euros in vehicle production and battery manufacturing to underline the importance of Germany as a production location. The company is ensuring that its plants are ready for the next generation of the BMW 3 Series. The BMW 3 Series has been the heart of the BMW brand for over 50 years. About 18 million vehicles have been completed since production started in 1975, with 15 million of these made in Germany. This makes the BMW 3 Series the world’s most successful premium mid-size automobile. Approximately one billion euros has been spent on further development of the Munich and Dingolfing vehicle plants. The company has invested around one billion euros in the new Irlbach‑Straßkirchen battery plant in Lower Bavaria.

“We are investing in value creation, competitive production and job security in Germany. The new BMW 3 Series is the proof. We are in control of the transformation – from development to industrialisation and high-efficiency production in Munich and Dingolfing. The new high-voltage battery plant in Irlbach-Straßkirchen illustrates how we are bringing key electromobility technology back to our home base. We are making our contribution. Conditions that enable investment, innovation and competitiveness are essential if industrial value creation is to enjoy continued success in Germany,” said Raymond Wittmann, Member of the Board of Management of BMW Group, Production.

New BMW i3 in Munich, BMW 3 Series with classic drivetrain in Dingolfing

The all-electric BMW i3 is being constructed at the extensively renovated BMW Group parent plant in Munich, using sixth-generation high-voltage batteries delivered by the new BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen. The BMW 3 Series variants with combustion engine and plug-in hybrid drive are being produced at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing. Both locations boast state-of-the-art production systems and structures, ensuring that the BMW Group remains competitive when producing premium automobiles that are in demand around the world. Staying true to the “local for local” principle, in China these standards and guidelines will also be applied to production of the BMW i3 and the BMW 3er at the BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico, and of a modified version of the BMW 3 Series for the Chinese market in Shenyang, China.

Unequivocal commitment to Germany and the Bavaria region

Germany is the heart of BMW Group production. The company produces more than one million vehicles in its German plants each year. This means that the BMW Group makes around a quarter of the cars produced in the country. The company’s domestic production volume is more than the vehicle sales total for the BMW Group in Europe.

At the same time, Germany is the centre of a tightly integrated industrial value creation network. Around 55 percent of BMW Group employees work in Germany. On top of this, there are also thousands of partner companies along the value chain.

The BMW Group is underlining its commitment to regional value creation with the new BMW 3 Series. As production ramps up, around 760 supplier locations are supplying the Munich and Dingolfing plants with components and materials. More than 70 percent of these production locations are in Europe, with more than 30 percent in Germany.

Two BMW 3 Series locations, two paths to the future

The new BMW 3 Series is adding a new chapter to the outstanding success story of German automobile production. Since debuting in 1975, the BMW 3 Series has been rolling off the line without interruption at the parent plant in Munich, where it will be joined for the first time by the all-electric BMW i3. Production of this model series has also taken place intermittently at the BMW Group Plant Dingolfing since 1980, making it one of the most formative vehicles in the history of the location.

Preparations for the eighth generation were designed with specific differences at the two locations. In Munich, the BMW Group made significant investments in new buildings and production facilities for the technologies of the Neue Klasse. In existence for more than 100 years, the plant has been extensively modernised into a state-of-the-art “electric only” location. With a high level of flexibility and a range of models, Plant Dingolfing produces combustion engine and plug-in hybrid versions of the new BMW 3 Series for customers all around the world. A new production line for the BMW 3 Series has been added to the body shop to ensure that the new models can be efficiently integrated into existing production, while the vehicles will be added to the mix of BMW models on the line in the assembly area and paint shop.

Irlbach-Straßkirchen gives a boost to Lower Bavaria as a location for industry

The BMW Group Plant Irlbach-Straßkirchen is another key component for the next generation of the BMW 3 Series and the Neue Klasse. Sixth-generation high-voltage batteries will be assembled there and from October onwards, the location will provide the Munich plant with battery systems for the all-electric BMW i3. The plant is an example of how to establish high‑tech industry in Germany. It boosts regional value creation, secures skilled jobs and adds a future location to the industrial ecosystem of Lower Bavaria. At the same time, the project demonstrates that it is possible to establish new industrial locations in Germany when companies, politicians, local authorities and government officials work closely together. The BMW Group has had an active presence in Lower Bavaria for nearly six decades. The development of the company and the economic advancement of the region have long gone hand in hand, and continue to do so to this day. The effects of investments in plants, technologies and employment stretch far beyond the factory gates. These support regional suppliers, service providers and mid-size companies, generate income and tax revenue, and retain industrial expertise within the region.

The BMW 3 Series as a symbol of a successful, industrial future

The BMW 3 Series represents the next step of a gradual introduction of the technologies of the Neue Klasse into the core portfolio of the BMW Group. By the end of 2027, the company will have put around 40 new or revised models with technologies of the Neue Klasse on the road. The BMW 3 Series is far more than simply a vehicle. It represents the power of innovation, the performance levels of modern production, the successful transformation of existing plants and the unequivocal commitment of the BMW Group to Germany as an industrial home base.

If you have any queries, please contact:

Corporate Communication

Benedikt Torka
Spokesperson Production Network BMW Group
Mobile: +49-151-601-32455
E-mail: Benedikt.Torka@bmwgroup.com

Thomas Niedermeier
BMW Group Plant Dingolfing and Irlbach-Straßkirchen, Communications
Tel.: +49-8731-76-27666
E-mail: Thomas.Niedermeier@bmwgroup.com

Sofia Elena Rizzi
Press Spokesperson BMW 3 Series
Mobile: +49-151-601-67436
E-mail: Sofia-Elena.Rizzi@bmw.de

Internet: https://newsroom.bmwgroup.com/global/en
E-mail: presse@bmw.de

The BMW Group

With its four brands, BMW, MINI, Rolls-Royce and BMW Motorrad, the BMW Group is the world’s leading premium manufacturer of automobiles and motorcycles and also provides premium financial services. The BMW Group production network comprises over 30 production sites worldwide; the company has a global sales network in more than 140 countries.

In 2025, the BMW Group sold 2.46 million passenger vehicles and more than 202,500 motorcycles worldwide. The profit before tax in the financial year 2025 was € 10.2 billion on revenues amounting to € 133.5 billion. As of 31 December 2025, the BMW Group had a workforce of 154,540 employees.

The economic success of the BMW Group has always been based on long-term thinking and responsible action. Sustainability is a key element of the BMW Group’s corporate strategy and covers all products – from the supply chain through production to the end of their useful life.

www.bmwgroup.com
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/bmw-group
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/bmwgroup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bmwgroup
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bmwgroup

Munich/Spartanburg, USA. BMW Group intensifies the usage of digitalization and the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in production. With so-called Physical AI, which connects digital AI with real machines and robots, intelligent systems such as humanoid robots can be integrated into real production processes. Following a successful deployment with the humanoid robot Figure 02 at BMW Group Plant Spartanburg in the USA, the further-developed successor, Figure 03, will now start at Spartanburg, working on complex sequencing applications in logistics.

“Plant Spartanburg is the birthplace of humanoid robotics in BMW Manufacturing’s operational day-to-day activities. Having already successfully completed a pilot with Figure 02 in our body shop, we are now looking forward to deploying Figure 03 for a sequencing use case in logistics,” says Ulrich Wieland, Vice President of Production Control and Logistics, BMW Manufacturing.

“Our 11-month deployment of Figure 02 proved that humanoids are no longer lab experiments - they can be a valuable asset in establishing a flexible, reliable manufacturing workforce,” says Brett Adcock, Founder & CEO of Figure AI. “We are excited to continue our work in Spartanburg as Figure tackles the complexity of the assembly and logistics hall.”

The BMW Group already gained important experience with humanoid robotics at Plant Spartanburg in 2025. In collaboration with the technology company Figure AI, the Figure 02 robot supported the production of more than 30,000 BMW X3 vehicles over ten months. In the body shop, the robot inserted sheet-metal parts for the welding process - a task that demands high speed and accuracy and can be physically demanding.

The collaboration demonstrated that humanoid robots can safely perform precise, repeatable work steps under real production conditions.

Next step with the next-generation Figure 03 robot

The findings gained from this project form the basis for the next step with the successor model, Figure 03. “The robot introduces several new features for expanded applications. These include soft components designed for enhanced safety, wireless charging designed for higher availability and audio functions for speech-to-speech communication, along with improved hands with tactile sensors and palm cameras designed to increase precision and dexterity,” explains Adcock.

In the new sequencing use case application, delivered components initially arrive in larger containers, unsorted. Figure 03 will pick them up and sort them into a sequencing trolley. The trolley will then be taken to a defined collection point for onward transport. An automated tugger train or a Smart Transport Robot will then transport the parts to the installation location, where they will be provided to assembly employees “just in sequence”. This use case occurs frequently in automotive production logistics and offers potential for further development and scalability.

The use of humanoid robots is part of the BMW Group’s broader strategy to expand its automation portfolio with Physical AI. Humanoid robotics is a value-adding complement to existing automation. Its potential lies particularly in monotonous, ergonomically demanding, or safety-critical activities. The aim is to protect and most effectively utilize employees while further improving workplaces.

BMW iFACTORY applications in Plant Spartanburg Assembly Hall

The new project is closely linked to the digital transformation of production at Plant Spartanburg. Hall 52, where variants of the BMW X3 and, in the future, the electrified BMW iX5 will be assembled, has been extensively expanded and updated. Digital applications were already used during planning and continue to be implemented in the BMW iFACTORY approach in daily production operations. Before components arrive at the production line, virtual 3D simulations help optimize processes and enable error-free implementation from the outset.

The BMW Virtual Factory makes complexity manageable and supports employees by simulating human movement sequences. This tool refines manual processes from planning through to the production line. A key objective is to optimize employee ergonomics.

Artificial Intelligence is also being used in quality assurance. With AIQX (Artificial Intelligence Quality Next), Plant Spartanburg uses AIQX for visual and acoustic quality inspection to ensure consistent quality in a dynamic production environment. BMW has established AIQX as a standard and is assessing options to make the system available to suppliers as well. It uses camera systems and sensors during line operations and provides line employees with immediate feedback via smart devices.

Munich. The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse celebrates its world premiere at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It showcases the new BMW M design language and sets a clear signal for the brand’s all-electric future. The future BMW M product portfolio combines expressive design, high performance and innovative materials.

The vehicle builds a bridge between its history and motorsport.
It is instantly recognisable as a high-performance automobile. BMW M thus remains true to its guiding principle: “Born on the racetrack. Made for the streets.”

“The new BMW M design language forms the expressive spearhead of the Neue Klasse – determined and purposeful,” says Oliver Heilmer, Head of Design BMW Compact Class, Neue Klasse and BMW M. “At BMW M, form consistently follows function. Every detail serves performance. This project is truly special to me because it carries the BMW M character into a new era.”

Form, function and motorsport references in the exterior design.

Powerful proportions, precise lines and a muscular shoulder section with wide wheel arches define the unmistakable BMW M character.

Numerous M-specific design measures optimise aerodynamics – including the reinterpreted M aero exterior mirrors in the colours of BMW M.

A distinctive air outlet shapes the V-shaped front bonnet. It supports the cooling of the electric drivetrain.

A forward-facing shark nose and a light signature with depth effect characterise the front end. Headlights and kidney grille form a single unit. The new M Yellow Lights create a focused view of the road. The yellow light icons are set to become a new signature feature of future BMW M automobiles and reference GT racing cars as well as the BMW M Hybrid V8.

The front apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse adopts a trimaran-style bumper, inspired by the form of high-speed sailing boats. The three-part design underlines the vehicle’s technical appearance. It also provides structural support for the front splitter – an aerodynamic element at the lower edge of the front end.

Another new lighting accent for future BMW M automobiles are the three-dimensional Track Lights located in the outer sections of the front apron.

Track Lights and trimaran design also shape the rear apron of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse. The Track Lights frame the trimaran element above the floating diffuser. A striking ducktail spoiler improves aerodynamics, increases downforce at the rear axle and at the same time sets a striking accent within the clean surface design of the rear end.

Natural fibre elements are used in both the exterior and interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse – for example in the front splitter, the bonnet air outlet and the diffuser. For the first time, natural fibre is not only used in its pure form but also in a refined finish with M branding in the roof graphic.

The newly developed Monza Red metallic paint finish and the red-and-blue coded centre-lock wheels strengthen the visual link to BMW M and motorsport.

Driver-focused cockpit for an intense BMW M experience.

The interior of the BMW M Concept Neue Klasse is reduced and consistently geared towards the driving experience in a next-generation all-electric BMW M.

Four newly developed bucket seats provide secure support even in highly dynamic driving situations and integrate structural elements made from natural fibre materials. The seat upholstery in Bathurst Blue and Berry Red picks up the BMW M colours in a two-tone Merino leather finish. Red five-point belts emphasise the sporty character.

For the first time in a BMW M vehicle, high-quality black nubuck leather is used. It can be found on the steering wheel, the door panels and the roll bar.

The floating dashboard is finished in black knit material and features M-specific hexagonal backlighting.

Red accents on the M gear selector, the shift paddles on the M steering wheel and in the digital displays add targeted sporty highlights in the cockpit and put performance centre stage.

High performance and BMW M driving experience in a new dimension.

The BMW M Concept Neue Klasse represents the next chapter in the M-typical blend of dynamics, agility and precision. The innovative BMW M eDrive drive concept with four electric motors and BMW M Dynamic Performance Control elevates driving experience and racetrack capability to a new level.

“Even in the new all-electric era, we continue the M-typical tradition of transferring both technological innovations and defining design features directly from motorsport into series production,” says Franciscus van Meel, Chairman of the Board of Management of BMW M GmbH.

BMW M eDrive is based on the Neue Klasse’s Gen6 technology and was developed specifically for all-electric BMW M automobiles. The drivetrain concept combines four electric motors with the central control software BMW M Dynamic Performance Control in the high-performance computer Heart of Joy. Thanks to the integrated, wheel-specific control of the drivetrain and braking systems, BMW M eDrive opens up new potential for driving dynamics and driving safety. It enables high recuperation performance, optimal traction right up to the limit and particularly direct response.

The 800-volt technology and the high-voltage battery with an energy content of more than 100 kWh create the conditions for long-range capability. A BMW M-specific optimised version of sixth-generation cylindrical cells provides particularly high output when delivering energy to the electric motors and during charging. The housing of the high-voltage battery is structurally integrated with both the front and rear axle, thereby additionally contributing to driving dynamics.

Munich. With its combination of extremely agile handling, M-typical performance and compact dimensions, the BMW M2 embodies unadulterated driving pleasure in its ultimate expression. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive (fuel consumption, combined: 10.4 – 10.3 l/100 km [27.2 – 27.4 mpg imp]; CO₂ emissions, combined: 235 – 233 g/km according to WLTP, CO₂ class: G)* sees BMW M GmbH expanding the breadth of the M2 model line-up. Here, the all-wheel-drive system M xDrive will be available for the compact high-performance sports car for the first time. M xDrive splits the power developed by the 353 kW/480 hp six-cylinder in-line engine with BMW M TwinPower Turbo technology between the front and rear axles according to the situation at hand. Also in play is the Active M Differential, which distributes drive fully variably between the rear wheels as required, maximising traction and delivering the driving dynamics normally associated with a rear-wheel drive model.

These enhanced traction levels increase the car’s agility, dynamism and directional stability once again – and further improve its acceleration figures. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive therefore offers drivers the inimitable M feeling through all four seasons of the year, in almost any road conditions and in all weathers – without any trade-off in performance. The car showcases its optimised traction (which is also the product of specially developed chassis tuning) with sublime assurance in fluctuating grip conditions such as ice and snow as well as on the track. The market launch of the BMW M2 with M xDrive will begin in late summer 2026.

Superior traction and further enhanced dynamics thanks to M xDrive and Active M Differential.

The M xDrive all-wheel-drive system employs an electronically controlled multi-plate clutch in the transfer case to ensure fully variable and super-smooth division of the engine’s power between the front and rear wheels of the new BMW M2 with M xDrive. The system’s rear-wheel bias fits the familiar M blueprint. In normal driving, power is sent exclusively to the rear wheels. Only when they cannot feed any more power to the road does the all-wheel-drive system bring the front wheels into play.

M xDrive links up with the Active M Differential including M-specific traction control and DSC (Dynamic Stability Control). Together, they adapt the car’s responses precisely to the situation in order to deliver a driving experience of unsurpassed dynamism with a noticeable increase in directional stability and traction.

The transfer case features a model-specific control unit and integrated wheel slip limitation. This allows it to compensate for any differences in rotational speed between the front and rear wheels. It can do this without having to involve the central DSC management, which makes the process extremely quick and further intensifies the M-typical sense of unshakable poise in highly dynamic driving situations.

The M xDrive system’s responses can be configured via the M Setup menu. This means the driver can adapt the characteristics and performance attributes of the all-wheel drive system to both the driving situation at hand and their personal preferences. One of the options the driver can select is 2WD mode with DSC deactivated, whereby torque is sent to the rear wheels only. This unlocks a driving experience of remarkable purity.

A development with roots in racing car design: pre-chamber combustion.

The 3.0-litre straight-six engine powering the new BMW M2 with M xDrive uses BMW M Ignite technology – a new pre-chamber combustion process patented by BMW. This innovation is an example of the successful transfer of technology from racing cars to production models and will be introduced into all straight-six engines from BMW M as of mid-2026. The pre-chamber combustion process significantly reduces fuel consumption under high loads. At the same time, this new engine technology helps to meet the requirements of the EU7 standard. As before, the engine in the BMW M2 with M xDrive offers the performance characteristics for which M models are renowned, such as instantaneous response and linear power development into the higher reaches of the rev range. And this spirited power delivery is accompanied by an emotionally stirring soundtrack. The lower fuel consumption under high loads brought about by BMW M Ignite technology will be particularly appreciated by customers who like to use their car on track days, allowing them to keep lapping for longer with the same amount of fuel.

The BMW M2 with M xDrive is fitted as standard with an M Steptronic transmission with Drivelogic, which ensures the engine’s power is harnessed to maximum dynamic effect. Standard-fit M light-alloy wheels (19-inch at the front axle, 20-inch at the rear) transfer the power onto the road surface. Track tyres can be specified as an option.

Optimum stopping power on road and track is provided by M Compound brakes with six-piston fixed callipers at the front and single-piston callipers at the rear.

The combination of the M xDrive all-wheel-drive system and Active M Differential gives the new BMW M2 with M xDrive further improved sprinting power. Indeed, it accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h (62 mph) in 3.7 seconds, 0.3 seconds faster than its sister model with pure rear-wheel drive. The figure recorded using the “one-foot rollout” method¹ is 3.4 seconds. The BMW M2 with M xDrive reaches the 200 km/h (124 mph) mark from rest in 12.8 seconds – or 12.5 seconds with the “one-foot rollout” method. The sprint from 80 to 120 km/h (50 to 75 mph) is covered in 3.7 seconds. The M2 with M xDrive has a limited top speed of 250 km/h (155 mph), rising to 285 km/h (177 mph) if the optional M Driver’s Package is specified.

BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue is available for a BMW M2 model for the first time.

The selection of exterior colours customers can choose from includes five metallic and three solid variants, plus six options from the BMW Individual range. For example, the BMW Individual Borusan Turkish Blue special paint finish will be available for a M2 for the first time, accentuating the visually expressive exterior design of the BMW M2 with M xDrive to particularly striking effect.

The BMW M2: a successful model, built in Mexico.

The BMW M2 Coupé (fuel consumption, combined: 10.2 – 9.7 l/100 km [27.7 – 29.1 mpg imp], CO₂ emissions, combined: 230 – 221 g/km according to WLTP, CO₂ class: G)* was the biggest-selling high-performance model from BMW M GmbH in 2025. The new BMW M2 with M xDrive – like the other M2 models – will be built at BMW Group Plant San Luis Potosí in Mexico. Production will begin in August 2026. The most important sales markets for the BMW M2 with M xDrive are the USA, Germany and China.

Alexander Karajlovic, Vice President for Development at BMW M GmbH, says: “The new BMW M2 with M xDrive opens the next chapter in the story of an icon. It breaks new ground in blending the strong, uncompromising character of the BMW M2 compact high-performance sports car with the superior traction and precision of M xDrive for the first time. This fundamentally upgraded car lays down the performance generated by its straight-six engine with even greater poise and assurance, and adds maximum control, stability and acceleration in any conditions to its dynamic repertoire. Like its stablemates, the BMW M2 with M xDrive is therefore very much a driver’s car, but it also elevates its high-performance abilities to a new level and redefines sporting prowess in the compact M segment.”

Munich/Cernobbio. Revealed at the 2026 Concorso d’Eleganza Villa d’Este, the Vision BMW ALPINA is a design study that heralds a new chapter for a brand defined by extreme capability, sophistication, and the mastery of both performance and comfort.

“Alpina has always represented a very specific idea of performance and re finement—where speed and comfort are complementary ambitions. Our role as the new custodians of this brand is to preserve this distinctiveness and shape it for a contemporary context,” says Adrian van Hooydonk, head of BMW Group Design. “Vision BMW ALPINA shows how these qualities can be expressed with discipline and modernity, suggesting what our direction is for this brand as we move it into the future.”

DESIGN AND FORM: THE SHAPE OF SPEED
The Vision BMW ALPINA is a respectful interpretation of the brand’s heritage, shaped by the most contemporary creative instincts. At 5,200 mm in length, its presence is substantial: wide, low, and confident. The coupé roofline is long and raked, its form immediately signals both speed and the ability to ac commodate four adults in genuine comfort. A V8 powertrain drives the experi ence, tuned to produce the characteristic notes of the Alpina exhaust: rich and deep at low speed, sonorous at high revs.

“In Vision BMW ALPINA, we distil every element of the brand to its essence and apply it in a deeply modern and sophisticated way,” says Maximilian Mis soni, head of BMW Design Midsize & Luxury Cars and BMW ALPINA. “Every detail reflects substance: in engineering, in materials, and in the story it tells. The statements it makes are subtle and revealed only on a closer read. This interplay between purity and richness defines our approach to BMW ALPINA design.”

The front end is defined by powerful volumes and a forward-leaning stance that promises speed without overstatement. The shark nose reinterprets BMW’s kidney grille as a three-dimensional sculpture that leads the car’s form and frames the brand emblem with quiet confidence.

From this shark nose, the exterior is organized around a single visual axis: the speed feature line. Rising from the lower front corners at a six-degree inclina tion, it runs along the side of the body and wraps around the rear—assertive enough to suggest motion, controlled enough to remain refined.

HALLMARKS AND PRINCIPLES: “SECOND READ” SOPHISTICATION
Subtle secondary details reward attention without demanding it. This “Sec ond Read” principle runs throughout the Vision BMW ALPINA.

Deco-lines have been part of Alpina’s language since 1974. For the Vision BMW ALPINA, the modernized deco-lines are distilled and painted on the side of the body beneath the clear coat—a quiet gesture that reflects how the brand’s defining details can be adapted to what comes next.

Inward-facing return surfaces are treated with particular care, finished in a dark metallic tone that rewards a closer read. This approach is inspired by the BMW 507, which uses chrome only on the inside of its kidney grilles.

The shark nose captures the same “Second Read” sophistication: the inner surfaces feature a finely scaled signature Deco-line graphic, while a con cealed, softly backlit perimeter reveals it only when active.

A warm white tone characterizes the daytime running lights and traces the kidney surrounds, inspired by the first light over the Bavarian Alps. Clear-cut illuminated crystals add a precise highlight within the slender lamps.

The elliptical four-pipe exhaust remains, as does the “ALPINA” lettering—re interpreted as a machined, polished metal element on the lower front apron. The 22-inch front and 23-inch rear wheels feature the 20-spokes design that has been a constant at Alpina since 1971.

INTERIOR AND DETAILS: ARCHITECTURAL CLARITY
The cabin is generous in every sense: space, material quality, and the care with which technology has been integrated. Architectural volumes define the layout, with each element designed as a standalone form, not absorbed into a homogeneous interior.

The six-degree speed feature line continues through the interior, dividing the darker upper segment and the lighter lower segment. Full-grain leather— sourced from producers across the Alpine region—pairs with stitching inspired by the Deco-lines.

Craft details are restrained but well considered: a bridge stitch inspired by his toric steering wheel hand-stitching appears sparingly in heritage blue and green colors, while a watchmaking-inspired beveling technique was used for the metal components, combining satin and polished finishes. Clear-cut crys tal is reserved for the controls that shape how the automobile drives, under lining the value BMW ALPINA places on the driving experience itself.

Behind the rear console, a glass water bottle sits beside BMW ALPINA crystal glasses that rise on a self-deploying mechanism. Each glass is engraved with 20 deco-lines and features a six-degree rim profile, held by concealed mag nets and softly lit against the open-grain center console.

A COMFORTABLE DRIVER IS A FASTER DRIVER
Burkard Bovensiepen understood something much of the automotive world has forgotten: a comfortable driver is a faster driver. That belief remains cen tral to the Vision BMW ALPINA. Alpina offers Comfort+, a setting beyond the standard BMW comfort calibration that delivers a more supple, refined char acter, and it is retained here.

BMW Panoramic iDrive, including the new passenger screen, spans the dash board with a digital user interface language crafted specifically for BMW AL PINA. Heritage blue and green are introduced with discipline, intensifying as the driver moves from Comfort+ to Speed mode within the BMW Panoramic Vision head-up display. The background imagery is equally considered. The Alpine landscape depicted is an exact rendering of the mountain range visible when looking south from Buchloe.

ROOTED IN THE BRAND’S ORIGINS
The Alpina story began in 1965 in Buchloe, Germany, a small Bavarian town in the shadow of the Alps. Burkard Bovensiepen—destined for a career in typewriter manufacturing—chose instead high-performance tuning, founding Alpina and then refining BMW road and racing cars. From the outset, his phi losophy was clear: speed and comfort were complementary, not competing ambitions.

In endurance racing, while rivals stripped weight, Burkard added extra pad ding to the driver’s seat: he understood that a more comfortable driver is a faster driver. That insight carried over to the road cars that followed, cele brated for composure and sophistication at high speed over long distances.

ALPINA B7 COUPÉ: A POINT OF MATURITY
The Alpina B7 coupé of the late 1970s marked a turning point: Alpina’s phi losophy was applied to a luxury car, and every model that followed was rec ognized as luxurious. Based on the BMW E24 6 Series, its long bonnet, wide stance, and shark nose looked fast even at rest, while the cabin could com fortably carry four people across a continent. The Vision BMW ALPINA is the next chapter of that story.

BMW ALPINA—AN EXCLUSIVE BRAND WITHIN THE BMW GROUP
BMW ALPINA became an exclusive brand within the BMW Group in 2026, bringing proven stewardship and a clear responsibility: to understand what Alpina means to those who cherish it and to honor that in what follows.

"BMW ALPINA fills a gap in our portfolio between BMW and Rolls-Royce as we see even more potential in the high-end segment. With Alpina we have a strong legacy and a global community, which we want to build on, while pre serving the essence of what the brand stands for—speed, comfort and sophis tication,“ says Oliver Viellechner, head of BMW ALPINA.

Next year, customers will be able to experience the first model of the BMW ALPINA brand—inspired by the BMW 7 Series, but unmistakably BMW ALPINA.