BMW has officially marked the end of an era in Germany as the last internal combustion engine (ICE) rolled off the production line at its Munich factory. While this doesn’t mean a total farewell to combustion engines for BMW, it represents one of the most symbolic transitions in the company’s history.
BMW’s Munich Factory Transforms for the Electric Era
The BMW Munich plant, a historic site that has produced engines for more than 60 years, is now being transformed into a hub for the brand’s next-generation electric vehicles (EVs). The factory has already been assembling the BMW i4 since October 2021, but it’s now preparing to focus entirely on EV production.
Among the upcoming models are the electric BMW 3-Series (i3), i3 Touring, and an updated BMW i4. These models will form part of the automaker’s Neue Klasse lineup, a new family of electric vehicles set to debut between 2025 and 2027, showcasing BMW’s next leap in design and battery technology.
Related Posts:
ICE Production Moves to the UK and Austria
Although BMW is shifting its Munich plant to electric vehicle production, it isn’t abandoning combustion engines entirely. The production of ICE engines will now move to BMW’s facilities in the UK and Austria.
This decision aligns with BMW’s balanced approach to electrification. Unlike some competitors aiming for a full EV lineup by 2030, BMW envisions a future where electric and combustion engines coexist, meeting the diverse needs of global markets and customers.
Workforce Transformation at BMW Munich
The shift also represents a significant transformation for BMW’s 1,200 employees at the Munich plant. Rather than job cuts, the automaker is retraining and redeploying workers into new roles to support EV production. This reflects BMW’s commitment to its workforce and its adaptability amid the evolving automotive landscape.
BMW’s Expanding EV Production Network
BMW’s electric transition extends far beyond Munich. The BMW iX, i5, and i7 luxury EVs are currently produced in Dingolfing, while the iX1 and iX2 compact electric SUVs are assembled in Regensburg.
To further strengthen its EV ecosystem, BMW is investing heavily in battery technology. The company is building a battery assembly plant in Strasskirchen and a battery testing center in Wackersdorf, both dedicated to advancing high-voltage battery and e-drive system development.
A Balanced Future: Electric Meets Combustion
Even as BMW accelerates its push toward electrification, it maintains a pragmatic stance on the global shift to EVs. The automaker projects that 50% of its global sales will still come from combustion engine vehicles by 2030.
This balanced strategy underscores BMW’s belief that the future of mobility isn’t about choosing one technology over another—but about offering both. As markets and infrastructures evolve, BMW aims to remain flexible, blending innovation with its rich engineering heritage.
