Debrecen4U
March 19, 2026
New BMW i3 Debuts as the Sibling of the Debrecen‑Manufactured iX3
A fully electric mid-size saloon premiered on March 18, the new BMW i3 will be manufactured at BMW’s Munich plant from August 2026, with the first units arriving in showrooms later this year. One year later, the German factory’s entire production will switch over to fully electric Neue Klasse models.
During the development of the new i3, the manufacturer placed particular emphasis on sustainability, not only in terms of the vehicle’s use but throughout its entire life cycle. Recycled materials are used in 30 per cent of the car’s production. Moreover, the vehicle is designed from the outset to be easily dismantled and recycled at the end of its lifespan.
According to BMW’s calculations, thanks to the electric drivetrain and greener production, the i3 achieves a more favourable carbon footprint than a comparable internal combustion engine car after just one or two years of use.
One of the key strengths of the new BMW i3 is its long range, with the model capable of reaching up to 900 kilometres under the WLTP standard. Charging performance has also improved significantly, as it supports DC fast charging of up to 400 kW.
As a result, it is possible to gain enough energy for up to 400 kilometres of driving in just 10 minutes.
The technological foundations are provided by the sixth-generation BMW eDrive system, and the new i3 will also feature developments already seen in the iX3 models produced in Debrecen, such as the panoramic display, the new iDrive system and the AI assistant.
Debrecen-built BMW surging ahead
Meanwhile, demand for the iX3 models produced in Debrecen is extremely high. At a recent press briefing presenting the company’s 2025 results, Oliver Zipse, CEO of BMW Group, stated that “demand for the BMW iX3 produced in Debrecen significantly exceeds our expectations. We are receiving substantial orders from both private customers and fleet buyers, and we are also attracting many new customers who have not previously driven a BMW.”
Oliver Zipse also said that orders for the iX3 are fully booked through to the end of this year. By leveraging the flexibility of its production and supplier network, the company is increasing capacity in line with demand.
At the event, BMW confirmed that a second shift has been introduced at its Debrecen plant much earlier than originally planned.
According to a joint report by HR Portal and the Opten company information service, the number of employees at the BMW plant in Debrecen has risen to 4,070, while recruitment is continuing.
Based on BMW’s careers website, applications are currently being accepted for 31 positions at the Debrecen facility.
The company is seeking, among others, team leaders and specialists for several production units, maintenance staff, production workers, as well as a business assistant.
Source: dehir.hu | Photo credit: Papp László (Facebook)
