BMW M has marked the production of its one-millionth vehicle at BMW Group Plant Munich, a milestone that also highlights the factory’s role in the performance division’s electric transition. The commemorative car is a BMW M3 finished in BMW Individual Fire Orange III, while the plant is set to become the exclusive production site for the first fully-electric BMW M3.
A milestone M3 from BMW’s main plant
The one-millionth BMW M vehicle was formally presented by Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich, to BMW M GmbH CEO Franciscus van Meel during a ceremony at the factory.
The milestone is particularly relevant for Munich because of the BMW M3’s long association with the site. Production of the current-generation BMW M3 began there in 2020, and BMW says many employees at the company’s main plant have a close connection with the model.
According to van Meel, the one-million-unit milestone demonstrates continued demand for BMW M’s blend of everyday usability with road and track capability. He said BMW M intends to expand its high-performance portfolio using BMW M Neue Klasse technology, including fully-electric models.
The new electric M3 is expected to be the first high-performance model to use BMW M Neue Klasse technology. BMW has not released technical specifications, battery details, range figures or charging information for the vehicle.
Electric BMW M3 to be built exclusively in Munich
BMW has confirmed that the fully-electric BMW M3 will be manufactured exclusively at Plant Munich. The decision gives the company’s historic home factory a central role in the next phase of BMW M production as the brand moves into battery-electric performance cars.
The electric M3 will be the second Neue Klasse model built at the site, following the fully-electric BMW i3. BMW says the programme underlines both the strategic importance of Munich within its global manufacturing network and the company’s commitment to retaining high-value vehicle production at the location.
“We are delighted that we will also be producing the first fully-electric BMW M3 here in Munich,” Weber said. He described BMW M as having particular emotional significance for the factory’s workforce.
For BMW, placing its first electric M3 in Munich connects the company’s established performance-car production with its wider Neue Klasse product and manufacturing strategy. The M3 nameplate has been on the market for 40 years, according to BMW M.
Munich factory targets EV-only output from 2027
Plant Munich is being converted into a facility dedicated solely to fully-electric vehicles from 2027. BMW says the transformation has been carried out while the factory remains in operation, requiring changes to production structures, logistics and vehicle assembly.
A new body shop and new vehicle assembly operation, including logistics areas, have been built across roughly one-third of the plant site. BMW Group is investing around €650 million to convert the factory for EV-only production.
The company said increased digitalisation and cooperation among its development teams and suppliers are intended to support efficient production of the future electric M3. The approach will be important as BMW combines its high-performance M models with the requirements of a fully-electric manufacturing system.
BMW Group Plant Munich has been building vehicles for more than a century. Its transition to electric-only output from 2027 makes the site a significant test case for how an established urban automotive factory can be modernised for large-scale EV production while maintaining its place in a global manufacturing network.
