BMW i3 production stops July

BMW will replace its first electric model the BMW i3 after nine years of production and about 250,000 sold with its new electric iX1 and second-generation Mini Electric.

A BMW spokesperson has confirmed the last BMW i3 is due to roll off BMW’s production line in Leipzig, Germany in July ahead of a reorganisation of the manufacturing facility to start producing the third-generation Mini Countryman during the second half of 2022, Autocar UK reports.

The five-seat crossover BMW iX1 is due to launch this year and was initially planned to be produced at a new manufacturing facility in Debrecen, Hungary, with construction delays there resulting in it now due to be produced at BMW’s Regensburg factory until 2024, Autocar explains.

As well as the iX1, BMW says a new second-generation Mini Electric due in early 2023 will help replace the i3.

The new Mini is a joint venture with Great Wall Motors, dubbed Spotlight Automotive – its factory under construction in Zhangjiagang, China. 

A BMW UK spokesman explained to Autocar that BMW’s expanding EV range was a factor in the decision to drop the i3 from sale, the BMW Group expecting to have six battery electric (BEV) models for sale by the end of 2022, increasing to 13 in 2023.