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BMW Regensburg Plant Produces Nine Millionth Car as Electric iX1 Marks 40 Years of Production

BMW’s Regensburg plant has reached a major production milestone, building its nine-millionth vehicle since opening in 1986. The landmark car is a fully electric BMW iX1 finished in Velvet Orchid II Metallic, produced for a customer in Sweden. The achievement also coincides with the plant’s 40th year of vehicle production, highlighting how dramatically BMW’s European manufacturing operations have evolved.

BMW’s Regensburg factory has spent four decades building everything from the E30 3 Series to today’s electrified crossovers. Now, the plant has reached nine million vehicles, and the milestone car is a particularly fitting example of BMW’s changing production strategy: an electric crossover, painted in a bespoke BMW Individual color, built on the same production line as gasoline and plug-in hybrid models.

The nine-millionth vehicle, an BMW iX1, was built to the specifications of a Swedish customer. Its Velvet Orchid II Metallic finish comes from BMW Individual, the company’s personalization program, giving the milestone car a color that is unlikely to blend into a typical dealership parking lot.

From the E30 3 Series to BMW’s Electric Crossovers

Regensburg began automobile production in 1986 with the BMW 3 Series E30. At the time, BMW’s agreement with the city called for an output of 400 vehicles per day and the creation of 3,500 jobs.

Four decades later, the scale is considerably different. In 2025, the plant was operating across three shifts, with a new vehicle leaving the assembly line approximately every 57 seconds. That production rate helped establish Regensburg as BMW’s highest-volume plant in Europe, with approximately 356,000 vehicles delivered worldwide during 2025.

The workforce has expanded alongside production. Today, approximately 9,000 employees work across the Regensburg and Wackersdorf sites, a substantial increase from the factory’s early years.

One Production Line, Multiple Powertrains

Regensburg’s current lineup is centered primarily on the BMW X1 and BMW X2 crossover models. What makes the factory particularly significant is that gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric versions are manufactured on the same production line.

That flexibility allowed BMW to produce more than 150,000 electrified vehicles at Regensburg in 2025, without requiring the plant to stop or separate production of internal combustion engine models.

The approach is increasingly important as automakers transition toward electrification. Rather than relying exclusively on dedicated electric vehicle factories, BMW is using flexible manufacturing systems that can adapt to changing customer demand across different powertrains.

In practical terms, Regensburg can build an electric iX1 alongside conventionally powered X1 models, allowing BMW to adjust production according to market conditions without completely reorganizing its manufacturing footprint.

Nine Million Cars—and a Milestone Built to Order

BMW says the Regensburg plant had surpassed 8.7 million vehicles by the end of 2025, before reaching the nine-million mark in September 2026, during its 40th year of operation.

The company has not disclosed exactly how many of those nine million vehicles were 3 Series models, although the model has played a major role in the plant’s history. The factory’s production story began with the E30, and the 3 Series continued to contribute significantly to its output over the decades.

The milestone vehicle itself reflects another important change: customers increasingly expect personalization, even from mass-produced vehicles. Through BMW Individual, the Swedish buyer was able to specify Velvet Orchid II Metallic rather than selecting from the standard color palette.

That means the nine-millionth car was not simply pulled from existing inventory. It was built according to a customer order, making the production milestone both a factory achievement and a personalized delivery.

Why the Regensburg Milestone Matters

The significance of BMW’s nine-millionth vehicle is not limited to the number itself. The iX1 represents the production philosophy BMW is increasingly applying across its manufacturing network.

Regensburg demonstrates that a modern factory does not necessarily need to be dedicated exclusively to electric vehicles to support BMW’s electrification strategy. Instead, it can manufacture different powertrains on one line while maintaining high output.

That is particularly relevant for crossovers based on front-wheel-drive architectures, which remain an important part of BMW’s global lineup. The X1 and X2 families give the company a platform for offering gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and electric variants without requiring entirely separate manufacturing systems for every version.

At the same time, BMW is introducing new architectures designed primarily around electric powertrains. Regensburg’s flexible production model provides a bridge between those approaches, allowing the company to continue building combustion-engine vehicles while expanding its electric portfolio.

BMW Regensburg Production Milestone: Key Facts

  • Plant: BMW Regensburg, Germany
  • Production began: 1986
  • First model: BMW E30 3 Series
  • Nine-millionth vehicle: BMW iX1
  • Milestone color: Velvet Orchid II Metallic
  • Customer: Sweden
  • Production milestone: September 2026
  • 2025 annual output: Approximately 356,000 vehicles
  • 2025 electrified production: More than 150,000 vehicles
  • Current lineup: Primarily BMW X1 and X2
  • Powertrains: Gasoline, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric
  • Workforce: Approximately 9,000 employees across Regensburg and Wackersdorf

Source: BMW

NEW CARS

2027 BMW M350 Brings 437 HP, xDrive and Drift Mode to the New 3 Series

BMW is preparing to give the next-generation 3 Series a serious performance upgrade. The new range-topping BMW M350 will produce 437bhp from a turbocharged 3.0-litre inline-six, making it significantly more powerful than the outgoing M340i while introducing a feature previously reserved for BMW’s full M cars: a dedicated drift mode.

Positioned below the next-generation BMW M3, the M350 is set to become the fastest and most powerful combustion-engined version of the regular 3 Series when it arrives. With all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission and a 0-62mph time of just 4.1 seconds, the new M350 promises to blur the line between a conventional sports sedan and a full-blown performance car.

BMW M350 Gets 437bhp From a Turbocharged Inline-Six

At the heart of the new BMW M350 is BMW’s familiar turbocharged 3.0-litre straight-six petrol engine. According to BMW, the engine will deliver 437bhp and 428lb ft of torque.

That represents a substantial increase over the outgoing BMW M340i, with the new model gaining 50bhp and 30lb ft of torque.

The M350 will be the only regular 3 Series derivative, alongside the forthcoming M3, to use BMW’s signature six-cylinder petrol engine. Other combustion-powered versions of the next-generation 3 Series are expected to rely on updated four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines.

The additional power puts the M350 firmly into performance-car territory while retaining the everyday usability that has long defined the 3 Series.

0-62mph in 4.1 Seconds

Power will be delivered to all four wheels through BMW’s familiar eight-speed automatic transmission and xDrive all-wheel-drive system.

BMW claims the new M350 will accelerate from 0 to 62mph in just 4.1 seconds. That makes it only 0.6sec slower than the outgoing M3, despite the M350 being positioned below BMW’s full-performance M model.

Top speed will be electronically limited to 155mph.

The figures underline just how far the M350 has moved beyond the traditional executive-sports-sedan formula. With 437bhp, substantial torque and all-wheel drive, the new BMW will have enough performance to challenge some cars that previously occupied a much higher performance bracket.

BMW M350 Drift Mode Is a First

Perhaps the most surprising addition to the new BMW M350 is its drift mode.

For the first time, BMW will bring this feature to a non-M 3 Series derivative. Previously, the ability to deliberately send power exclusively to the rear wheels in a dedicated drift setting was associated with BMW M models such as the M3.

When activated, the system can direct all of the engine’s drive to the rear axle, making it significantly easier for the driver to induce and control a slide.

There is one catch, however. The BMW M350 drift mode will not be available from launch. Instead, BMW plans to introduce the feature through a software update scheduled for next year.

That approach highlights how increasingly important software has become to modern performance cars. Rather than requiring a hardware change, BMW can unlock additional driving functionality through an over-the-air update.

Steel Suspension Standard, Adaptive Dampers Optional

Despite its performance credentials, the M350 will retain a conventional steel-spring suspension system as standard.

Buyers will be able to upgrade to one of two adaptive damper systems. One will prioritize comfort and everyday usability, while the other will feature a firmer setup with BMW M branding and a greater focus on performance driving.

The choice could make the M350 particularly appealing to buyers who want a single car capable of handling both daily commuting and fast driving on demanding roads.

BMW will also equip the M350 with a staggered sports-tyre configuration. The front axle will use 245mm-wide tyres, while the rear tyres will measure 275mm across.

The wider rear rubber should help the M350 put its 437bhp to the road while also contributing to the car’s more aggressive handling characteristics.

New BMW 3 Series Launches With Petrol and Electric Power

The BMW M350 will form part of an entirely new generation of the 3 Series.

BMW is expected to launch the electric i3 first, followed by the combustion-engined versions of the next-generation 3 Series later this year. UK deliveries of the petrol-powered models are expected to begin in early 2027.

The strategy reflects BMW’s decision to develop the next 3 Series around multiple powertrain technologies rather than moving exclusively toward electric propulsion.

As a result, buyers will be able to choose between electric and combustion-powered versions of BMW’s iconic compact executive sedan.

Will BMW Bring Back the M340d?

One major question remains unanswered: will BMW introduce a successor to the M340d?

The previous-generation 3 Series offered the M340d, combining BMW’s performance-oriented M treatment with a powerful diesel engine. However, the chances of seeing an M350d—or an equivalent high-performance diesel—appear increasingly slim.

Diesel-powered passenger cars have continued to lose popularity in many European markets, while increasingly stringent emissions regulations are making high-performance diesel applications more difficult to justify.

The upcoming Euro 7 emissions regulations could further complicate the business case.

BMW’s decision to remove the “i” suffix from petrol-powered model names is also noteworthy. Historically, the “i” designation distinguished petrol models from diesel versions carrying a “d” suffix. Its removal could signal a broader change in the way BMW identifies its combustion-powered cars—and potentially the disappearance of some diesel variants.

Four-Cylinder Engines for Other 3 Series Models

While the M350 will retain BMW’s six-cylinder performance engine, the rest of the combustion-powered 3 Series range is expected to use four-cylinder powerplants.

These engines are likely to be updated versions of BMW’s existing B48 petrol and B47 diesel families, which are already used in the current-generation 3 Series.

This creates a clear hierarchy within the new range: four-cylinder engines for mainstream models, the 3.0-litre straight-six for the M350, and a substantially more powerful M3 sitting above them.

Next-Generation BMW M3 Will Offer Petrol and Electric Power

The arrival of the M350 is only part of BMW’s larger performance strategy.

The next-generation BMW M3 is expected to arrive in 2027 and will be offered with both petrol and electric power. BMW M boss Frank van Meel has already described the forthcoming electric M3 as the petrol-powered car’s “own natural enemy.”

The electric M3 is expected to use a quad-motor powertrain, giving BMW the ability to independently control the torque delivered to each wheel.

That could create a completely different approach to performance and handling compared with the traditional rear-biased dynamics of the combustion-engined M3.

For enthusiasts, the relationship between the M350, petrol M3 and electric M3 could become one of the most interesting aspects of BMW’s next-generation performance lineup.

BMW M350 vs M3: How Close Will They Be?

On paper, the M350 is already remarkably close to the outgoing M3 in straight-line performance.

Its 437bhp output and 4.1-second 0-62mph time mean that the gap between the two cars is considerably smaller than the model hierarchy might suggest.

The M3 will remain the more serious performance machine, with a chassis, brakes, aerodynamics and powertrain engineered specifically for BMW M’s highest level of road and track performance.

But the M350 could occupy an increasingly attractive middle ground. It promises near-M3 acceleration while offering the comfort, practicality and understated character expected from a regular 3 Series.

The addition of a rear-wheel-drive drift mode makes the comparison even more intriguing.

A New Era for the BMW 3 Series

The next-generation BMW 3 Series is shaping up to be one of the most technologically significant versions of the model yet.

The M350 combines a 437bhp turbocharged straight-six, xDrive all-wheel drive, an eight-speed automatic transmission, adaptive suspension options and—eventually—a dedicated drift mode.

More importantly, BMW is maintaining a combustion-powered performance option at a time when the automotive industry is rapidly transitioning toward electric vehicles.

The result could be a BMW M350 that serves as a final high-performance expression of the traditional six-cylinder 3 Series formula before electric power becomes increasingly dominant.

With the next M3 arriving soon and an electric four-motor M3 promising an entirely different approach to performance, BMW’s new 3 Series family could offer enthusiasts more choice than ever—while simultaneously marking the beginning of a major shift in what a performance BMW can be.

Source: BMW

News

BMW Just Pressed Pause on Its Toughest SUV Project Yet

BMW is rethinking its future vehicle lineup as global market uncertainty forces the German automaker to reconsider upcoming models, technologies and investment priorities. One of the first casualties of this strategic review appears to be the highly anticipated BMW G74, a planned luxury off-roader designed to compete with the iconic Mercedes-Benz G-Class.

BMW’s new CEO Milan Nedeljković has confirmed that the company is conducting a comprehensive review of its future product portfolio, as changing customer demand, slowing growth in China, increasing competition from Chinese manufacturers and global trade challenges reshape the automotive industry.

The decision marks a significant shift in BMW’s approach to future vehicle development, with the company no longer assuming that previously planned models will automatically move into production.

BMW Reviews Future Models as Automotive Industry Enters New Era

Speaking after BMW released its second-quarter financial results, Nedeljković explained that the company is taking a closer look at upcoming products, drivetrain strategies and potential partnerships to ensure future investments match evolving market conditions.

“We are once again reviewing which technologies, model variants and drivetrains we will need in the future,” Nedeljković said.

The BMW chief executive highlighted that the automotive market has changed dramatically over the past year, forcing manufacturers to become more flexible with long-term product planning.

Among the biggest challenges facing BMW are:

  • weaker demand in China, BMW’s largest single market;
  • aggressive expansion of Chinese electric vehicle manufacturers;
  • increasing trade barriers in the United States;
  • currency fluctuations;
  • stricter emissions regulations in Europe;
  • uncertainty caused by geopolitical tensions.

According to BMW, these factors have created a more complex global environment where customer preferences are no longer moving in a single direction.

BMW G74 Luxury SUV Rival to Mercedes-Benz G-Class Reportedly Frozen

The most significant result of BMW’s product review appears to be the delay of the company’s planned ultra-luxury off-road model, internally known as the BMW G74.

The model was expected to become BMW’s answer to the legendary Mercedes-Benz G-Class, entering a rapidly growing segment of premium lifestyle SUVs dominated by vehicles such as the G-Class, Range Rover and other high-end adventure models.

According to sources close to BMW’s headquarters in Munich, the G74 has not received final production approval and is currently placed on hold.

Although BMW has not officially confirmed the cancellation, the project’s uncertain future reflects the company’s new approach to vehicle investments.

Originally envisioned as a fully electric SUV based on BMW’s upcoming BMW Neue Klasse architecture, the G74 reportedly evolved into a more flexible model using the company’s CLAR platform, allowing petrol, hybrid and electric powertrains.

However, changing market conditions may have made the business case for such a specialized model difficult to justify.

Why BMW May Have Abandoned Its G-Class Competitor

The luxury off-road SUV segment has grown significantly in recent years, but developing a direct competitor to the Mercedes-Benz G-Class requires substantial investment.

A BMW G74 would have needed to combine:

  • extreme off-road capability;
  • premium interior craftsmanship;
  • advanced electric technology;
  • strong global demand;
  • profitability despite limited production volumes.

With demand for expensive electric vehicles slowing in some markets, BMW may have decided that resources would be better allocated toward models with broader customer appeal.

The decision also highlights a major challenge facing premium automakers: balancing ambitious electric vehicle strategies with rapidly changing consumer behavior.

BMW Rejects One-Size-Fits-All Electric Strategy

Unlike some competitors that have committed exclusively to electric vehicles, BMW continues to follow a technology-neutral approach.

The company is investing in:

  • battery-electric vehicles;
  • petrol engines;
  • diesel powertrains;
  • plug-in hybrids;
  • hydrogen technology.

Nedeljković emphasized that customer demand differs significantly between regions.

“The needs and expectations of customers vary greatly from market to market – and even within individual markets.”

BMW’s latest sales figures demonstrate this mixed global picture.

In Europe, BMW electric vehicle sales increased significantly, while in the United States demand for traditional internal combustion engines remained strong and electric vehicle growth slowed.

This regional divide is forcing automakers to maintain multiple powertrain solutions rather than focusing exclusively on one technology.

BMW Neue Klasse Electric Models Continue Strong Momentum

Despite reviewing its future lineup, BMW remains committed to its Neue Klasse electric vehicle strategy.

The company’s new BMW iX3 Neue Klasse has reportedly generated strong customer interest, with BMW approaching 100,000 orders.

To meet demand, BMW has already added a second production shift at its new factory in Debrecen, Hungary.

The company described the Debrecen production ramp-up as its fastest ever achieved at a new manufacturing facility, with additional capacity introduced earlier than originally planned.

BMW also reported stronger-than-expected interest in the upcoming electric BMW i3 Neue Klasse, with pre-orders opening earlier than planned.

BMW’s Future Strategy Will Focus on Flexibility

The decision to reconsider the G74 project does not mean BMW is abandoning innovation. Instead, it shows that the company is adapting its strategy to a rapidly changing automotive market.

The German manufacturer appears determined to avoid committing billions of euros to niche vehicles unless long-term demand and profitability are clear.

Future BMW models are likely to be judged by:

  • global market potential;
  • production efficiency;
  • customer demand;
  • technological flexibility;
  • profitability.

As competition from Chinese automakers increases and traditional manufacturers face pressure to manage the transition to electrification, BMW’s ability to adjust quickly may become one of its biggest advantages.

Source: BMW