BMW has officially commenced series production of its sixth-generation electric motor (Gen6) at the BMW Group Plant Steyr, marking a pivotal step in the company’s transition to the Neue Klasse era of mobility. The plant, historically a cornerstone of BMW’s internal combustion engine production, now leads the charge into the brand’s all-electric future.
“Today, we are laying the foundations for the future of the BMW Group,” said Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production, during the ceremonial production start. “As the first production site for the Gen6 electric engine, Plant Steyr is central to the Neue Klasse and the continued development of our global production network.”
From Diesel to Electric: A Historic Pivot
Plant Steyr has been at the heart of BMW’s powertrain operations for over 40 years, producing diesel and petrol engines for both BMW and MINI. With this latest milestone, it adds fully electric drive units to its portfolio — the first of their kind to be built at the Austrian facility.
Klaus von Moltke, Senior Vice President of Engine Production and Plant Director at Steyr, emphasized the strategic importance: “What we are launching here today is more than just a production ramp-up. It is a firm commitment to Europe, to technology and to the future.”
The facility is undergoing a substantial transformation. With over €1 billion invested between 2022 and 2030, BMW is equipping Steyr with new capabilities in electric drive train development and production, including rotor, stator, transmission, and inverter assembly. Approximately 1,000 employees will work on the electric drive line, and by 2030, half of the plant’s workforce could be focused on e-mobility, depending on global market demand.
Next-Gen Tech for the Neue Klasse
The Gen6 electric motor isn’t just an evolution — it’s a comprehensive reinvention of BMW’s eDrive technology. Designed from the ground up for an 800-volt architecture, the system integrates the rotor, stator, inverter, and transmission in a modular, highly compact unit.
Compared to the current Gen5 eDrive systems, Gen6 offers significant performance and efficiency gains:
- 40% reduction in energy loss
- 20% reduction in production cost
- 10% reduction in weight
- Up to 800 km range (WLTP) in the upcoming BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the Neue Klasse’s debut model.
Much of this is due to the adoption of silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductors and a high-efficiency inverter now manufactured in Steyr’s new clean-room facility — a first for the plant, signaling BMW’s entry into advanced electrical engineering at this site.
Martin Kaufmann, SVP of Global Powertrain Development at BMW AG, highlighted the significance: “The intelligent use of new technologies in the e-drive and systematic refinement of existing systems are delivering remarkable results. This is more than innovation — it’s transformation.”
A Modular, Scalable Vision for the Future
Production of Gen6 motors at Steyr follows a modular concept that allows for multiple eDrive configurations across various Neue Klasse models. This strategy enhances flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency, ensuring BMW can rapidly respond to shifts in global EV demand.
While electric motors are the future, BMW remains committed to a diversified powertrain strategy. Plant Steyr will continue producing internal combustion engines in parallel, a move von Moltke says ensures long-term job security: “Technology openness is our strength – it gives us the necessary flexibility to secure long-term jobs.”
Steyr: From Legacy to Leadership
From diesel dominance to electric excellence, BMW’s Plant Steyr exemplifies the brand’s approach to transformation — rooted in tradition, yet boldly future-focused. With the Gen6 eDrive system now in full production, the Neue Klasse is no longer a concept on paper. It’s a movement in motion.
Source: BMW