BMW advances sustainability with the next-generation BMW i3 and a modernized Munich plant

16 March 2026, 17:05:18

BMW is sharpening its focus on sustainability as it prepares the next generation of electric vehicles, with the all-new BMW i3 emerging as a central pillar of the company's 360° decarbonisation strategy. This holistic approach spans the entire lifecycle of the vehicle - from development and supply chain to production and end‑of‑use - ensuring that the second Neue Klasse model plays a decisive role in meeting BMW's ambitious CO₂e‑reduction targets.

According to BMW, the new BMW i3 50xDrive already delivers a measurable CO₂e advantage over comparable combustion‑engine models after just one to two years of use. The exact benefit depends on drivetrain configuration, annual mileage, and the source of electricity used for charging, but the early break‑even point underscores the efficiency gains of the latest electric platform.

A major contributor to these gains is BMW's targeted decarbonisation throughout the supply chain. By increasing the use of renewable energy, expanding the share of secondary materials, and introducing innovations such as the Gen6 battery cell, the company has significantly reduced emissions. During the development of the new i3 alone, supply‑chain CO₂e emissions were cut by roughly one‑third, demonstrating the impact of BMW’s systematic approach.

The "Design for Circularity" principle is another cornerstone of the new model. BMW has reduced the number of materials used, improved recyclability, and increased the use of secondary resources. The front bumper, for example, now contains 30 percent recycled plastic, while the number of materials used in the bumper structure has been reduced from 15 to 7 compared to the previous 3 Series generation. As a result, the proportion of recyclable plastic has risen from about 46% to approximately 85%. Inside the cabin, Econeer seat covers made from 100% recycled PET further reduce emissions and water consumption during manufacturing.

Overall, the new BMW i3 is composed of around 30% secondary materials. This includes aluminium components with up to 80% recycled content and wheel rims made from 70% secondary aluminium. Even the housing of the rear electric motor incorporates up to two‑thirds recycled aluminium. In the Gen6 battery cells, secondary materials are used for cobalt, lithium, and nickel, while renewable energy powers the production of anode and cathode materials. Compared to the previous Gen5 cells, CO₂e emissions per watt hour have been reduced by about 33 percent.

Efficiency during the use phase is further enhanced by BMW's long‑standing EfficientDynamics technology package, which optimises aerodynamics, lightweight construction, rolling resistance, and energy management across all vehicle systems. This approach, in place since 2007, continues to evolve with each new generation of BMW vehicles.

Meanwhile, BMW Group Plant Munich - home to more than a century of automotive production - is undergoing a sweeping transformation. The site has been modernised with a new body shop, advanced assembly facilities, and upgraded logistics areas. Production of the new BMW i3 will begin in 2026, and by 2027, the plant will exclusively manufacture fully electric Neue Klasse models. The facility already sources 100 percent of its external electricity from renewable energy, reinforcing BMW's commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

This commitment aligns with the company's broader climate goals. BMW aims to achieve "net zero" no later than 2050 and plans to reduce CO₂e emissions by at least 40 million tonnes by 2030 compared to 2019 levels. Transparency remains a key element of this strategy: the company continues to publish TÜV‑validated Product Carbon Footprints for its vehicles, accessible through the Vehicle Footprint report and the My BMW app.

BMW, one of the world's leading premium automotive manufacturers, is accelerating its transition toward fully electric mobility through its Neue Klasse platform. The upcoming Neue Klasse i3 is positioned as a technological flagship, combining next‑generation battery technology, advanced digital architecture, and a design philosophy centred on circularity. As part of BMW's broader electrification roadmap, the Neue Klasse i3 will play a pivotal role in shaping the brand's future lineup, offering improved efficiency, reduced lifecycle emissions, and a more sustainable approach to premium mobility.

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