BMW Is Boosting iX3 Manufacturing To Meet Sturdy Demand

Not lengthy after BMW unveiled the second-generation iX3, orders began flooding in. As a refresher, the world debut on the IAA Mobility Present in Munich passed off final September. A mere month later, the electrical SUV was already outselling the gas-fueled X3 in Germany by way of orders.

In November, CEO Oliver Zipse stated the mannequin internally often called “NA5” was having an “exceptionally constructive begin.” A lot so, in reality, that the order books have been already thick sufficient to cowl manufacturing effectively into 2026. By December, the iX3 was practically bought out in Europe, based on BMW Italy President and CEO Massimiliano Di Silvestre.

The mirror is now reporting that order consumption stays robust. Citing BMW insiders, the German newspaper claims the iX3 is attracting “very excessive order volumes” from each non-public and fleet consumers. To deal with the inflow of demand, BMW intends to ramp up manufacturing at its new Debrecen plant in Hungary.

A 3rd shift is allegedly set to be added before initially deliberate. As soon as working at full capability, the manufacturing unit can construct as much as 150,000 autos yearly. The mirror additionally notes that the iX3 is attracting prospects who’ve by no means purchased a BMW earlier than, with one in three reportedly new to the model.

It’s value noting that returning BMW consumers are allegedly ordering the iX3 with out even seeing it within the steel. Take a look at drives will solely be doable from early March, when the Neue Klasse EV goes on sale in Europe. Individuals should wait till the summer time, whereas prospects in China will obtain a long-wheelbase model later this 12 months. The stretched iX3 “NA6” may even be bought in India, Thailand, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

For practically two years, Debrecen would be the solely manufacturing unit within the BMW Group’s manufacturing community assembling the standard-wheelbase iX3. The “NA5” is anticipated to enter manufacturing on the San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico beginning in August 2027.

The excessive order consumption is much more spectacular when you think about that BMW at present provides only a single model: the iX3 50 xDrive. As soon as the rear-wheel-drive, single-motor variant reaches Europe by the tip of the 12 months, demand ought to spike once more. The iX3 40 will carry a decrease beginning value, whereas efficiency fanatics can sit up for the iX3 M60 forward of an eventual X3 M within the coming years.

The swoopy iX4 hasn’t been formally introduced but, however spy pictures counsel its world premiere is more likely to happen this 12 months. It might make sense for BMW to construct the electrical coupe-SUV in Debrecen as effectively, making the choice so as to add that third shift sooner than deliberate a logical transfer.

Supply: The mirror (subscription required)