- Near-series production prototypes of the Neue Klasse SUV are now being built in Hungary.
- BMW plans to begin full-scale series production of the compact premium model by late 2025.
- The iX3 SUV will debut as the first model on the Neue Klasse platform, followed by the i3 sedan.
BMW has taken another major step toward its electric future with the production of the first “near-series” prototypes of its upcoming Neue Klasse SUV in Debrecen, Hungary. This move marks a key step toward the series production launch, which is scheduled for late 2025. The Debrecen plant, specifically built for the Neue Klasse lineup, is set to become the cornerstone of BMW’s EV strategy.
What BMW calls the “fully electric X model for the Neue Klasse” is, in fact, the next iteration of the iX3. Previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse X concept in March 2024, the SUV’s design has already been teased through spy shots and leaked patent drawings. While the official reveal is still months away, the glimpses we’ve had so far leave little room for speculation.
More: 2026 BMW iX3 Neue Klasse Revealed In Patent Leaks
The company has released a single image of the near-series iX3 prototype, captured within the BMW Group Plant in Debrecen. Draped in camouflage, the prototype showcases the production-ready bodywork and lighting units. It is more advanced that early development prototypes, whose production has been ramping up.
The 2026 BMW iX3 remains largely faithful to its concept origins but introduces some real-world concessions. It swaps the more futuristic features of the Vision Neue Klasse concept for more practical elements, including conventional LED headlights, standard side mirrors, slightly smaller wheels, and some design tweaks to the body.
According to the Bavarian automaker, the logistics and production processes at the plant are currently being “tested and constantly optimized under real conditions” as the vehicles inch closer to their final production form. The company added that every stage of the process is undergoing “close scrutiny,” while the “cutting-edge production systems and tools” are being validated. Additionally, new staff members will undergo intensive training in the coming months, as BMW prepares for launch.
What’s Next for Neue Klasse?
Production of the iX3 SUV is set to commence in Debrecen, Hungary, in late 2025, with its closely related i3 sedan following in Munich, Germany, in 2026. By 2027, Neue Klasse EV production will also expand to BMW’s San Luis Potosí plant in Mexico, ighlighting the automaker’s international approach to its next-generation EV lineup.
BMW aims for its fully electric lineup to account for more than half of its total sales by 2030. By 2027, no fewer than six Neue Klasse models—including the iX3 and i3—are set to launch, driving the automaker’s EV momentum. At the same time, BMW will continue introducing new generations of internal combustion engine (ICE) models, to maintain a diverse offering for its customers.
