Last month (March 2026) brought a major surprise to the automotive industry when a mysterious silhouette appeared at the BMW i3 (Neue Klasse) launch event, quashing rumors that BMW might discontinue the Wagon (Touring) body style in the 3 Series. Clearly, BMW’s family wagons will continue with both electric and combustion engines. Although sales have been somewhat overshadowed by SUVs, there remains a solid buyer base for this style.
At the close of the new i3 Sedan launch event, while BMW CEO Oliver Zipse was delivering his closing speech, a silhouette of a Wagon briefly appeared on the screen behind him. This was a clear signal that the next-generation Series 3 Touring (body code G51 / NA1) is definitely coming. Based on the i3 launch, automotive media worldwide have speculated on specs that will carry over to the Touring version, similar to the sedan. The i3 Sedan can achieve up to 900 km (WLTP) range, so the slightly less aerodynamic Touring should still impress with around 800 km. Charging uses the i3’s 800V architecture, supporting DC fast charging up to 400 kW (10 minutes charging for 400 km range). The i3 50 xDrive model unveiled features dual motors with 469 horsepower and M Car-level torque of 645 Nm.
A key question for Thai consumers is whether the BMW i3 Wagon (Touring) will still have an internal combustion engine (ICE) option. Although the event focused on the 100% electric i3, reports say BMW will continue producing the new Series 3 with combustion engines (sedan code G50 and Touring G51) alongside the electric models. The design may closely resemble the electric version but updated on a modernized platform.
Why does BMW continue making Touring models despite strong SUV sales? In Germany and Europe, wagons remain very popular, as seen in registration statistics where some models sell more Touring versions than sedans. It's mainly in Thailand that station wagons face heavy import taxes, pushing prices beyond reach. Even sporty family wagons tend to be pricier than locally assembled sedans. While wagons offer versatile cargo space—sometimes more than SUVs—they appeal to buyers who want ample storage without driving an SUV. BMW currently offers only the M3 Touring for wagons, while Audi offers several wagon models in Thailand, though at high prices.
The latest confirmation from early April 2026 clarifies BMW's shifting production plans, especially at its main Munich plant. BMW confirmed that the i3 Touring (100% electric on the Neue Klasse platform) will be produced at Munich, sharing production lines with the i3 Sedan (NA0), which is scheduled to enter series production in August 2026.
The fate of combustion engines (G50/G51)
Although BMW remains "open" regarding powertrains, the fact is that Munich will convert to producing only electric vehicles by 2027. If BMW decides to produce the combustion or hybrid 3 Series Touring (G51), it will not be made in Munich but likely moved to the Dingolfing plant, which currently makes the Series 5 and Series 7. The i3 Sedan (NA0) production starts August 2026, with i3 Touring (NA1) expected in the second half of 2027 or later.
BMW’s confirmation to produce the i3 Touring at Munich—the brand’s most technologically advanced plant, recently upgraded with over €650 million investment—signals their intent to position this model as a flagship for the new-generation family vehicle market. Featuring an 800V architecture in a wagon body style BMW excels at, it promises to be more enjoyable to drive and practical than before. Peter Weber, BMW Munich plant director, also shared interesting insights about this major transition behind the scenes.
Updated production timeline (April 2026)
Although BMW has not announced an exact launch date for the Wagon, production sequencing at Munich is planned as follows:
The i3 Sedan (NA0) began series production in August 2026, with pre-series production and system testing having started in February.
The i3 Touring (NA1) is expected to start production in the latter half of 2027 at the earliest, as the sedan must stabilize first and factory adjustments are needed.
Munich to become BMW’s "EV capital"
Peter Weber confirmed that the two i3 body styles are just the beginning, as the historic Munich plant is undergoing a major transformation.
EV Only by 2027: From late 2027 onward, Munich will cease all combustion engine production, ending 75 years of internal combustion vehicle manufacturing there.
Cost Reduction: Switching to Neue Klasse platform production will reduce manufacturing costs by up to 10% compared to current models.
More Models to Come: Beyond the i3, other Neue Klasse models focusing on compact, agile vehicles will be produced at Munich.
What about the iX3?
Many wonder why the iX3 is not produced in Munich. The answer is that the new iX3 (NA5) production has moved to the new Debrecen plant in Hungary to spread production capacity across Europe.
In summary for BMW fans: If you’re waiting for the electric i3 Touring, expect to wait until late 2027 or early 2028 to see the model in Thailand. Although delayed, it will arrive with Gen6 battery technology offering faster charging and longer range than current models.
BMW’s technology and production plans from 2026-2028 are intensive, especially with efforts to distribute production globally to support the Neue Klasse platform.
Who produces what? (Updated 2026-2028)
BMW is reorganizing its factories for maximum efficiency.
Munich (Germany) remains the "home base" for i3 Sedan (NA0), i3 Touring (NA1), and future sporty compact models.
Debrecen (Hungary) focuses on SUVs, including the iX3 (NA5) and likely the upcoming iX4 (NA7) coupe-SUV, sharing platforms for efficiency.
San Luis Potosí (Mexico) will start producing the iX3 in 2027 and the i3 Sedan in 2028, targeting the North American market and benefiting from U.S. tax incentives.
Rumors about the i4 Coupe (NA2)
BMW enthusiasts are watching closely amid rumors that BMW may revive a 2-door electric coupe under the i4 (NA2) code, with Munich as the leading candidate for production due to its expertise in compact sports cars. While not officially announced, the CEO’s comments about more models coming to Munich lend credibility to this rumor.
Gen6 Battery Technology (Cylindrical Cells): These upcoming cars will feature a new cylindrical battery design, replacing the old prismatic cells. The new batteries offer 20% higher energy density, 30% longer range (potentially up to 900 km for the i3), 60% lower production pollution, and align with Munich’s transition to 100% electric vehicle production by the end of 2027 to fully embrace the Neue Klasse era. Combustion engine vehicles will be relocated elsewhere, as BMW Group confirmed in 2026.
New base at Dingolfing
BMW confirmed that the new 3 Series (G50) with combustion and hybrid powertrains will be produced at the Dingolfing plant starting November 2026. Dingolfing currently produces the Series 5 and 7, making it well-equipped to handle larger, heavier vehicles. Notably, the G50/G51 combustion models will closely mimic the i3’s electric design externally for brand unity, but underneath will differ significantly. The i3 (NA0/NA1) uses the brand-new Neue Klasse platform, while the 3 Series retains an updated CLAR platform to accommodate B48 and B58 inline-six engines.
Regarding the Regensburg plant, although BMW has not fully disclosed details, spy shots and company direction in early 2026 have clarified much.
New generation iX1 (NB5) will skip mid-cycle update
Reliable reports say BMW will not issue a facelift (LCI) for the current iX1 but will jump directly to the second generation (NB5), with production planned at Regensburg starting November 2027.
Major changes for the smallest model
Spy photos from recent winter testing reveal the new iX1 will switch from front-wheel drive to rear-wheel drive. The Neue Klasse platform supports only rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, so the iX1 will abandon its front-drive layout, improving its sporty driving feel significantly.
Fast charging up to 400 kW: Previously limited to 130 kW, the new iX1 will support 300–400 kW charging (800V architecture), making it the fastest charging vehicle in the entry-level EV segment. The interior will replace traditional instrument clusters with BMW Panoramic Vision, projecting data across the entire windshield, replacing all old displays.
Fate of the gasoline X1
While the iX1 jumps to Neue Klasse immediately, the gasoline X1 (U11) will continue with a facelift in mid-2027, updating its design to align with the electric model’s modern look but retaining its existing technology. The next iX2 is also expected to be produced here, as Regensburg currently handles the X1 and X2 models. Production updates will focus on small crossover vehicles suitable for the new platform.