BMW has officially launched series production of its sixth-generation (Gen6) electric motors, marking a major step forward in the company’s electric mobility strategy. The production is taking place at BMW’s long-established plant in Steyr, Austria, which now serves as the first manufacturing hub for these advanced motors. While other facilities may join later, Steyr is leading the way.
These Gen6 motors are designed specifically for BMW’s highly anticipated Neue Klasse lineup, the next generation of EVs set to redefine the brand’s electric vehicle offerings. Once assembled in Steyr, the motors will be distributed across BMW’s global production network, powering a range of future models under the Neue Klasse banner.
BMW initially announced plans to manufacture electric drivetrains at its Steyr facility in 2020. Now, three years later, that commitment is becoming reality. BMW plans to pour over €1 billion into its Steyr facility by 2030, underscoring its commitment to scaling electric drivetrain production. This substantial investment is aimed at transforming the plant into a center of excellence for electric motor development and production within the BMW Group.
With more than 40 years of experience, Steyr has played a key role in BMW’s legacy producing internal combustion engines for both BMW and MINI models across generations. While the plant will continue to produce petrol and diesel engines for the time being, it is now entering a transformative phase with a growing emphasis on electric mobility. The Steyr facility is set to become BMW’s flagship site for electric drivetrain production in the coming era of e-mobility.
To support this shift, around 1,000 employees will be dedicated to electric motor assembly at Steyr. By the end of the decade, BMW estimates that up to half of the plant’s total workforce could be engaged in e-mobility, depending on how global demand for electric vehicles evolves.
The new Gen6 electric motor is a leap forward in both technology and efficiency. Key components including the rotor, stator, transmission, and inverter will all be manufactured on-site in Steyr. Notably, the inverter will be produced in a state-of-the-art clean-room environment that has been newly established within the facility. Meanwhile, the motor housing will be cast at BMW’s Landshut plant in Germany before being sent to Steyr for final processing.
BMW has embraced a modular production strategy for its sixth-generation electric motors, allowing greater flexibility and efficiency across its EV lineup. This flexibility allows the company to manufacture various derivatives of the motor, enabling compatibility across the full range of Neue Klasse vehicles. The motors will also feature 800-volt electrical architecture, enhancing performance and charging capabilities.
One of the first vehicles to benefit from this new technology will be the next-generation BMW iX3 50 xDrive. According to the company, this upcoming model will be approximately 20% more efficient than its predecessor equipped with a Gen5 powertrain. When paired with a newly developed high-voltage battery, the iX3 50 xDrive is expected to offer an impressive driving range of up to 800 kilometers (WLTP).
The shift to Gen6 technology represents more than just an upgrade it underscores BMW’s broader transition toward a fully electric future. The Neue Klasse series is expected to debut in 2025 and play a pivotal role in BMW’s long-term electrification goals.
By turning Steyr into a key hub for electric powertrain innovation, BMW is not only securing its supply chain but also reinforcing its commitment to sustainability, performance, and manufacturing excellence. This move positions the brand to compete aggressively in the evolving EV landscape, where efficiency, range, and technological innovation are becoming the new benchmarks of success.
As the automotive industry accelerates its shift toward electrification, BMW’s investment in the Gen6 motor and its production infrastructure at Steyr signals a clear intention: to lead from the front in the next era of premium electric mobility.
What are your thoughts on BMW’s move to start series production of Gen6 electric motors for the Neue Klasse do you see this as a game-changer for the future of premium EVs? Let us know in the comments below.
