🚗 Revolution Begins at the Steyr Plant
BMW has officially launched series production of its sixth-generation electric drive unit (Gen6) at the iconic Steyr plant in Austria, marking a pivotal milestone in the company’s electrification journey. This new motor will power upcoming “Neue Klasse” (New Class) models and symbolizes BMW’s next leap in electric mobility.
🔋 From Legacy to Innovation
The Steyr plant, known for producing internal combustion engines for over 40 years, is now the epicenter of BMW’s e-mobility shift. Since the project’s inception in 2022, more than €1 billion is being invested through 2030 to expand electric motor production—ensuring Steyr remains BMW’s main powertrain hub.
“Steyr will remain the heart of propulsion competence – for both combustion and electric engines,”
— Klaus von Moltke, Head of Engine Production at BMW AG
⚙️ Highlights of the Gen6 Electric Motor Production
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | BMW Steyr Plant, Austria |
| Start of Production | August 2025 |
| Powertrain System | Sixth-Generation BMW eDrive (Gen6) |
| Supported Models | Upcoming Neue Klasse (New Class) electric vehicles |
| Jobs Created | Approx. 1,000 new positions |
| Future Workforce Shift | Up to 50% dedicated to e-mobility by 2030 |
| Investment | Over €1 billion by 2030 |
| Efficiency Gains (iX3 Example) | – 40% energy loss reduction – 20% cost reduction – 10% weight cut |
| Range Capability | Up to 800 km WLTP in the future iX3 50 xDrive |
🔧 Key Components Produced in Steyr
- Rotor
- Stator
- Gearbox
- Inverter (assembled in a new cleanroom facility)
- Electric Motor Housing (cast in Landshut, finished in Steyr)
Modular Assembly Approach
The plant uses a modular production system that allows flexible manufacturing of various electric motor versions, ensuring:
- Scalability
- Cost-effectiveness
- Adaptability to changing demands
🚀 Technological Leap with Gen6
The Gen6 eDrive system isn’t just a new chapter—it’s a technological revolution for BMW’s electric vehicles:
- ⚡ 800-Volt Architecture: Enables faster charging and higher performance
- 💡 Silicon Carbide (SiC) Inverter: Enhances energy conversion efficiency
- 🔩 Fully Integrated Housing: Compact and highly efficient design
- 🌱 Aluminum Construction: Lightweight and recyclable materials
“This contributes significantly to the complete vehicle being up to 20 percent more efficient,”
— Martin Kaufmann, BMW Global Head of Powertrain Development
📸 Electric Future in Motion
Gallery Preview: The new assembly lines and cleanroom environment reflect the factory’s transformation into an electromobility center of excellence. Precision machinery and trained specialists now handle high-tech components with exacting standards.
🌍 Global Impact
The motors produced at Steyr will be shipped across BMW’s worldwide production network, equipping a new wave of electric vehicles designed under the Neue Klasse vision. These models will reflect not only improved range and performance but also significant cost and weight reductions, making premium electric driving more accessible.
🏁 Final Thoughts
BMW’s Steyr plant exemplifies how traditional manufacturing sites can successfully transition into the electrified era—without abandoning their engineering heritage. By embracing both technological openness and strategic investment, BMW secures its place at the forefront of the global EV race.
Stay tuned as the first Neue Klasse models hit the roads—powered by innovation, precision, and Steyr’s legacy of propulsion excellence.
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