BMW Steyr Plant Doubles Production with Second Shift for iX3 Electric Motors

BMW’s Steyr plant in Austria is experiencing a surge in demand for the BMW iX3 (NA5) and the surrounding Neue Klasse lineup, prompting the introduction of a second shift on the electric motor line. This expansion has resulted in a weekly output exceeding 4,000 units, with the potential for further growth as the two-shift operation continues to ramp up.

The plant’s management now anticipates producing well over 100,000 electric motors in Steyr by 2026, with the possibility of surpassing 200,000 units if current output levels are sustained. These motors are shipped to BMW’s Debrecen plant in Hungary for installation on the rear axle of the iX3.

Gen6 Electric Motors

The latest iteration of BMW’s eDrive technology, known as the sixth generation, powers the electric motor in the iX3 with 240 kW (326 hp) and 435 Nm of torque. This synchronous unit is complemented by a smaller front axle motor sourced externally. The entry-level iX3 40 features a slightly modified version of the Steyr motor, producing 320 hp and 500 Nm of torque. BMW plans to introduce additional variants for the i3 (NA0) lineup in the coming months, catering to different power requirements from basic to high-performance models like the M60.

The efficiency of Steyr’s motors contributes significantly to the impressive range figures of BMW’s electric vehicles. The iX3 achieves 805 km on the WLTP cycle, while the sleeker, lighter i3 extends that range to 912 km. The sixth-generation technology will also be integrated into upcoming models like the iX5 60 xDrive (G65) and the iX6 (G66) as part of the ongoing Neue Klasse expansion.