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The BMW Group Plant Steyr has officially started series production of the sixth-generation (Gen6) electric engine for the Neue Klasse, marking a significant milestone in BMW’s electrification strategy. This development positions Steyr as a cornerstone of BMW’s global production network and underscores the company’s commitment to sustainable mobility. Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG’s Board Member for Production, emphasized, “Plant Steyr is central to the Neue Klasse,” highlighting its role in shaping BMW’s electric future.
Key Highlights
- Series production of Gen6 electric engines began at Plant Steyr.
- Over €1 billion invested in Steyr for e-drive expertise by 2030.
- Steyr remains BMW’s leading drive train facility, producing both electric and combustion engines.
- Gen6 e-drive features an 800-volt architecture for enhanced efficiency.
- Up to 1,000 employees will work in Steyr’s electric engine assembly.
- BMW iX3 50 xDrive achieves a range of up to 800 km (WLTP).
Steyr: A Hub for Drive Train Innovation
For over four decades, Plant Steyr in Austria has been a leader in producing internal combustion engines for BMW and MINI. Now, it pioneers the production of the Gen6 electric engine, the first fully electric drive train manufactured at the facility. BMW’s investment of over €1 billion by 2030 will expand Steyr’s e-drive development and production capabilities. Klaus von Moltke, SVP of Engine Production and Steyr plant director, noted, “Technology openness is our strength,” ensuring flexibility and job security. By 2030, up to half of Steyr’s workforce could be dedicated to e-mobility.
Advanced Production and Modular Design
The Gen6 e-drive’s core components—rotor, stator, transmission, and inverter—are produced at Steyr, with aluminum housings cast at BMW’s Landshut foundry. A new clean-room environment at Steyr supports inverter production, marking the plant’s entry into electrical engineering. The modular production system allows for flexible manufacturing of various e-drive derivatives, optimizing economies of scale and reducing costs. This scalability ensures Steyr can meet global demand for Neue Klasse models efficiently.
Technological Advancements in Gen6 E-Drive
The Gen6 electric engine introduces significant improvements over its predecessors. Built on an 800-volt architecture, it incorporates silicon carbide (SiC) semiconductor technology in the inverter, boosting efficiency. Compared to Gen5 models, the Gen6 e-drive reduces energy loss by 40%, costs by 20%, and weight by 10%. These enhancements contribute to a 20% increase in vehicle efficiency. The BMW iX3 50 xDrive, the first Neue Klasse model, achieves an impressive 800 km range (WLTP), thanks to the efficient powertrain and high-energy battery.
Commitment to Europe and Sustainability
The launch of electric engine production at Steyr reflects BMW’s dedication to European manufacturing and technological innovation. By maintaining parallel production of diesel, petrol, and electric engines, Steyr ensures flexibility while advancing BMW’s electrification goals. von Moltke emphasized, “Steyr will remain the heart of our drive train expertise,” reinforcing its pivotal role in BMW’s transition to sustainable mobility.
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