SHERIDAN, WYOMING – August 4, 2025 – In a defining moment for the future of sustainable mobility, BMW Group has kicked off series production of its Gen6 electric motors at the historic Steyr plant in Austria — marking a turning point not just for the company’s Neue Klasse models, but for electric vehicle manufacturing in Europe.
This isn't just about starting another production line. It’s the beginning of a new electric era from a company that’s long been associated with premium driving experiences. With Steyr now officially producing BMW’s sixth-generation eDrive system, the Neue Klasse — BMW’s visionary all-electric platform due to launch in 2025 — is quite literally beginning to beat with its electric heart.
A Milestone for the Plant — and for Europe
BMW isn’t shy about the symbolic and strategic importance of this move. “Today, we are laying the foundations for the future of the BMW Group,” said Milan Nedeljković, BMW AG Board Member for Production. The decision to produce Gen6 electric motors in Steyr underlines not just BMW’s commitment to electrification, but also to keeping innovation rooted in Europe.
This new drivetrain isn’t just a next step — it’s a leap forward in how BMW envisions the cars of tomorrow: all-electric, intelligent, and globally connected. From the Steyr plant, these motors will be shipped across BMW’s worldwide production network, powering every Neue Klasse vehicle that rolls off the line.
Steyr's Electrified Evolution
What makes this story emotionally resonant is the transformation of the plant itself. For years, Steyr has been a key site for traditional engine manufacturing — a proud part of BMW’s performance legacy. Now, it’s spearheading the future.
“Three years ago, we announced that we would build this electric motor in Steyr. Today, we are proud to deliver it,” said Klaus von Moltke, SVP of Engine Production at BMW AG. “What we are launching here today is more than just a production ramp-up. It is a firm commitment to Europe, to technology and to the future.”
There’s something deeply poetic about a plant once known for crafting the rumble of combustion engines now producing the silent strength of electric motors.
Why This Matters to Everyday Drivers
Yes, this is a production update — but it’s also a signal to consumers that the EV dream is becoming more practical and local. Instead of relying on outsourced components, BMW is keeping innovation in-house and close to home.
For drivers, this promises:
- Improved reliability with BMW designing and building key electric systems internally
- More efficient vehicles, thanks to next-gen eDrive tech
- A strong signal of long-term investment in EV infrastructure across Europe
In short, it’s not just a win for BMW — it’s a win for anyone interested in the future of clean, stylish, and performance-driven mobility.
Quick Comparison: What Makes Gen6 eDrive Different?
- Past Generations: Focused on hybrid integration and moderate range
- Gen6 Innovation: Fully electric, with more compact motors, faster charging, and enhanced energy efficiency
- What it Means: Longer range, quicker acceleration, and smarter integration into Neue Klasse’s digital-first vehicle design
What to Expect from the Neue Klasse
This platform will be the foundation for a new wave of BMW models — electric sedans, crossovers, and likely even sportier entries — all bearing the signature BMW driving DNA. With these motors now being produced in Steyr, the Neue Klasse is closer than ever to hitting the road.
Final Thoughts
For consumers watching the EV market evolve, BMW’s milestone at Steyr is more than a corporate announcement — it’s a clear sign that the brand is ready to lead in the electric age. It reflects a broader shift where electric cars are no longer the future — they’re now.
Learn more at www.bmwgroup.com