The one-millionth BMW M model has left the production line in Munich, representing a major milestone for the German marque.
The landmark M car was a G80-generation BMW M3 Competition saloon, finished in the eye-catching shade of Individual Fire Orange III.
Reaching one million vehicles is a notable achievement for BMW M Gmbh, which has constructed racing cars since 1972. It took until 1978, and the original M1 supercar, for the division to begin building models for public consumption.
Compared to just 453 examples of the mid-engined M1, modern M car manufacturing is far more prolific, with more than 40,000 examples of the G80 M3 saloon produced since 2020 alone.
Present at the handover of the commemorative M3 Competition were Franciscus van Meel, CEO of BMW M Gmbh, along with Peter Weber, head of BMW Group Plant Munich.
One M in a million
“BMW M combines road and racetrack capabilities with everyday practicality,” said Franciscus van Meel.
“The one-millionth BMW M vehicle shows these values are still very much appreciated by our customers, 40 years after the market launch of the first BMW M3.
“This motivates us to continuously develop our BMW M high-performance vehicle portfolio based on BMW M Neue Klasse technology, including fully-electric models, in line with our core brand promise.”
With the recent reveal of a new G50-generation BMW 3 Series, time is running out for the current M3 and M4, with a fully electric version on the horizon.
This does not mean the end of Plant Munich’s association with M cars, though. The flagship factory will pivot to producing electric vehicles only from 2027 onwards, including the forthcoming M models.
An electric future for BMW Plant Munich
BMW previewed the M Concept Neue Klasse at the 2026 Le Mans 24 Hours. Featuring a 1,000hp quad-motor drivetrain, it paves the way for a fully electric M3.
Some €650 million is being invested to transform Plant Munich, which has already started production of the new BMW i3 electric saloon.
More than 70,000 vehicles were assembled at Plant Munich in 2025, with 6,100 employees responsible for manufacturing them.
“The BMW M3 has close ties to the BMW Group’s main plant in Munich,” said Peter Weber.
“We are delighted that we will also be producing the first fully electric BMW M3 here in Munich. BMW M has a special emotional significance for our associates here – so we are especially proud to be actively shaping the future of this icon.”
ALSO READ:
