At BMW Group’s yearly Capital Market Day, the OEM has confirmed that 2028 will see the addition of a new fully-electric model to its Neue Klass lineup, which will become the ‘entry’ to the BMW EV lineup. This all but confirms that its 1 Series hatchback will get a fully-electric makeover, and is likely to be named the i1.
BMW’s Neue Klasse heads into the high-volume C-segment
Little detail is known so far on the design or specification of the upcoming entry-level EV. However, being part of the Neue Klasse generation gives a strong indication of what to expect, as the same generation has already debuted on the brand-new iX3 SUV and i3 saloon. Styling-wise, the i1 is likely to include the redesigned kidney grille and headlights, along with a much more touchscreen-led interior than previous generations of the 1 Series.
On the mechanical side, the Neue Klasse underpinnings point towards an 800V architecture along with BMW’s latest generation of highly efficient battery and motor combinations, which should translate to strong efficiency and range. Previous combustion-engined 1 Series generations have proven to be capable long-distance and motorway cruisers despite their hatchback proportions, so it would make sense for the i1 to carry on that trend.
Reports also suggest that the i1 will mark a return to rear-wheel drive for the 1 Series, in contrast to the current ICE-powered front-wheel drive 1 Series, which many have criticised as less driver-focused compared to previous models. If true, this would also differentiate the i1 from other small EVs within the BMW Group, namely the front-wheel drive MINI Cooper Electric.
Arriving in 2028, the i1 will join an increasingly competitive electric hatchback market, particularly for premium brands. Order books for Audi’s A2 e-tron are set to open this month, while a key rival of the 1 Series, the Mercedes-Benz A Class, is also set to see a fully-electric option added to its lineup in 2028 also.
