Next BMW 1 Series aims at younger affluent buyers 

BMW will revitalise its 1 Series hatchback with a bold redesign and dual powertrain strategy. It is targeting youthful buyers of small cars and is set for launch in 2027.

The completely new 1 Series will utilise the Neue Klasse platform. And it will be available as a plug-in hybrid or full EV, the latter with BWM brand boss, Bernd Koerber, confirmed that the small car is central to BMW’s strategy in southern Europe. He said that dropping the 1 Series would cost the brand up to one-third of its business in markets like Italy, Greece and Spain. Koerber added that the model is important in securing first-time buyers to the brand. The compact, sporty and relatively affordable 1 Series has been the entry point to BMW for two decades.

Styling will take cues from the Neue Klasse 3 Series. It will feature a smooth, modern front end and reimagined kidney grilles that span the car’s width. Likely as not it will come with flush door handles, pronounced creases, and M Sport-inspired detailing. Expect 5 Series and i5 cues as well, with the electric and hybrid versions likely to be almost identical.

The scalable Neue Klasse platform will have an 800-volt architecture, rare in the small car class. That ensures ultra-fast charging convenience, while BMW has hinted at a range beyond 480km. The focus won’t be on moderately sized batteries with quick, everyday usability.

The petrol and hybrid variants will probably retain the 120, 123 and M135 labels, with an ‘e’ suffix for plug-in versions. The EV will use the i1 badge. BMW will leave smaller, fully electric models to Mini for city car duties.

The new underpinnings will fix some of the current 1 Series shortcomings. A longer wheelbase translates to improved rear legroom and a roomier boot, targeting 400 litres. That’s a significant upgrade over the current model.

The cabin will feature a compacted version of BMW’s panoramic iDrive display, wireless charging, and OTA software updates. Full smartphone connectivity will appeal to tech-savvy younger buyers.

BMW sees the 1 Series as innovating with clever, cost-efficient engineering, providing trickle up solutions to higher segments.

Natural adversaries include Mercedes CLA EV, Volkswagen ID.3 and Audi’s upcoming small EV, along with VW Golf, Cupra Leon and Mazda 3.

The 1 Series and i1 serve as BMW’s reply to a market that demands versatility, sustainability, style and a fun drive. With the right mix of design, tech and driving appeal, BMW’s smallest might once again rule the roads.