BMW’s 1 Series Transforms into a Klasse Electric i1 Hatchback

The i1 will be BMW’s next entry-level EV, due out in 2027. A small but slightly bigger i2 will share its underpinnings with the i1. It will be ready for launch a year after. The two new models will be sold alongside updated versions of ICE powered 1 Series and 2 Series.

The idea is to provide customers with more affordable alternatives in BMW’s electric car line-up. The new i1 is likely to be available as a hatchback or a sedan, while the i2 will be a compact crossover with a coupé bodystyle also possible. The i2 is supposedly a spiritual successor to BMW’s original electric car, the i3 hatchback.

BMW remains committed to the 1 Series unlike Mercedes which is ending A-Class production in 2026. The Munich brand wants to grow in all areas of the market and appeal to the younger generation. Models like 1 Series and 2 Series are essential for that, despite lower profitability. However, they are important in some overseas markets, and they also offer the opportunity to grow market share once the A-Class disappears.

The two compact EVs will utilise the dedicated Neue Klasse electric car architecture. This supports an 800V electric architecture designed to accommodate single-, dual- and quad-motor electric drivetrains. Evidently there are two types of Neue Klasse platform and the newcomers will use the NBx platform, meaning either standard front- or optional four-wheel drive. NAx models use rear- or all-wheel drive. Eventually the electric iX1 and Mini Countryman sibling will switch from their existing FAAR platform to the 800V NBx architecture as well.

Part of the Neue Klasse update is a move to cylindrical battery cells. New cell chemistry will provide future models with significantly improved performance. The first Neue Klasse models will debut in 2025, and BMW has plans for six new cars to use this architecture. None will use Neue Klasse branding.

The first Neue Klasse models are evidently being readied for production, with prototypes already undergoing final testing.

Neue Klasse vehicles will also debut next-generation software and connectivity that will go into all future BMW models. And Neue Klass also refers to fresh styling that will be the new face of BMW. ICE and electric cars will look similar, and the change across the entire model line-up will be relatively rapid.