BMW

BMW i1 and i2: smaller, affordable EVs coming in 2028

The democratization of electric vehicles necessitates the introduction of more affordable—albeit smaller—models. Just as mass-market automakers have been compelled to sell battery-powered cars for under €20,000, premium brands cannot ignore this market demand. Admittedly, BMW does not intend to sell models at the same price points as mass-market brands—given that their vehicles won't be quite as small or feature such limited range and battery capacity—but they will still need to be significantly more affordable than the new i3, which starts at €59,500.

BMW itself revealed this information during its Capital Markets Day—an event where the manufacturer announces new projects to attract investors—focusing essentially on launching a new, lower-priced entry-level model. However, according to BMWBlog—a source consistently well-informed about the Bavarian manufacturer's plans—BMW is expected to move forward with not just one affordable model, but two: the i2, a traditional three-box sedan styled like the gasoline-powered 2 Series; and the i1, a shorter, five-door hatchback similar to the combustion-engine 1 Series.

The first of these affordable electric models to hit the market will be the BMW i1, scheduled for 2028 and designed primarily with the European market in mind. Known internally by the codename "NBO" (according to the German press), it will be built on the *Neue Klasse* platform—the same architecture used for the brand's latest electric vehicles—with the electric i1 and the gasoline-powered 1 Series competing in the market side-by-side. The second of the entry-level electric models will be the i2, a sedan slightly longer than the i1 to accommodate a trunk; it is built on the same Neue Klasse platform and features an aesthetic similar to the i3, but on a smaller scale. Deliveries of the i2 are expected to begin in 2030, and—like the i1—it will feature a rear-mounted electric motor in base versions, while more powerful, sporty models will have a motor on each axle.

BMW is far from finished exploring the new Neue Klasse platform. Following the initial models based on this architecture—such as the iX3 and the new i3—the manufacturer has confirmed plans for a more affordable electric vehicle (EV) arriving in 2028. Designed to serve as the entry-level model in the lineup, it aims to compete in one of Europe's fastest-growing segments.

While the model lacks an official name, all signs point to it being badged the i1. It will take the form of a compact five-door hatchback, positioned between the electric Mini Cooper and the upcoming BMW iX1. The concept involves utilizing the same foundation as the larger Neue Klasse models but applying it to a vehicle that is smaller, lighter, and—crucially—cheaper to manufacture.

The i1 is expected to retain rear-wheel drive...According to reports from BMW Blog, the project is known internally by the code NB0. Its dimensions will be similar to the current 1 Series, even though the two models are completely different beneath the bodywork.

While the latest generation of the 1 Series utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform and will remain in production until at least the early 2030s, the future EV is set to adopt the Neue Klasse architecture. It will maintain BMW's traditional rear-wheel-drive setup, with the potential for more powerful versions featuring dual motors and all-wheel drive.

In a sense, this represents a return to the 1 Series' roots, as its first two generations also featured rear-wheel drive before BMW switched the hatchback to a transverse-engine architecture.

Smaller battery to cut weight and cost...BMW has yet to reveal technical specifications for the future i1, but its more accessible positioning will likely necessitate some compromises compared to the larger Neue Klasse models.

The new i3, for instance, offers battery capacities of 82.8 kWh or 108.7 kWh—sizes that would be difficult to accommodate in a hatchback with a shorter wheelbase without negatively impacting weight, interior space, and price. The expectation, therefore, is that the i1 will use a smaller battery pack, also taking advantage of its more compact and lightweight body to maintain sufficient range for daily use, despite storing less energy.

The same applies to fast charging. Depending on the battery, the i3 can accept between 300 and 400 kW of DC power—figures unlikely to be fully matched by an entry-level model, primarily due to the need to control costs. Even so, since it will remain based on the Neue Klasse, the hatchback is expected to leverage much of the new electrical and electronic architecture developed by BMW.

BMW i1? BMW wasn't explicit—nor did it use the term "1 Series"—when presenting its strategy for the future of the German compact car. However, it did use descriptors such as "compact electric vehicle with Neue Klasse technology" during its 2026 Capital Markets Day.

In practical terms, this suggests the brand will strengthen its presence in the entry-level segment with a new all-electric model based on Neue Klasse technology, expected to arrive in 2028.

According to BMWBlog, the model is internally designated "NB0," but it is expected to reach the market as the BMW i1, aligning with the naming conventions already associated with the brand's electric lineup.

The same source indicates that, initially, this model will be sold alongside the current combustion-engine 1 Series. Therefore, it would not be surprising if it adopted similar proportions and a two-box hatchback body style.

Yet, despite potential visual similarities, the two vehicles will be fundamentally different propositions. BMW's future compact EV is set to be built on the dedicated Neue Klasse platform. This means it could bring back one of the defining characteristics of the early 1 Series generations: rear-wheel drive.

Much like the current combustion-engine 1 Series (F70), it would also come as no surprise if all-wheel-drive versions—or "xDrive" in BMW parlance—were offered, thanks to the potential installation of dual electric motors (one per axle). 

The combustion-powered BMW 1 Series is no longer set to disappear...Versions with internal combustion engines, based on the current front-wheel-drive architecture (UKL2), are expected to remain on the market beyond 2030, meaning the model could undergo another update—the last one having taken place in 2024.

All indications suggest it will retain its three- and four-cylinder gasoline and diesel engines, with the most significant new development likely being the introduction of plug-in hybrid powertrains. It is worth noting that, compared to the Mercedes-Benz A-Class and Audi A3, it is the only one that does not yet offer this option.

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