BMW 1 Series EV set for RWD and 322bhp upon 2028 arrival
BMW has confirmed that its fourth-generation 1 Series hatchback will be available as a 322bhp EV when its debuts in 2028.
When it arrives, the electric 1 Series will rival the upcoming Mercedes A-Class and Audi A2 E-tron. Yet unlike its two main competitors, the 1 Series EV wil stay true to its hatchback form, while adopting ‘Neue Klasse’ design cues from the recently launched all-electric i3, iX3, and i7.
BMW 1 Series EV range and battery
The current BMW 1 series controversially moved to a front-wheel drive (FWD) layout and five door-only bodystyle. However, the next-gen car will share its rear-biased, EV-only Gen6 architecture with the i3, strongly suggesting a comeback to the RWD layout of the first two generations.
Given its shared 800V underpinnings with the i3, expect the most powerful standard version of the 1 Series EV to be powered by a single, rear-mounted motor generating 322bhp.
It won’t, however, match the i3 for range. Thanks to a 108kWh nickel-manganese-cobalt (NMC) battery, the i3 can manage 559 miles on a single charge. BMW has confirmed that the pack fitted to the electric 1 Series will be smaller.
Electric BMW 1 Series design and interior
The BMW 1 Series EV will adopt a similar cabin to other electric-only Neue Klasse models. This translates into a 17.9-inch infotainment system in the centre of the dash, plus a 43.3-inch ‘Panoramic iDrive’ display running the dashboard’s width. An optional four-spoke steering wheel with haptic buttons will also be available on selected models.
In terms of exterior design, BMW says that the highly scalable Gen6 platform opens the door for a return to the three-door bodystyle of first- and second-gen 1 Series models.
Pricing
Given the Electric 1 Series is still almost two years ago, BMW has not announced any pricing. Nonetheless, its more compact dimensions and smaller range suggest that it will start around the £30,000 mark – some £20,000 less than the i3.
