BMW has confirmed that it will launch a new compact EV in 2028 as it looks to expand its Neue Klasse portfolio.
Likely to be called the i1 in line with BMW’s current naming strategy, the new model will act as the electric version of the 1 Series and is part of a more regionalised strategy.
BMW bosses made the announcement of the new electric BMW 1 Series at its 2026 Capital Market Day as they set out the brand’s plans for the future.
They stated: “In 2028, with a focus on Europe, the BMW Group will strengthen its presence in the high-volume entry segment with another fully-electric model from the Neue Klasse. In this way, the company – in combination with its fully-electric Mini model range – is further strengthening its successful line-up of emotionally appealing compact models with innovative technologies.”
They said that the introduction of a smaller, cheaper EV was the logical step after the mid-sized iX3 and i3, along with electric versions of its 5 and 7 Series cars.
Details of the i1 are thin on the ground but BMW did say that the Audi A2 rival will use the Neue Klasse technology debuted in the iX3 and i3 models.
That means 800V architecture and BMW’s highly-efficient sixth-generation of battery and motor systems. It also means a return to rear-wheel-drive for the marque’s smallest model, which will please the BMW purists.
With a model launch now confirmed for 2028, we’d expect more details of the i1 to surface soon, including a design likely to draw on the i3’s looks.
At the same strategy summit, BMW confirmed that it would roll out more models designed for specific regional markets. That includes a new SUV to sit above the current X7 in North America, and several China-specific models which will be built in China.
This follows Volvo’s recent announcement which will see it split its product development and could bring about a new electric C30 hatchback to rival the i1.
