BMW is preparing a dedicated electric hatchback — expected to be called the i1 — for a late 2027 or 2028 launch, built on the company's next-generation Neue Klasse platform. The model is aimed squarely at Europe, where the current 1 Series moved more than 100,000 units in 2025, with France and Italy leading demand. North America is not part of the plan.
What the i1 actually is
The current 1 Series (F40 generation) stays on sale until 2028, at which point the lineup splits into two separate models: one continuing as an internal-combustion engine (ICE) hatchback, and one going fully electric as the i1. Per Autocar, BMW intends to keep the i1 as a low, traditional hatchback — not a compact crossover, and not the tall, boxy silhouette of the original i3 that sold from 2013 to 2022.
Design will be distinct from the larger i3 sedan. BMW is developing a unique front end, different grille treatment, and body-specific panels, while still using the shared Neue Klasse design language.
A three-door body style — dropped after the third-generation 1 Series launched in 2020 — could reportedly return with the i1, according to InsideEVs.
Battery, range, and drive layout
The i1 will share its platform with the Neue Klasse i3 sedan, but with a smaller battery pack to keep costs down. BMW's top i3 uses a 108.7 kWh battery targeting up to 900 km under WLTP (the EU range-test standard). The i1 is expected to use a more modest pack, with sources pointing to a WLTP range target of roughly 600 km (373 miles) — though no EPA-equivalent figure exists yet, and EPA results typically run 15–20% lower than WLTP.
The notable technical detail: rear-wheel drive, native to the Neue Klasse platform's sixth-generation architecture. Rear-wheel drive is uncommon in compact premium EVs — most competitors in this segment default to front-wheel drive — and it echoes the original 1 Series' RWD character from 2004 through 2019.
Europe only — and why that matters
No pricing has been confirmed, but the i1 is expected to undercut the iX1 (which starts at £43,555 in the UK) by a meaningful margin, with speculation landing below £30,000 / €45,000. Its main rivals will be the upcoming Mercedes CLA Electric and the Audi A2 e-tron.
Stricter EU CO2 fleet regulations tightening through 2030 are a direct driver of the i1's existence — European automakers need affordable electric volume sellers, not just expensive flagship EVs.
There is no US-market version planned. BMW has not announced a comparable compact electric hatchback for North America, where SUVs and crossovers dominate entry-level premium sales.