(Motorsport-Total.com/Motor1) – The next generation of the BMW 1 Series is expected to be available as an electric car for the first time. The BMW i1 is said to be based on a different platform than the combustion engine versions, but the appearance should be similar for both variants. The new generation of the compact car is expected to hit the market in 2028. Our rendering shows what the model could look like.
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The current generation of the BMW 1 Series with the model code F70 is already the fourth according to BMW’s count and was introduced in 2024. The 4.36-meter-long compact car is offered as a pure petrol and diesel version as well as with mild hybrid support. BMW does not offer a compact electric car that could compete with the new Audi A2 e-tron and the planned electric A-Class from Mercedes.
That is expected to change in 2028. The new 1 Series will be available as a combustion engine, plug-in hybrid, and electric car. Similar to the 3 Series and i3, these variants will be based on different platforms but will have a similar appearance. The combustion engine versions will continue to be based on the tried-and-tested UKL platform, while the i1 will use a dedicated electric car platform. This was reported by Autocar in May, citing BMW compact car design chief Oliver Heilmer and development board member Joachim Post.
The appearance is said to incorporate elements of the New Class. Our rendering shows the car with a similar grille, similar headlights, and the characteristic longitudinal crease on the front hood. Despite the New Class look, the compact model is expected to retain its own character. The electric entry-level model is intended primarily to appeal to younger customers and thus attract clientele who will later move on to larger and more expensive vehicles.
Technical basis for the electric model is said by Autocar to be the “highly scalable but exclusively electric vehicle-oriented Gen6 platform.” This likely refers to the new electric drive system with 800 volts, new electric motors, and batteries. Whether the i1 will also have 800 volts is not clear from the report.
For the electric version of the 1 Series, a three-door variant is also conceivable, while the combustion engine 1 Series is expected to remain a five-door, according to Post. Additionally, the electric version is likely to be a rear-wheel drive, while the 1 Series will retain its front-wheel drive.
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In the interior, the new 1 Series and i1 are expected to have a similar look to the iX3, i3, and i7. These models feature a 17.9-inch parallelogram-shaped display and the Panoramic Vision display on the windshield. According to Post, this can be easily installed in any car.
The drive is expected to be handled by a rear motor with up to 240 kW. This would result in a version roughly as powerful as the iX3 40 with 235 kW. Alternatively, there will be an all-wheel drive version with 345 kW, as powerful as the iX3 50 xDrive. However, the battery is expected to be smaller than the 109 kWh battery of the iX3 50 xDrive.
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In summary
Statements from BMW managers clearly indicate that an electric compact car is planned. An i1 is expected to join the 1 Series in 2028. It is not entirely clear whether the new model will be based on the New Class platform or only incorporate some elements from it. Similar to the 3 Series and i3, the electric and combustion engine versions are expected to be based on different platforms but look similar.
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Source: Autocar (5/2026)
