Big Changes Coming To BMW’s Smallest Models

Key Takeaways

• BMW is developing compact electric vehicles that will be sold alongside the ICE-powered 1 Series and 2 Series.
• The new EVs, known as i1 and i2, will debut in 2027 and 2028, respectively.
• BMW will use the new Neue Klasse platform to underpin these new vehicles.

The new 1 Series was revealed just two weeks ago, but BMW isn’t sitting back and taking it easy. Autocar reports that development work for compact electric vehicles is already underway, with an i1 and i2 expected to be sold alongside the ICE-powered 1 Series and 2 Series.

BMW insiders claim the new i1 and i2 will provide customers with affordable electric options. In the United States, the cheapest BMW EV is the $52,200 i4 eDrive35 – not exactly what we’d call affordable. Customers can opt for the iX1 crossover overseas, but this is not offered in the United States. The i1 will reportedly be sold as a sedan or hatchback, although we’d place our bets on the latter. The i2 will debut as a crossover and a svelte coupe-style model. Unnamed company insiders say the i2 will act as the i3’s unofficial replacement.

Electric 1 Series Coming In 2027

These models won’t arrive for a while, though. The i1 is expected to break cover in 2027, with the i2 following a year later. Unlike the current 1 Series and 2 Series, the new electric cars will be based on the sophisticated Neue Klasse platform. Rumors of a cheaper BMW EV based on the new architecture have been circulating since last year. The Neue Klasse platform will have different forms, with the i1 and i2 expected to use the NBx iteration, which allows for front- and all-wheel drive. With 800-volt electric architecture and the ability to accommodate single, twin- or quad-electric motor setups, the possibilities are endless.

The publication reports that the Mini Countryman and BMW iX1 – two entry-level EVs within the BMW Group – will eventually switch to the 800-volt NBx platform. Currently, both these crossovers utilize the FAAR front-wheel drive architecture. The Neue Klasse vehicles will also receive advanced battery technology, with 75, 90, and 105 kWh capacities. Customers can expect 30% improvements in charging times, range, and bidirectional charging.

1 Series And 2 Series Are Essential To The BMW Brand

Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President of BMW Brand and Product Management, told Autocar that the Bavarian brand wants to expand in all directions and “connect with the younger generation.” Base models like the 1 Series are very important in this regard, and offering electric versions is essential in Europe and other markets pushing for electrification. That being said, we don’t expect the i1 to reach our shores (Americans don’t like small cars), but there’s a chance the i2 may be offered locally. Of course, nothing has been confirmed yet.

Before these compact electric BMWs arrive, the first Neue Klasse cars will be the iX3 (the electric version of the X3) and the i3 Sedan (the battery-powered alternative to the 3 Series). These vehicles are in the last stages of development, with BMW expected to press these EVs into production in the next few years. Interestingly, these cars will not have unique names and will continue to be sold under the conventional BMW names we’re used to.

Mercedes And Audi Also Developing Small EVs

Regarding the 1 Series and 2 Series, Körber said the entry-level models are less lucrative but are still very important to the marque. “Of course, they have lower profitability, but they also fulfill a different purpose in getting younger customers and developing [BMW] in certain markets. So yes, they are still part of our strategy, and it’s good that we have two brands in the segment, with, of course, Mini playing a big role.”

BMW won’t have this segment to itself, though. Mercedes-Benz plans to introduce an all-electric compact sedan very soon, as previewed by the Concept CLA-Class. It will be based on the new MMA platform and will also be offered with a combustion engine option. By 2027, Audi also hopes to introduce an electric crossover known as the Q2. This will likely compete with the upcoming BMW i2, the Volvo EX30, and Alfa Romeo’s Junior.

Source:
Autocar