BMW i1 Electric Car Confirmed for 2028 Launch
The Most Accessible Neue Klasse Model
Recent reports from foreign automotive media finally confirm the long-rumored entry-level electric vehicle from the Bavarian automaker. As industry experts note, the BMW i1 is confirmed for a 2028 launch focusing on Europe. It will effectively become the most accessible model within the prestigious Neue Klasse generation. According to knowledgeable insiders, the forthcoming vehicle, internally designated as NB0, will manifest as a sleek five-door hatchback.
A Dedicated Pure-Electric Platform
The manufacturer plans to market the new BMW i1 electric car alongside its combustion-engine 1 Series counterpart. However, they will not share a common architectural foundation. Instead, the novel vehicle will utilize a dedicated pure-electric platform. This strategic engineering move triumphantly returns the automobile to the cherished rear-wheel-drive layout that historically defined the brand’s entry-level offerings.
Current intelligence suggests the base iteration will exclusively feature rear-wheel drive. Meanwhile, premium versions might potentially incorporate the sophisticated xDrive dual-motor all-wheel-drive system. Strategically, the automaker intends to position the vehicle perfectly between the electric MINI Cooper and the larger iX1 crossovers. Furthermore, future MINI vehicles might also adopt this advanced Neue Klasse technology to produce their own dynamic rear-wheel-drive variants.
The Future of the Combustion 1 Series
Following the introduction of the new electric vehicle, the traditional combustion-engine 1 Series will not immediately vanish from showrooms. Sources indicate that production of the current F70-generation five-door hatchback will persist into the early 2030s. It will likely cease operations entirely in the latter half of 2032. If this timeline remains accurate, the F70 will probably undergo another comprehensive mid-cycle refresh to maintain strong market competitiveness.
Expanding the Electric Lineup
Additionally, engineers are actively crafting a compact pure-electric four-door coupe. Internally coded as NB8 and scheduled for a launch around 2030, enthusiasts can view this vehicle as the definitive sedan sibling to the hatchback. Consequently, the relationship between these two future models will closely mirror the current dynamic between the 1 Series and the 2 Series Gran Coupe. Ultimately, the company has explicitly affirmed that this revolutionary electric platform will primarily target the European automotive landscape.
