German legacy automaker BMW is gearing up to launch its entry-level electric vehicle models: BMW i1 in 2027 and BMW i2 in 2028. These upcoming BMW EVs will ride on the new EV-dedicated Neue Klasse platform.
BMW to Launch i1 and i2 EVs
BMW will subsequently introduce the i1 and i2 from 2027 to 2028 as battery-electric counterparts of the internal combustion engine-powered 1-Series and 2-Series cars, CarScoops reported, citing sources close to the company.
The i1 will reportedly arrive with a hatchback and sedan design. It is apparently a “spiritual successor” to the phased-out BMW i3, which was the brand’s first production electric car available from 2013 to 2022.
Meanwhile, the i2 could have SUV and coupe-SUV body styles. While BMW has yet to disclose details about these two EVs’ design, they will likely follow the design language of the BMW Neue Klasse concepts.
These BMW models will sit below the iX1, the brand’s smallest and cheapest EV model to date. They will sell alongside the 1-Series and 2-Series for several years as the German automaker seeks to keep its ICE-powered cars as long as possible.
New EVs to ride on Neue Klasse platform
As mentioned, the upcoming BMW i1 and i2 are expected to utilize the new version of the 800V Neue Klasse platform. The NBx architecture will potentially support the next-gen BMW iX1 and Mini Countryman Electric models.
The new NBx platform has a full-wheel-drive configuration, making it appropriate for compact electric vehicles. Like the RWD-based NAx platform, it also supports an all-wheel-drive system and utilizes a new cylindrical battery type to enable stronger performance.
BMW is reportedly preparing the NDx architecture for larger premium EVs, while the ZAx will be for next-gen electric sportscars.
BMW claims that the Neue Klasse EVs will have “30 percent more range, 30 percent faster charging, and 25 percent efficiency improvement.”
Gearing up to compete in the growing mass-market segment
BMW Product Management Head Bernd Korber asserted that entry-level offerings might yield “lower profitability.” Nonetheless, they aid the German brand in connecting with the “younger generation” in certain markets.
These efforts are part of BMW’s efforts to join the increasingly popular market for affordable electric vehicle models, targeting budget-conscious consumers. It is crucial for the company to remain competitive amid the surge of low-cost Chinese electric cars and price cuts of other major players like Tesla.
BMW previously announced plans to introduce six new Neue Klasse-based models within two years from 2025. Korber confirmed the company’s strategy to initiate a product overhaul in a “short period of time” to unify its models regarding appearance, feel, and capabilities. BMW also expects this approach to enable it to simply push a button to update the entire EV portfolio.
