BMW is preparing a fourth-generation BMW 1 Series for 2028, and according to a report by Autocar UK, the hatchback will be offered with electric, petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. The next-generation model is also expected to retain its traditional hatchback shape instead of moving towards a crossover-like design.
The electric version, likely to be called the i1, is expected to sit on BMW’s dedicated Gen6 EV platform, while combustion-engined versions are set to continue on the existing UKL2 architecture. This could allow the electric i1 to return to a rear-wheel-drive layout, unlike the current front-wheel-drive 1 Series.
- Neue Klasse design language to shape next-gen 1 Series
- Electric i1 likely to share technology with i3 sedan
BMW 1 Series: Hatchback shape to remain
According to BMW product boss Bernd Korber, BMW still sees the 1 Series as an important entry-level model in key European markets despite the growing shift towards SUVs and crossovers. The hatchback reportedly sold nearly 200,000 units globally last year, with strong demand continuing in markets such as Italy and France.
The next-generation model is expected to continue with a conventional hatchback body style while adopting styling cues from BMW’s Neue Klasse EV line-up, first seen on the BMW iX3 and BMW i3.
Speaking to Autocar UK, BMW compact-car design boss Oliver Heilmer said the Neue Klasse design language was “more a mindset rather than a design cookbook”, adding that future BMWs based on the same platform would continue to have “strong different characters”.
Heilmer also said BMW did not want to simply replicate the styling of the BMW iX3 across future models, adding “Let’s make them more emotional and create different characters.”
BMW Electric i1 expected with rear-wheel-drive setup
The biggest mechanical change for the next-generation 1 Series is expected to be the return of rear-wheel drive on the electric i1, which was discontinued with the third gen 1 series in 2019. The EV will reportedly use BMW’s Gen6 electric platform, which underpins the ix3 and i3 and supports both rear and dual-motor configurations.
The standard electric i1 is expected to use a single rear-mounted motor producing up to 326hp. BMW could later introduce a dual-motor M-badged version with outputs of around 469hp (same as the i3 50 xDrive), which would make it the most powerful 1 Series yet.
The electric hatchback is also expected to share much of its technology with the i3 sedan, although BMW is likely to position it at a lower price point.
BMW1 Series: Petrol and PHEV versions also planned
Alongside the electric i1, BMW is expected to continue offering petrol-powered versions of the 1 Series. Engine options are likely to include updated versions of the current 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engines.
A plug-in hybrid version is also expected, reportedly using a setup similar to the current BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid, combining a 2.0-litre petrol engine with an electric motor and battery pack.
Neue Klasse-inspired interior expected
BMW development boss Joachim Post reportedly told Autocar UK that the new interior architecture had been designed to be flexible across different body styles and powertrains.
Post said that the Neue Klasse cabin, which includes a 17.9in slanted central touchscreen and 43.3in-long 'Panoramic iDrive' in place of an instrument cluster, has been created to be highly flexible.
Post also said the setup had been designed to work across multiple BMW models, adding: “You can easily bring that to every car.”
Glenn Noronha
Dipan Sur
Uday Singh
