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The BMW i1 will arrive in 2027 as the smallest member of the brand’s growing electric line-up, bringing the advanced Neue Klasse platform to the compact hatchback class. Positioned as the electric counterpart to the next-generation 1 Series, the i1 is being developed to take on the Audi A3 EV and the upcoming Mercedes CLA, both of which will be competing for the same space in the premium small-car market.
BMW is keeping most details under wraps for now, but the i1 will share design cues with the Neue Klasse concepts, blending simplicity with a futuristic edge. The influence of Oliver Heilmer, the former MINI design chief now responsible for BMW’s compact models, is expected to give the car a fresh, youthful personality while still fitting neatly into the wider BMW family. Inside, the cabin will adopt a pared-back version of the brand’s panoramic iDrive system, complete with a wide head-up display and an integrated touchscreen positioned close to the driver.
Under the skin, the Neue Klasse platform promises major improvements in efficiency and charging. BMW has confirmed that models on this architecture will benefit from 800V electrics, supporting ultra-fast charging and delivering up to 30 per cent better range compared with earlier battery-electric cars of similar size. The i1 is expected to offer strong real-world driving distances to match or surpass rivals, ensuring it appeals not only on design but also on day-to-day usability.
For BMW, the i1 represents more than just another EV. The 1 Series has long been the brand’s entry point, popular with younger drivers and first-time buyers. As the market transitions fully into electromobility, the i1 will play a crucial role in introducing a new generation of drivers to BMW ownership, combining compact dimensions with cutting-edge technology in a package designed to feel both familiar and forward-looking.
