BMW to unveil entry-level Neue Klasse electric vehicle in 2028 — InsideEVs
BMW has confirmed that it will unveil an entry-level electric vehicle for the European market on the Neue Klasse platform in 2028. As InsideEVs reports, the model will be launched after the electric BMW iX3 and i3 and is part of the company’s plan to increase profitability.
Likely name: i1
BMW has not yet announced the official name of the future vehicle. The publication expects that the new model may receive the i1 designation and will be a compact five-door hatchback. In the European market, it is planned to be positioned between the electric Mini Cooper and the future BMW iX1 crossover.
According to BMW Blog sources cited by InsideEVs, the model’s internal designation is NB0. In terms of size, the electric vehicle is expected to be close to the BMW 1 Series, although the vehicles will have different technical foundations. The current generation of the 1 Series has front-wheel drive and, according to the publication, will remain in production until the beginning of the next decade.
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Battery and drivetrain
BMW has not yet disclosed the technical specifications of the new model. InsideEVs suggests that due to its shorter wheelbase, the i1 may receive a lower-capacity battery than the electric i3. Batteries with capacities of 82.8 or 108.7 kWh are available for the i3.
The smaller body and battery may reduce the electric vehicle’s weight. The publication also expects a rear-wheel-drive version but does not rule out modifications with two electric motors. The i1’s charging capacity will likely be lower than that of the i3, which, depending on the battery, supports charging at 300 or 400 kW.
The new entry-level electric vehicle is part of BMW’s strategy to bring its margin to 10% at the beginning of the next decade. Under this plan, the company is also exploring the launch of a large gasoline SUV for the United States, positioned above the X7, is reducing staff, and plans to use artificial intelligence more widely to improve efficiency.
