Such a “green” hatchback will become an entry-level electric car in the Bavarian brand’s lineup.
BMW produces hatchback 1 series since 2004, and the current third generation model (factory index — F40) was introduced in 2019. At the beginning of this month, the five-door underwent a restyling: the car received a number of changes outside and inside, but retained the same platform. This model still does not have a fully electric version.
In the photo: the current BMW 1 series hatchback
However, the situation may change in the future: according to the British Autocar, BMW has given the green light to compact «electric trains». We are talking not only about the plug-in compact, which will be called the i1, but also about a small crossover with a coupe-like body, which will be assigned the i2 index. At the same time, the publication's sources note that the second new product will probably become a kind of ideological successor to the BMW i3 hatchback, which appeared in 2013 and left the assembly line in 2022.
Previously, one of BMW's top managers, Bernd Kerber, reported that the Bavarian brand intends to develop in all markets and also appeal to “the younger generation,” and for this, the line needs entry-level models, the role of which for the brand is played by the 1 series and 2 series . He added that their task is not only to attract young customers, but also to develop the brand in certain markets.
In the photo: the interior of the current BMW 1 series
It is worth noting that now the entry-level electric car in the BMW line is the iX1 SUV. On the home market, in Germany, its starting price is 77,300 euros, which is equivalent to approximately 7.22 million rubles at the current exchange rate.
It is reported that production of the BMW i1 electric car will start in 2027, the i2 SUV should be expected in 2028. If the current updated 1 series and 2 series left the FAAR platform, then the basis of the two new compact electric vehicles will be the new Neue Klasse electric car. It is expected that the “green” new products will have versions with front-wheel drive and all-wheel drive.
Pictured: BMW Vision Neue Klasse concept
Let us remind you that the current BMW 1 series hatchback is offered with a choice of petrol and diesel engines. In the first case, we are talking about a 1.5-liter turbocharged engine working in tandem with a 48-volt starter-generator, the power is 170 hp. The second is about a 2.0-liter four-cylinder turbodiesel with output of either 150 or 163 hp. (the older motor also has a 48-volt add-on). The top version received all-wheel drive and a 300-horsepower 2.0-liter turbo-four petrol engine. All versions are paired with only a seven-speed Steptronic robot with two clutches.
Live sales of the recently restyled “unit” will begin in the fall. On the domestic market, a current gasoline hatchback can be purchased for at least 37,900 euros (equivalent to approximately 3.54 million rubles at the current exchange rate), a diesel hatchback for no less than 38,200 euros (about 3.57 million rubles). Purchasing the top version will cost at least 56,200 euros (about 5.25 million rubles). The cost of the BMW i1 will become known later.