Next-gen BMW 1 Series due in 2028, to get ICE, electric and hybrid powertrains

BMW is preparing a fourth-generation 1 Series for 2028, and according to a report by Autocar UK, it will be offered with electric, petrol and plug-in hybrid powertrains. This next-generation model is expected to retain the 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 adopt a rear-wheel-drive layout, unlike the current front-wheel-drive 1 Series.

1. Neue Klasse design language to shape next-gen 1 Series
2. Electric i1 likely to share technology with i3 sedan

BMW 1 Series: Hatchback shape to remain

According to BMW’s product boss Bernd Korber, the carmaker still sees the 1 Series as an important entry-level model in key European markets despite the shift towards SUVs and crossovers. Nearly 200,000 units were reportedly sold globally last year, with strong demand continuing in markets such as Italy and France.

The next-generation model is expected to retain a conventional hatchback body style while adopting styling cues from the brand’s first two Neue Klasse EVs, the iX3 and i3.

Speaking to Autocar UK, BMW’s 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 i1 EV expected with a rear-wheel-drive setup

The biggest mechanical change for the new generation of the 1 Series is expected to be the return of rear-wheel drive with the upcoming i1, as the layout 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 around 469hp (same as the i3 50 xDrive), making 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.

BMW 1 Series: Petrol and PHEV versions also planned

Alongside the electric i1, BMW is expected to continue offering petrol-powered 1 Series. Engine options are likely to include updated versions of the current 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder units.

A plug-in hybrid version is also expected, reportedly using a setup similar to that of the current 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’s development boss, Joachim Post, told Autocar UK that the new interior architecture had been designed to be flexible across different body styles and powertrains.

Post said the Neue Klasse cabin, which includes a 17.9-inch slanted central touchscreen and a 43.3-inch-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.”