BMW’s Next i1 Hatch Could Be The Coolest Thing It’s Done In Years

BMW’s next generation of models is rolling out fast, and the brand isn’t shy about spreading the Neue Klasse concept across its range. What began with the iX3 will soon expand to the fully electric i3 sedan, and not long after, the iX4 Coupe SUV too, which we covered earlier today.

The 1-Series hatchback is also being prepared for a new chapter, one that could see it offered with both combustion engines and electric power. The EV variant, expected to wear the i1 badge, might resemble what you see here in these new renderings.

Read: BMW Will Keep The 1 Series Alive And Upgrade It With The i1 EV

Created by digital artist Sugar Design, the i1 hatch blends cues from the Neue Klasse concepts with elements of the second-generation iX3. At the front, it wears BMW’s latest interpretation of the kidney grille.

Unlike the iX3, this interpretation of the i1 uses the elongated grille design previewed by the Neue Klasse sedan concept, merging the lighting units into a single visual element.

Sugar Design

Of course, it’s the overall shape of the i1 that has us really excited. It has an elongated roof and a steeply raked rear window, giving it the Shooting Brake vibes that so many car enthusiasts love, all in a more compact, hatch profile.

Admittedly, not having a more upright rear window would impact luggage capacity, but if you look this cool, who cares?

The Next 1-Series

Earlier this year, the senior vice president of BMW Brand and Product Management, Bern Koerber, underscored the importance of the combustion 1-Series and said that it will live on. The current ICE model is crucial in markets including Greece, Spain, and Italy, and serves as an appealing entry into the BMW family.

Technical details about the next-generation 1-Series are still limited, though it’s expected to share much of its underpinnings with other Neue Klasse models. It may also incorporate components from within the broader BMW Group, particularly from Mini.

Sugar Design