- A redesigned BMW 1-Series will reportedly arrive in 2028.
- Neue Klasse hatch will offer both ICE and electric powertrains.
- Electric M model could have dual motor AWD system with 463 hp.
BMW is in the midst of a major product revamp and it will include an all-new 1-Series. The redesigned hatch will reportedly arrive in 2028 and be offered with both electric and ICE powertrains. The latter will rival the upcoming Audi A2 e-tron and Mercedes A-Class EQ. While it will share a name and styling with the ICE-powered 1-Series, the EV will reportedly ride on a different platform.
More: BMW’s Most Traditional Sedan Becomes Its Most Futuristic As All-New i3 Debuts
Autocar reports BMW sold almost 200,000 1-Series last year, so the company sees the model as one of their “main pillars.” As a result, the hatchback will enter the Neue Klasse era with a fresh design that mimics the new i3 and iX3.
While the overall look will echo the aforementioned models, designer Oliver Heilmer suggested the upcoming 1-Series will get its own take on the company’s new styling language. He implied this could include a unique grille design and surface treatment. Interestingly, the publication also suggested the three-door variant could return, but only in fully electric form.
Despite some special exterior touches, the cabin will be pretty familiar as it will adopt Panoramic iDrive. This means we can expect a new steering wheel, a pillar-to-pillar dashboard display, and a 17.9-inch infotainment system.
Powertrain details remain hazy, but the publication says the current 1.5- and 2.0-liter petrol engines will carry over and be joined by a new plug-in hybrid variant. The latter could combine the larger engine with a sizable battery pack that delivers around 60 miles (97 km) of electric-only range. According to the report, the ICE model will continue to ride on the same front-wheel-drive UKL2 architecture as the current car.
As for the EV, it takes a different approach with its rear-biased Gen6 architecture. It could take a cue from the entry-level iX3 40 which features a rear-mounted motor producing 316 hp (235 kW / 320 PS) and 369 lb-ft (500 Nm) of torque. There are also rumors of an M variant, which could use a dual-motor all-wheel drive system with 463 hp (345 kW / 469 PS) and 476 lb-ft (645 Nm).
While the motors will reportedly carryover from other i models, expect significantly a smaller battery pack. This is largely due to packaging and cost concerns.
