The German automobile manufacturer Bayerische Motoren Werke is all set to launch the fourth-generation BMW 1 Series in 2028 as an electric vehicle; maybe it will be named the 2028 BMW i1. They will first launch in the European market with the starting price of £30,000, and it may come to India as a completely built unit, which is most expected to cost ex-showroom around ₹55 lakh.
Sets to be based on the iX3 and i3 design language may come as a five-door hatchback. Upfront it is expected to have a wide kidney grille, a clean bumper design, and modern LED DRLs and headlamps. In profile, it is likely to get flush-type door handles, large aero-optimised alloy wheels, and body-coloured ORVMs. The rear may feature a full-width LED taillight, a simple tailgate, and roof-integrated spoilers.
The 2028 BMW 1 Series EV is expected to be the same as the outgoing model, which measures 4,361 mm in length, 1,800 mm in width, and 1,459 mm in height. The wheelbase is 2,670 mm. It comes with the seating capacity of 5 people in a layout of 2-3; the boot space is also expected to be 380 litres, the same as the existing BMW i1. However, the rear seat is foldable; doing so will increase the cargo capacity by 1,200 litres.
It is confirmed that the 2028 BMW i1 will be equipped with the 43.3-inch Panoramic iDrive display, replacing the traditional digital instrument cluster; it will show all the driving data on the windscreen; and it will have a 17.9-inch slanted central touchscreen acting as the control panel of the cabin. The screens are expected to run on BMW Operating System 9 and set to feature BMW AI superbrains and OTA (over-the-air) software updates.
The infotainment system will support both wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there will be a Bowers & Wilkins premium sound system to enhance the experience. May get a powered front seats with a memory function with both ventilation and heating features. An air filtration system, USB-C charging ports, cup holders, and a wireless charging pad are also expected to be introduced.
It will come with a single motor setup featuring a rear-wheel drive drivetrain and using a single-speed automatic gearbox. The maximum power output of the motor is set to be 322 bhp, and peak torque may be around 400 Nm. Reportedly, it will accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in under 8 seconds, and its top speed will be 180 kmph.
Highly expected to be introduced with a 75 kWh NMC Gen6 battery pack with electrical architecture of 800 volts, whose range on the WLTP cycle is most likely to be around 600 km, supporting the DC charger up to 350 kW, it is expected to add the WLTP-rated range of 300 km with a charge of 10 minutes.
Various reports suggest that the German carmaker is all set to unveil the 2028 BMW i1 in mid-2027, and then the production and sale will begin in 2028. Once launched in the European market, it will compete with the Audi A2 e-tron and Peugeot e-308.
The Audi A2 e-tron is an all-electric compact car, which is built on the MEB+ platform and manufactured in Ingolstadt. It is set to be unveiled in fall 2027, and the sales may start in 2027 with the price around £30,000.
On the other hand, the Peugeot e-308 is already available for sale in Europe with the price of £30,995 to £36,990, which is equipped with a 58.4 kWh LFP battery pack giving the WLTP range of 450 km.