BMW is preparing a significant evolution for its compact car lineup. The smallest vehicle, the 1 Series, is poised to regain its rear-wheel-drive heritage, but with a modern twist: an all-electric powertrain. This strategic shift will see the emergence of an electric 1 Series, tentatively named i1, which will coexist with a redesigned combustion-engine version. This dual approach underscores BMW's commitment to offering consumers a wide array of powertrain choices while maintaining brand consistency in design and technology.
A Classic Drive, Electrified for Tomorrow
The Resurgence of Rear-Wheel Drive in the Electric Era
After a period where many of its compact models adopted front-wheel-drive configurations, BMW is bringing back the beloved rear-wheel-drive dynamic to its smallest offering. This will apply to the upcoming electric iteration of the 1 Series, marking a significant return to the brand's traditional driving characteristics, albeit with an innovative electric motor powering the rear wheels instead of an internal combustion engine.
Simultaneous Evolution: Electric and Gasoline Models
The introduction of the electric 1 Series, anticipated to be a five-door hatchback, will not spell the end for its gasoline-powered counterpart. BMW is committed to a 'Power of Choice' philosophy, ensuring that an updated front-wheel-drive 1 Series with a traditional engine will continue to be available. Both versions will integrate the brand's latest design language and cutting-edge in-car technology, such as large central touchscreens and advanced head-up displays.
The i1: A Successor and a Market Presence
Dubbed the i1, this new electric hatchback is envisioned as the brand's entry-level electric vehicle, effectively serving as a spiritual successor to the original i3. Despite BMW's existing range of Mini EVs, the decision to develop an electric 1 Series reflects the enduring global popularity of compact hatchbacks, particularly in markets outside North America, where nearly 200,000 units of the 1 Series were sold last year.
BMW's Unified Vision: Neue Klasse Aesthetics and Technology
While the electric i1 will ride on a dedicated electric platform, and the gasoline 1 Series will continue with its adapted FWD architecture, both models will share a coherent design identity inspired by BMW's Neue Klasse concept. This ensures that regardless of powertrain choice, customers will experience the latest in BMW's aesthetic and technological advancements, fostering a seamless brand experience across its diverse product range.
Long-Term Strategy: Flexibility for the Future
BMW's dual strategy extends across its entire lineup, from the upcoming 3 Series and i3 models to the X1 and iX1. This approach allows the manufacturer to adapt to evolving market demands and regulatory landscapes without alienating any segment of its customer base. The long-term vision indicates that this blend of combustion-engine and electric options will persist well into the next decade, potentially expanding to include electric versions of models like the 2 Series Gran Coupe, known as the i2.
