Report: BMW 1 Series & 2 Series to Be Reinvented as Entry-Level EVs

Numerous reports suggest that the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series will be reinvented as BMW’s entry-level EVs.

Fresh from launching the newly-updated 1 Series hatchback, it appears that BMW is mooting to replace its hatchback model with a new all-electric model. According to several internal sources within BMW, both the 1 Series and 2 Series models will be reinvented as the Bavarian marque’s new entry-level EV models, set to take place sometime later this decade.

BMW 1 Series (left) & 2 Series Gran Coupe (right)

According to Autocar UK, these new entry-level EVs are already in development at BMW’s FIZ R&D centre in Munich. Instead of outright replacing the ICE-powered 1 Series and 2 Series models, these new EVs will be sold alongside their next-gen ICE counterparts—the same strategy BMW used on many of its latest models.

Rumoured to be called the i1, the EV version of the 1 Series is expected to arrive in both hatchback and saloon forms, while the i2 will be a compact crossover with the option of a sporty coupe body style. Not to be confused with both the iX1 and iX2 SUV crossovers, the i2 is touted to be the true successor to the marque’s first EV model, the BMW i3.

BMW Vision Neue Klasse (left) & Vision Neue Klasse X (right) EV concepts

Both the i1 and i2 will arrive as BMW’s new entry-level EV offerings, thus positioning them below the aforementioned iX1 and iX2. As for its underpinnings, Autocar UK also reported that both of these models will use the updated version of BMW’s Neue Klasse EV platform, which boasts an 800-volt battery architecture. Currently known as the NBx, this new platform is FWD-based, and it is also planned to be used by several other compact EVs under BMW Group’s wings.

As for the new ICE-powered 1 Series and 2 Series models, BMW has yet to give details for both models. Commenting on the marque’s decision to keep their ICE-powered entry-level models, BMW product boss Bernd Korber told Autocar UK that despite their lower profitability, these entry-level offerings are essential for BMW, as it is in line with their strategy to grow in all market segments and “connect with the younger generation.”

As for now, BMW is planning to launch the all-electric i1 later in 2027, followed by the i2 in 2028, which should give enough time for several new models based on the Neue Klasse platform to be launched, including the rumoured all-electric 3 Series successor. With that being said, we can expect both the newly-updated 1 Series and the current 2 Series models to be discontinued in a few years’ time.