BMW announced at its 2026 Capital Market Day event that it would add a fully electric model based on the Neue Klasse to the entry segment in 2028. The vehicle, codenamed NB0, is expected to be introduced under the name BMW i1.
The i1, which is expected to be developed as a Europe-focused compact hatchback, is said to be positioned between the electric Mini Cooper and the BMW iX1. The model is expected to be similar in size to the 1 Series but use a different architecture, and to offer more limited charging power with a smaller battery derived from the i3.
Why it matters
The plan shows BMW’s approach of expanding its electric lineup toward smaller, entry-level compact cars. This positioning could directly appeal to users choosing between the electric Mini Cooper and the iX1 and looking for an alternative within the BMW brand that is close to the dimensions of the 1 Series. However, the fact that the vehicle is expected to use a smaller battery derived from the i3 despite using the Neue Klasse architecture suggests that a balance will be struck between the capabilities offered by the platform and the technical limitations of the entry segment. For now, the BMW i1 name has not been finalized; since the battery capacity, charging power and the model’s final body specifications have also not been disclosed, the technical framework in which the vehicle will achieve this positioning remains an open question.
Background
BMW is not a new name in the FikirPilot archive: we have published 6 reports mentioning the name in the last 90 days; the latest was dated October 1, 2026.