Multiple powertrain choices for next BMW 1 Series

BMW is preparing to return the 1 Series to its rear-wheel drive roots with the next-generation electric i1 hatch.

Due in 2028 as part of the brand’s sweeping Neue Klasse transformation, the fourth-generation 1 Series will continue as the entry point for BMW and will be offered with both combustion and electric powertrains.

But it’s the EV that will mark the biggest philosophical shift – reviving a rear-drive layout abandoned when the current generation moved to front-wheel drive back in 2019.

As reported in Autocar publication, BMW sees the 1 Series as critical to attracting younger buyers and maintaining presence in key European hatchback markets despite the industry’s shift toward SUVs.

Product boss Bernd Körber has previously described the 1 Series as essential to keeping the brand youthful, with global sales approaching 200,000 units last year.

The next-generation electric BMW i1 will sit on BMW’s dedicated sixth-generation EV architecture, a rear-biased platform shared with future Neue Klasse models including the upcoming i3 sedan.

That means rear-wheel drive will return for the first time since the original and second-generation 1 Series, restoring an enthusiast-friendly trait that helped define the model’s early identity.

The combustion-powered 1 Series, however, will continue on BMW’s UKL2 front-drive architecture, preserving a split-platform strategy.

This means buyers will effectively choose between fundamentally different vehicle architectures depending on powertrain.

The electric i1 is expected to offer up to 240kW in single-motor rear-drive form, placing it squarely in premium compact EV territory.

A hotter dual-motor M-badged variant remains a possibility, potentially pushing output beyond 343kW and creating the most powerful 1 Series ever.

BMW’s compact EV will likely sit below the new i3 in price and battery size, making it one of the brand’s most affordable Neue Klasse EVs.

Battery range is expected to trail the larger i3 due to packaging constraints.

Unlike rivals expected to adopt crossover-like silhouettes, BMW will retain the 1 Series’ traditional hatchback shape.

The new model will adopt BMW’s evolving Neue Klasse design language, though design chief Oliver Heilmer insists each model will retain its own character.

“BMW always stood for differentiation,” he said.

The design is expected to feature Neue Klasse-inspired front-end styling, a “unique” kidney grille treatment, revised surface design, and more “emotional” proportions.

A three-door EV variant has also been floated as technically possible.

Combustion buyers will no doubt be pleased to know BMW is expected to continue with updated 1.5- and 2.0-litre petrol engines, but crucially add a plug-in hybrid option for the first time.

That setup is likely to mirror the current 330e’s electrified drivetrain, offering around 96km of electric-only capability.

Inside, the 1 Series will receive BMW’s full Neue Klasse cabin transformation including a 17.9-inch angled central touchscreen, Panoramic iDrive display replacing traditional instruments, advanced ADAS systems and BMW’s AI-driven “superbrain” computing architecture.

BMW says its latest technology stack will be offered regardless of powertrain.

The next 1 Series arrives at a time when many premium brands are retreating from smaller, lower-margin segments.

BMW appears to be taking the opposite view…

With rivals including Mercedes-Benz and Audi preparing their own compact EV entries, the 1 Series remains strategically important as both a volume model and customer acquisition tool.