Next-Gen BMW 1 Series to Get electric, petrol, and hybrid power by 2028

BMW is preparing to launch the fourth-generation 1 Series hatchback in 2028. The new model will offer electric, petrol, and plug-in hybrid powertrains, according to a report by Autocar UK. The hatchback will retain its traditional body style, not shifting to a crossover design.

Key Highlights

• BMW 1 Series fourth generation to launch in 2028 with electric, petrol, and plug-in hybrid options
• The electric i1 model will use Gen6 EV platform and may return to rear-wheel-drive layout
• Combustion models to continue on UKL2 architecture with updated petrol engines and plug-in hybrid variant
• Neue Klasse design cues and flexible interior technology to feature in next-generation 1 Series
• Nearly 200000 units of the current 1 Series sold globally last year with strong demand in Europe

Powertrain and Platform Details

The upcoming electric version, likely named the i1, will use BMW’s Gen6 EV platform. This platform supports both rear-wheel-drive and dual-motor configurations. The combustion-engine versions will continue on the UKL2 architecture. The electric i1 could mark the return of rear-wheel drive to the 1 Series, a feature last seen before 2019.

The standard i1 is expected to have a single rear-mounted motor producing up to 326 HP. BMW may introduce a dual-motor M-badged variant with an output of around 469 HP, matching the i3 50 xDrive. This would make it the most powerful 1 Series to date. The electric hatchback will share much of its technology with the i3 sedan but will likely be priced lower.

Petrol-powered versions will continue, with updated 1.5-litre three-cylinder and 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines. A plug-in hybrid variant is also planned, using a 2.0-litre petrol engine paired with an electric motor and battery pack. This setup is similar to the current BMW 3 Series plug-in hybrid.

Design and Market Position

BMW will maintain the hatchback’s conventional shape, despite the market trend toward SUVs and crossovers. The next-generation 1 Series will adopt styling cues from BMW’s Neue Klasse EV lineup, seen on the iX3 and i3. BMW compact-car design boss Oliver Heilmer stated that Neue Klasse represents a mindset rather than a fixed design formula. Future BMWs on this platform will have distinct characters, not simply replicate the iX3’s styling.

BMW product boss Bernd Korber emphasized the 1 Series’ role as an important entry-level model, especially in key European markets. The hatchback sold nearly 200,000 units globally last year, with strong demand in Italy and France. The company expects this demand to continue with the new generation.

Interior and Technology

The next-generation 1 Series will feature a flexible interior architecture. BMW development boss Joachim Post said the Neue Klasse cabin includes a 17.9-inch slanted central touchscreen and a 43.3-inch-long panoramic iDrive, replacing the traditional instrument cluster. This setup is designed to be adaptable across different BMW models and body styles.

Post noted that the flexible cabin architecture allows BMW to implement the same technology in multiple vehicles. This approach supports the company’s strategy to offer a wide range of powertrains and body styles within its compact car segment.

Also Read: BMW Speedtop concept spotted ahead of limited 2026 launch

CarBike 360 Says

​As BMW embraces a multi-powertrain strategy, the next-generation 1 Series is set to appeal to a broader range of buyers than ever before. With electric, hybrid, and petrol options on the table, the model reflects the brand’s transition toward sustainable mobility without abandoning performance. By 2028, the 1 Series could redefine expectations in the premium hatchback segment.