BMW has announced its first entry-level electric vehicle, a compact car scheduled for release in 2028, built on the automaker’s Neue Klasse platform. The confirmation came during the company’s Capital Market Day 2026, though specifics beyond its European launch and high-volume market positioning remain sparse.
The vehicle, internally codenamed NB0 and likely marketed as the BMW i1, may appear as either a compact hatchback or saloon, depending on regional preferences. Earlier industry reports from 2024 indicated BMW was developing two electric compact models, the i1 and a potential i2, but the automaker has not yet disclosed official body style decisions.
The Neue Klasse platform made its debut with the iX3 SUV and later the i3 saloon. Its next application will be the iX4, an electric SUV coupé arriving later in 2026. Production of the iX4 will begin in Debrecen, Hungary, the same facility used for the combustion-engine X3 and its coupé variant.
The architecture supports all drivetrain configurations, including hybrids and internal combustion engines, while simplifying production and enabling faster software updates. BMW positions it as the backbone for its future “AI-Defined Vehicle”, where driver assistance, infotainment, and other systems integrate in real-time, adapting to context.
Early success of the Neue Klasse is evident in the iX3, which has already exceeded 100,000 pre-orders and delivered over 30,000 units, with demand remaining strong through mid-2027. In key markets, the model’s profit margins now match those of its combustion-engine equivalents, according to company data.
The 2028 compact car extends BMW’s electrification strategy to lower price points, applying the same advanced technology found in its premium models. While the Neue Klasse was initially designed for high-end vehicles, its expansion into entry-level segments reflects a broader effort to streamline production across the lineup.
European customers will benefit first, gaining access to a more affordable BMW electric vehicle without compromising the platform’s sophisticated software features. The strategy aligns with broader industry trends, where shared architectures help automakers balance cost control with technological innovation.
Beyond the iX4, BMW continues refining the Neue Klasse for wider use, though no additional model confirmations have been made. The company’s priorities remain scaling production while maintaining leadership in electric vehicle performance and software integration.
