New BMW i1 and i2 planned as entry-level electric cars – report

The 2028 BMW i1 and 2029 BMW i2 are rumoured to be joining the carmaker’s line-up as entry-level electric models.

Information posted on the BimmerPost forum – backed by a highly-placed company insider, known only under their online pseudonym of ‘ynguldyn’ – has revealed BMW is planning i1 and i2 electric cars, to be launched before the end of this decade.

The i1 – which has been given the model code ‘NB0’ – is said to go into production in November 2027, with the vehicle expected to remain on sale until late 2035.

The ‘NB8’ i2 will follow, with production to begin in July 2028, though will have a slightly shorter lifecycle, ending in June 2035.

The two models are likely to become the German car company’s entry-level electric vehicles, offering (relatively) affordable small cars ahead of strict Euro 7 emissions regulations coming into force in the second half of the decade.

The battery-electric models are slated to ride on a version of BMW’s upcoming ‘Neue Klasse’ architecture – which makes its debut in 2025 with 3 Series and X3-sized electric vehicles – though possibly adapted for a front-wheel-drive layout.

The forum post also lists a new generation of the iX1 small electric SUV, based on the Neue Klasse platform (codenamed 'NB5'), set to roll off the production line from July 2027 to June 2035.

BMW will introduce an iX1 in Australia next year – but as an electric version of the new petrol-powered X1 range, due in showrooms later this year.

Given the introduction of the upcoming iX1, the assumption would be the i1 would take the form of a small hatchback much like the current 1 Series, and the i2 would be a coupe, sedan, and/or Active Tourer hatchback.

However, the reputable BMW insider ‘ynguldyn’ has cast doubts on this, writing: “I think it's best to forget what we know about the body shapes of the current models when thinking about [Neue Klasse] cars.”

Robert Irlinger, head of BMW i – the company’s electric vehicle division – hinted to UK publication Auto Express in 2019 of future plans for an i1.

“Even in the front-drive architecture you will see fully electrified cars,” Mr Irlinger said at the time.

“You will see electrification in our whole portfolio. We can rework our front-wheel-drive as well as the rear-wheel-drive platforms and both are able to show all technologies – our customers have the power of choice.”

Plans for the electric cars appear to have been in the works for some time, with BMW filing trademarks in Australia for the i1 and i2 badges back in August 2016.