BMW has joined the ranks of luxury brands that are increasingly planning to launch entry-level electric vehicles. The new model will become the cheapest Neue Klasse electric vehicle.

BMW plans to launch a new entry-level electric vehicle in 2028

This time it has been officially confirmed. BMW announced during its Capital Markets Day on Wednesday that it plans to launch a new entry-level Neue Klasse electric vehicle.

BMW stated that it will "strengthen its presence in the high-volume entry-level segment with another all-electric model from Neue Klasse."

BMW stated that this new entry-level electric vehicle will be launched in 2028, "focusing primarily on the European market," and will incorporate technologies introduced by other Neue Klasse models, such as the new iX3, SUV, and i3 cars.

In addition to this, BMW has not disclosed any further details. However, the BMW blog ( BMWBlog ) quotes "insiders" from the company as saying that this new car, with the internal code name " NBO ", will be a five-door hatchback when it arrives.

This model, which is expected to be named i1, is likely to be sold alongside the fuel-powered 1-series models. Although it shares a similar exterior design, its chassis will be based on the Neue Klasse platform.

BMW's entry-level electric vehicle will be positioned in its European product line between MINI Cooper Electric and iX1 or iX2. The cheaper i1 version is likely to feature rear-wheel drive, while the more expensive xDrive version is expected to offer four-wheel drive.

According to BMWBlog, i2 may be launched around 2030 as an electric sedan version that serves as a precursor to i1. BMW has not yet made any public announcements regarding the plans for i2.

BMW has joined the ranks of luxury brands such as Audi, Mercedes-Benz, and others that plan to launch, or have already launched, more affordable electric vehicles.

Although the American market will miss out on i1, as this car is designed for Europe, it is more likely that BMW will bring i2 to the United States as a more affordable electric sedan.

BMW has started accepting orders for the new 2027 i3 sedan this week, with a starting price of $61,500. This price is the same as that of the new iX3 and SUV.

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