BMW Prepares Next Generation Series-1 In EV Form

JAKARTA - BMW's newest electric car currently available is quite diverse, even each model is able to offer an ideal combination of luxury, technology, and power, typical of manufacturers.

But BMW also intends to present electric models to some of the existing ICE-engined vehicles, including Series-1.

Known as a compact hatchback, the manufacturer plans to create the latest generation of this model in EV form. Furthermore, the car manufacturer wants to offer an electric model in each segment.

We focus on the whole range of models. We don't just focus on the upper class. We want to offer our customers from Series 1 to Rolls-Royce, from Mini to Rolls-Royce. That's why we have offers for customers in each segment," said Ilka Horstmeier, a member of the BMW AG management line, told Italian media, Quattroruote, quoted from Carscoops, Wednesday, November 8.

BMW insists that they will not leave the compact hatchback segment after the current Series-1 generation has stopped production. The last generation, namely F40, was launched in 2019 and is likely to get a facelift for 2024. This brings the next third generation Series-1 to extend its life for the next few years.

That is, the BMW Series-1 EV is likely to come in the second half of the decade, and become a point of entry in future EV ranks. BMW did not provide further details and it is likely that this model will be based on the Vision Neue Classe concept that was introduced some time ago.

Carrying a five-door hatchback style, the model will share platforms with BMW iX1 or iX2 and Mini Cooper or Countryman EV. In fact, the company may be using a newer EV-specific architecture.

Dengan demikian, BMW Seri-1 akan mendapatkan sentuhan EV menyusul para rivalsnya yang kemungkinan juga akan diubah menjadi EV seperti Audi A3 dan Mercedes A-Class pada akhir dekade ini.

Meanwhile, Stellantis is also preparing a compact DS 4 hatchback for the next generation, then Lancia Delta is generated with electric power, and Alfa Romeo Giulietta will heat up the competition for this segment in the future.