Entry-Level Front-Wheel Drive BMW Neue Klasse EVs Coming In 2027

Entry-Level Front-Wheel Drive BMW Neue Klasse EVs Coming In 2027

BMW is developing a completely new vehicle architecture designed primarily for battery-electric vehicles. It’s called Neue Klasse. So far, we know it will underpin the fully electric 3 Series and X3, but a new report says it can also be used in even smaller EVs.

Autocar says BMW is already hard at work developing two separate compact models that will come to be known as the i1 and i2. They will both serve as spiritual successors to the i3, BMW’s original bespoke EV. Although it may have looked a bit ungainly, it was at one point the world’s second-best-selling EV after the Nissan Leaf.

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BMW has made a small bespoke EV before

The BMW i3 was a special EV because not only was it built on a bespoke EV platform, but it was developed specially for it and not used for another model. It was quite popular when in production and today makes for a great used compact EV buy.

By the time BMW pulled the plug on the i3 in July 2022, it had been in production for almost 9 years, and over 250,000 vehicles had been delivered worldwide. Today, BMW sells the iX1 and iX2 as its smallest electric offerings. Still, both are repurposed combustion vehicles, so they are nowhere near as cool as the i3 with its boxy shape and lightweight carbon-reinforced plastic polymer structure.

The new i1, believed to debut in 2027, will be an electric hatchback, the electric equivalent of today’s 1 Series. The taller i2 crossover will follow one year later, and the source report says it will be available in two flavors: a boxier, more practical body style and a coupe-like model similar to today’s iX2.

Gallery: BMW Vision Neue Klasse X Concept

Just like Kia, which has two versions of its bespoke EV platform, BMW has also developed two flavors of the Neue Klasse platform: the rear-wheel-drive NAx will be used for everything from 3 Series models upward, while NBx will underpin smaller front-wheel-drive models. Both versions of the platform will have the option of dual-motor all-wheel drive in more potent model variants.

The first Neue Klasse-based BMW will debut next year. It will be the production version of the Vision Neue Klasse X concept (pictured), a direct replacement for today’s iX3. Next will follow a 3 Series-sized sedan previewed by the Vision Neue Klasse concept, which should be unveiled soon after and probably enter production in early 2026.

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BMW sees the introduction of Neue Klasse as reinventing itself. All Neue Klasse vehicles will feature the same design language we’ve already seen on the two concepts, and they will have minimalist interiors made from more sustainable materials than what the manufacturer uses today. They will have even fewer physical controls than today’s minimalist models and focus more functions on the large central touchscreen running a next-gen version of iDrive.

These new models will roll off the production line at BMW’s plant in Debrecen, Hungary. They will feature batteries with 20% better energy density (thanks to new sixth-generation round battery cells), charge 30% quicker and have 30% more range than the EVs it sells today. Neue Klasse will support 800-volt EVs, but smaller offerings like the i1 and i2 may be downgraded to 400 volts, similarly to what Kia is doing with all sub-EV6 models.

BMW, a leading manufacturer of luxury vehicles, has announced plans to introduce entry-level front-wheel drive electric vehicles under its Neue Klasse line in 2027. This move marks a significant shift for the company, as it aims to cater to a broader market segment and stay competitive in the rapidly evolving automotive industry.

The Neue Klasse EVs are expected to offer a more affordable entry point into BMW’s electric vehicle lineup, appealing to a wider range of consumers who are looking to make the switch to electric mobility. By focusing on front-wheel drive technology, BMW is able to optimize interior space and achieve a more efficient use of the vehicle’s footprint without compromising on performance or driving dynamics.

This strategic decision to introduce entry-level front-wheel drive EVs is part of BMW’s broader electrification efforts, as the company works towards achieving carbon neutrality by 2050. By offering a more accessible electric vehicle option, BMW aims to accelerate the adoption of sustainable mobility solutions and contribute to a greener future for the automotive industry.

In addition to the technological advancements in the Neue Klasse EVs, BMW is also emphasizing the design and quality that the brand is known for. The vehicles are expected to feature a sleek and modern aesthetic, as well as cutting-edge technology and innovation to enhance the overall driving experience.

As BMW continues to drive innovation and sustainability in the automotive industry, the introduction of entry-level front-wheel drive BMW Neue Klasse EVs in 2027 represents a significant milestone in the company’s commitment to shaping the future of mobility. With a focus on affordability, performance, and sustainability, these electric vehicles are poised to make a lasting impact on the market and pave the way for a new era of electric mobility.