Buckle up, car enthusiasts — BMW's immensely popular 1 Series is gearing up for a thrilling transformation to stay competitive in the fast-evolving European market. The update comes straight from Bernd Koerber, the brand’s top strategist, who teased fresh developments that will reshape the iconic hatchback by 2027. Expect both electric and hybrid variants of the beloved model, a move that feels as bold as it is overdue. “Leaving the small-car segment has never been on the table for us,” Koerber emphasized during a candid chat at the 2025 Shanghai Auto Show. “Markets like Greece, Spain, and Italy are vital. Remove the 1 Series, and you chop off one-third of your business. It’s crucial for us to address the needs of home markets if we aspire to be a global player.”
Beyond the sales numbers, the 1 Series plays a pivotal role in attracting young, first-time BMW drivers — those eager for a taste of premium performance without the massive price tag. “This car is key for drawing new drivers to BMW,” Koerber added, reinforcing the model’s role as a gateway into the brand. For the past two decades, the 1 Series has stood as a symbol of access and ambition, a cornerstone of BMW’s conquest sales strategy. But BMW’s game plan goes beyond youth appeal. Koerber highlighted how the BMW Group’s synergy with MINI injects creative energy into the compact segment. “Having MINI in our portfolio brings collaborative tension — it challenges us to rethink and deliver efficient solutions,” he noted.
Designing within tight spatial and budget constraints breeds a mindset of smart engineering, one that ripples throughout the entire BMW lineup. Whether you're designing a luxury saloon or a compact hatch, the skills honed in the small-car world prove invaluable. With electrification on the horizon, the next-gen 1 Series is expected to build on the flexible Neue Klasse platform that also underpins the upcoming 3 Series and X3, which will debut at the 2025 Munich Motor Show. Petrol-powered versions are likely to retain classic BMW naming conventions like 120, 123, and M135, while plug-in hybrids might receive an added ‘e’. The fully electric version, potentially branded the i1, aims to position BMW squarely against rivals like the VW ID.3 and Mercedes CLA EV. Visually, the 1 Series is set for a major design overhaul. While it’ll maintain its recognizable hatchback form, expect sharper lines, a wider grille echoing the future 3 Series, and performance-focused styling elements inspired by BMW M. Flush door handles, sculpted bodywork, and oversized alloys are also on the table. Inside, look for the brand’s latest panoramic iDrive system, paired with signature dark materials, sporty seats, and all the digital connectivity today’s drivers expect — including wireless phone charging and app-based controls. Boot space is projected to grow to around 400 liters, not a class leader but a solid improvement over the outgoing model.
But perhaps the most revolutionary leap lies under the skin. The new electric 1 Series will be equipped with an 800-volt architecture — a rare move in this class — allowing for ultra-fast charging and a driving range that could top 480 kilometers. That alone puts the i1 in a strong position to challenge both the EV elite and legacy combustion favorites like the VW Golf and Mazda 3. With the Neue Klasse platform enabling scalability and cost control, BMW is betting big on a small car to anchor its future. The countdown to 2027 has begun, and with it, the promise of a 1 Series that’s smarter, sharper, and more electrifying than ever before. The hatchback you love is evolving — and the next chapter is just around the corner.