The unveiling of the new IX3 from BMW has opened the locks for the representation of other models that use the new class styling. We have already seen a breathtaking but hypothetical Z4, but what about something in the volume segment? Since a small electric car was recently officially confirmed, it is no surprise that someone had a gap to imagine Bavaria’s entry-level entry level.
This speculative five -door assemblybackback provides how the luxury brand is probably called “i1”. The elegant styling of the new IX3 is good for an attractive compact car that we could see in 2028. Although it is only a digital design exercise that is not connected to BMW, it offers hope for a stylish hatch and an unofficial preview of how different the list will only look.
While the 2026 IX3 contains a vertical kidney grill as an allusion to a past era, only crossover use this retro inspired look. Instead, limousines and probably all other conventional body styles (coupes, cars, etc.) will take wide kidney grills instead. The 2023 Vision New Class Concept already indicated what can be expected from non-SUV models.
We were not exactly in love with the unusually high taillights of the concept. This also applies here, even though the recent spy photos of the i3 focus on a less intrusive design. On the IX3, the taillights complement the rear proportions of the crossover well. Hopefully this should be true in the line -up as soon as the family is completely developed.
For those who prefer a real trunk, an I2 Gran Coupé (NB8) or the like, should arrive around 2030. It is too early to say safely, but BMW could not renew its cheapest cars with combustion engines. The F70 and the F74 are expected to continue until 2032. At this point, the I1 and I2 have been offered for sale for several years.
But the I1 and I2 will not be part of the 40+ car that BMW starts in its first wave of NEE class products. Nevertheless, the company insists that the entry -level class does not give it up. Bernd Körber, Senior Vice President of BMW Brand and Product Management, was recently quoted with the words: “It was never a question that we could get out of the smaller cars segment.”
As a result, an I1 is more of a question when. At the start, you can expect a return with a layout of the rear wheel drive. But in contrast to the first two generations of the 1 series, there is obviously no combustion engine that supplies the rear axle with electricity. BMW already exhibits FWD electric cars because its latest electric motors are designed exclusively for setups with back and all-wheel drive. That could also mean that RWD minis is coming.
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