The upcoming 2027 BMW iX1 small electric SUV has been spotted undergoing testing in Europe, signaling a major shift in BMW’s electric vehicle strategy. Unlike the current model, which shares underpinnings with gasoline and hybrid X1 variants, the new iX1 will be built on BMW’s dedicated Neue Klasse EV platform. This move marks a clear separation between BMW’s combustion and electric lineups.
Neue Klasse Platform: The Future of BMW EVs
The Neue Klasse platform first appeared in the new iX3 earlier this year and will also underpin the upcoming i3 sedan. The iX3 showcases the platform’s capabilities, including an 800V electrical architecture capable of DC fast-charging up to 400kW. Top-spec versions deliver 345kW and 645Nm from a dual-motor setup, with a 108kWh battery offering a claimed WLTP range of 805km.
A single-motor version with a smaller battery is planned for global release in 2026, aiming for around 600km of range. The iX1 will leverage these advancements, bringing high-performance charging and extended range to the compact EV segment.
Design and Interior Insights
The prototype is heavily disguised with body panels and tape, but early observations show a design mirroring the larger iX3 – essentially a shrunken version of the bigger model. The front features a thin, connected double kidney grille with a prominent lighting strip, and flush-fitting pop-out door handles.
Inside, the iX1 will adopt the same floating parallelogram-shaped touchscreen as the iX3, with minimal physical buttons. The center console retains a few switches for essential functions like transmission, parking brake, and hazard lights. A unique feature, Panorama Vision, may also be included: a narrow instrumentation display stretching across the cabin where the windshield meets the dashboard.
Timeline and Global Availability
With the i3 sedan set for unveiling next year, the new iX1 is expected to reach global markets in 2027. This phased rollout allows BMW to refine the Neue Klasse platform across multiple models before widespread release.
The shift to dedicated EV platforms like Neue Klasse demonstrates BMW’s commitment to electric mobility, separating its future from combustion-engine vehicles. This strategy ensures that the next generation of BMW EVs will deliver superior performance, range, and charging capabilities compared to shared-architecture models.
