BMW’s Upcoming Affordable Electric Cars Have Finally Been Approved!

SAUDI ARABIA : The affordable BMW EVs will be developed at the BMW Group Research and Innovation Centre 

• The BMW iX1 is powered by a 230kW motor that will make a solid 494 Nm  
• Its range stands at about 440km while the 0-100kmph time is well under 6 seconds 
• This will help them eat into the market share of the now discontinued A-class 

BMW has finally approved the i1 and i2 models. These entry-level electric vehicles (EVs) are currently being developed at the BMW Group Research and Innovation Centre in Munich, Germany. The German automaker's goal is to broaden the accessibility of its EV lineup by introducing these more affordable models. Presently, the most economical EV in BMW’s domestic market is the iX1. 

Architecture With Ultrafast Charging Capability 

Specifications	BMW iX1
Motor	230kW (313PS)
Maximum Torque	494Nm
Range	Around 440km
Acceleration	0-100kmph in about 5.6 seconds

As entry-level EVs, the BMW i1 and i2 are likely to feature batteries with lower energy density compared to their larger, pricier counterparts, necessitating more frequent charging. However, thanks to their 800-volt architecture, they will benefit from ultra-fast charging capabilities, making them both convenient and practical for everyday use. 

The batteries are expected to be module-less units utilizing BMW’s sixth-generation cylindrical cells, which boast over 20% higher energy density, reduce charging times by up to 30%, and extend range by up to 30% compared to the fifth-generation prismatic cells. 

Inspiration From BMW i Vision

While detailed plans for the BMW i1 and i2 remain under wraps, there's speculation about their body styles. Insiders indicate that the i2 is intended to be the spiritual successor to the i3 (I01), a pioneering electric hatchback that BMW produced from 2013 to 2022.

The BMW i1 and i2 are anticipated to draw design inspiration from the BMW i Vision Circular show car, along with elements from the larger BMW i Vision Dee and BMW Vision Neue Klasse X concepts. These concepts are expected to influence the designs of the upcoming BMW i3 sedan and BMW iX3.

Affordable models like the BMW 1 Series and 2 Series tend to yield lower profit margins but are crucial for attracting younger customers and expanding in specific markets. Bernd Körber, BMW’s product boss, emphasized this point in one of his most recent conversations. 

The anticipated discontinuation of the Mercedes A-Class hatchback is expected to provide BMW with a greater opportunity to capture a larger share of the compact luxury car segment. The BMW i1 is slated to debut in 2027, with the i2 following in 2028. These models represent BMW’s commitment to making electric mobility more accessible and maintaining its competitive edge.