Next-generation BMW 1 Series to go electric and plug-in hybrid from 2028 to rival Mercedes-Benz A-Class: report

The BMW 1 Series hatch is about to get a huge shake-up, with its new generation ditching pure petrol power from 2028.

It will be only available with electric and hybrid set-ups as part of the brand's increased EV focus under the Neue Klasse philosophy, which has already spawned the iX3 SUV and i3 sedan.

This likely signals a big price jump for the brand's cheapest model.

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Overseas reports suggest the car will be offered with plug-in hybrid and fully-electric set-ups, but other details remain light at this stage.

This decision marks a direction change for BMW, after it was thought the brand would wind up production of entry-level cars such as the 1 Series. This mirrors a similar shift from rival German brand Mercedes-Benz, now backtracking from dropping its A-Class hatch.

The 1 Series will continue to be a direct rival to the new A-Class when the pair launch in 2028.

BMW’s Head of Product Bernd Korber said the 1 Series remained an important part of the brand’s lineup, and will attempt to broaden its target market with the new generation.

2026 BMW 1 Series

"If you want to keep the brand young, if you want to develop customers within your portfolio, the 1 Series is very important,” Korber told AutoCar.

It has not been confirmed at this stage whether the new BMW 1 Series will launch in Australia or whether it will arrive with the PHEV set-up as well as the electric one.

BMW Australia said there was nothing to confirm yet about the new-generation 1 Series.

The 1 Series is currently on sale in Australia in 1.5-litre and 2.0-litre petrol engines, producing up to 150kW and 300Nm. There is also a high-performance version of the car, producing 233kW and 400Nm.

It is a modest seller for the brand down under, with the propped up X1 SUV a bigger hit with buyers.