Article Abstract
- The iX1 is skipping its mid-cycle facelift and leaping straight to a full second technology, with manufacturing set for November 2027 at BMW’s Regensburg plant.
- Constructed on the Neue Klasse platform, the NB5 switches to rear-wheel drive throughout all variants and adopts Gen6 motors and spherical battery cells for considerably extra vary and charging speeds as much as 400 kW.
- Spy pictures reveal a totally overhauled inside that includes Panoramic Imaginative and prescient, a big tablet-style touchscreen, no conventional instrument cluster, and Metropolis Assistant with an inside digicam.
BMW’s smallest electrical crossover is getting a full makeover. Spy pictures from winter testing in Sweden have revealed the next-generation iX1 for the second time — and it’s not the mid-cycle refresh most individuals anticipated. It’s a completely new automobile, constructed on BMW’s most superior platform but. Right here’s what the prototype tells us.
It’s Skipping the iX1 Facelift Completely
BMW usually refreshes its fashions each three to 4 years earlier than the subsequent technology arrives. The present iX1 launched in 2022, so a facelift was anticipated round now. As a substitute, BMW appears to be going straight to a brand new automobile. The subsequent iX1, internally codenamed NB5, is reportedly on monitor for sequence manufacturing in November 2027. A world premiere ought to comply with roughly a number of months earlier than that.
It’s a Full Neue Klasse Product
The present iX1 shares its platform with the combustion-powered X1 (codename U11). The subsequent one shares nothing with it. The NB5 is anticipated to be constructed on BMW’s all-new Neue Klasse structure — the identical basis underpinning the iX3 and the way forward for BMW’s complete EV lineup. Consider it as a child iX3: barely smaller, barely much less highly effective, cheaper price level, however with all the identical next-generation expertise beneath.
That features a new technology of spherical battery cells with larger vitality density, Gen6 electrical motors, and ultra-fast charging functionality. The present iX1 tops out at 130 kW. The iX3 hits 400 kW. Count on the subsequent iX1 to land someplace that makes as we speak’s determine look embarrassing.
Vary can also be set for a serious soar. The present eDrive20 manages 319 miles underneath WLTP after a latest software program replace. With spherical cells and a extra environment friendly drivetrain, the next-gen automobile ought to clear that comfortably — presumably by a large margin.
No Extra Entrance-Wheel Drive
This could be the largest change of all. The bottom iX1 as we speak is front-wheel drive. The Neue Klasse platform was constructed for rear- and all-wheel-drive configurations solely. Meaning each model of the subsequent iX1 — even the entry-level mannequin — will begin as a rear-wheel drive. In fact, count on all-wheel drive variations with two electrical motors as properly.
It’s a elementary shift for BMW’s most reasonably priced electrical crossover, and one that ought to make a noticeable distinction behind the wheel. Some future electrical MINIs are anticipated to make the identical change.
The Inside Is Fully Redesigned
The Sweden spy pictures didn’t give us a take a look at the NB5’s cabin, however we’ve seen glimpses earlier than and it appears to be like nothing just like the automobile it replaces. Gone is the normal instrument cluster. Instead is Panoramic Imaginative and prescient, BMW’s pillar-to-pillar projection system that stretches throughout the bottom of the windshield. Drivers get three mounted show tiles of their line of sight, plus six customizable zones that may be personalised straight from the touchscreen.
That touchscreen dominates the middle of an all-new dashboard. It’s a big, tablet-style show that seems to imitate the iX3’s 17.9-inch panel.
What Concerning the Common X1?
The combustion-powered X1 is just not getting a brand new technology. It’s following the normal path — a mid-cycle facelift arriving from July 2027 — that can replace its styling to match the Neue Klasse design language and produce iDrive X into the cabin. The result’s that the up to date X1 and the all-new iX1 may look strikingly related on the skin, regardless of being constructed on fully totally different underpinnings.
The 2028 BMW iX1 is shaping as much as be one of the crucial vital upgrades within the mannequin’s brief life. Rear-wheel drive, Neue Klasse expertise, a totally redesigned inside, dramatically quicker charging, and extra vary — all in BMW’s most accessible electrical bundle.
Manufacturing begins in November 2027. The wait is lengthy, however based mostly on what these spy pictures are exhibiting, it appears to be like price it.
