Breaking with both industry norms and BMW’s usual product cycle, the iX1 is expected to forgo a mid-cycle refresh (‘LCI’ in BMW speak) and transition directly to a full generational change late next year.
Spy shots indicate the German automaker is preparing an all-new model for a late 2027 debut. Here’s everything we know about the new BMW iX1 so far.
Design
Images of early prototypes captured during testing in Europe (via BMW Blog) indicate that the 2027 BMW iX1 will be a Neue Klasse EV featuring an offbeat design. The second-gen model will adopt the new design language that debuted on the new iX3. It will have a visibly upright front end, along with a higher and flatter hood.
The headlamps will likely be integrated discreetly behind a wide glass surface that stretches inwards all the way to a particularly slim, vertically positioned faux kidney grille inspired by Neue Klasse BMWs from the 1960s.
Vertical, slightly outward-slanting DRLs should double as turn indicators and mimic the characteristic BMW four-eyed face.
Reduced surfacing should give the next-gen iX1 a clean look, and we expect this change to be most evident on the sides. Flush-integrated door handles would add to this low-profile appearance, and we expect them to be manually actuated.
At the rear, the registration plate area would be lower, at the bottom of the tailgate, and the horizontal combination lamps may feature technical-looking graphics.
Interior
The interior of the next-gen iX1 would also embody the new design language that debuted in the new iX3. This means the cabin would be devoid of an instrument cluster and present the driving information on the new BMW Panoramic Vision, a new projection system that displays information on a black printed surface across the full width of the windscreen.
A 3D head-up display will likely be available as an option in the new iX1. Most functions will be operated by a new freestanding central touchscreen designed in a hexagonal shape, which we found intuitive during our time with the iX3, running BMW Operating System X.
Spy shots (via BMW Blog) suggest that BMW will offer physical controls for basic functions like hazard warning, front and rear defogger switches, and speaker volume in the center console, in a panel that includes the electronic gear selector and electronic parking brake as well.
Specifications
Motors
According to a report Auto Express published on October 20, 2025, the next-gen BMW iX1 will be based on a new, rear-biased platform. It should be available in single-motor RWD and dual-motor AWD variants, both featuring an electrically excited synchronous motor (EESM) at the rear and the latter an additional asynchronous motor at the front.
BMW’s latest motors offer 40% reduction in energy losses, a 10% weight reduction, and a 20% manufacturing cost reduction compared to previous ones used in the iX1.
Battery
Cylindrical cells would be integrated into the battery pack without the module layer, unlike in the current model’s battery pack, which features prismatic cells.
The latest cells have 20% greater energy density, increase the charging speed by 30%, and improve the range by 30%. While these figures likely represent the maximum changes, the next-gen iX1 should still come with significant upgrades in terms of charging capabilities and range.
Charging
The 800-volt electrical architecture can increase the charging speed of the iX1 from the current 130 kW to somewhere around 300 kW. This could reduce the 10-80% DC charging time from 29 minutes to around 20 minutes.
Range
We estimate the WLTP range to climb from 514 kilometers (319 miles) to well over 600 kilometers (373 miles) in the range versions.
Release Date
Also See: All-electric BMW iX4 set to rival the Tesla Model Y from 2026: Report
There’s no official announcement, but there’s a compelling case for BMW to offer the next-gen iX1 in the U.S. sometime in the first half of 2028, following the launch late next year. Priced from above USD 50,000, it would compete with the likes of Mercedes GLB Electric and Audi Q4 e-tron.
International Automotive News Editor since 2014, covering global motor shows, industry events, and test-driving various vehicles, with a focus on hybrid and electric cars in recent years.
