BMW Confirms Plans for Entry-Level Neue Klasse EV in 2028
The new model, reportedly codenamed NBO, will be a five-door hatchback focused on the European market.
BMW has confirmed plans to launch a new entry-level electric vehicle as part of its Neue Klasse lineup, aiming to strengthen its presence in the high-volume segment. The model is scheduled to arrive in 2028 with a specific focus on Europe.
What Happened
During its Capital Markets Day, BMW officially announced that it will introduce "another fully-electric model from the Neue Klasse" to target the entry segment. While the manufacturer did not release extensive technical specifications, company insiders told BMWBlog that the vehicle, internally codenamed "NBO," will be a five-door hatchback. It is expected to utilize technologies already introduced in other Neue Klasse models, such as the new iX3 SUV and i3 sedan.
Why It Matters
This move places BMW alongside other luxury brands, including Audi and Mercedes-Benz, that are developing lower-cost electric options to compete in the broader market. The new EV is anticipated to sit between the MINI Cooper Electric and the iX1 or iX2 in BMW’s European lineup, with reports suggesting the base trims will be rear-wheel drive and higher-priced versions will offer all-wheel drive. For US buyers, the hatchback is primarily designed for Europe, but an electric sedan variant, potentially called the i2, could arrive around 2030 and be more likely to reach the American market. Currently, BMW’s most affordable Neue Klasse options in the US, the 2027 i3 sedan and iX3 SUV, start at $61,500.
The Bottom Line
BMW’s entry-level Neue Klasse EV is planned for a 2028 launch in Europe, with a potential sedan variant possibly following for the US market around 2030.
