BMW’s Neue Klasse architecture will pave the way for a range of new products, with the iX3 electric SUV making its debut this summer followed by the i3 soon after. However, these are just the first of the new models that BMW has in store. The company is also gearing up for the release of the i2, which, contrary to the current 2 Series lineup, is rumored to be a four-door sedan.
Reports suggest that the i2 will serve as an entry-level model, prioritizing spaciousness and utility along with the hatchback i1, which is also in development. BMW currently offers three versions of the 2 Series – coupe/convertible, Active Tourer, and Gran Coupe – so narrowing down the variants to just one body style would be a significant change.
This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about the i2. A report from September 2022 hinted that BMW was gearing up to start production of the i2 in July 2028, but that may no longer be the case. According to BMWBlog, the electric i2 is not expected to go on sale until 2030, which is still five years away, and schedules are always subject to change behind the scenes.
The new i2 is not expected to replace the gas-powered 2 Series coupe. However, the company is also reportedly not planning to launch a successor with an internal combustion engine, which could spell the end for the beloved M2 with its small size and available manual transmission. When the i2 hits the market, it will utilize BMW’s sixth-generation battery technology, featuring cylindrical cells that are said to improve range and charging speed by up to 30% while emitting fewer emissions during production.
The car will also offer rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, promising to keep the fun alive on the road.
