BMW Group India expanded its entry-level luxury SUV lineup with the launch of the new BMW X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) at an introductory price of Rs 49.90 lakh (ex-showroom). Assembled locally at the BMW Group manufacturing facility in Chennai, the extended version targets entry-level luxury car buyers who want extra rear-seat space and chauffeur-driven comfort. More than half of BMW X1 customers in India enter the luxury vehicle segment for the first time, making the model a key volume driver for the German automaker.
Key Takeaways
- Introductory price stands at Rs 49.90 lakh (ex-showroom) for the single petrol variant.
- Wheelbase grows by 108 mm to reach 2,800 mm, creating 109 mm of additional rear kneeroom.
- Runs on a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder turbo-petrol engine paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission.
- Produced locally at the BMW Group Chennai manufacturing plant.
- Direct market competition includes the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
Dimensions and Exterior Changes
The new BMW X1 LWB measures 4,616 mm in overall length, making it 116 mm longer than the standard-wheelbase X1. The wheelbase is extended by 108 mm to 2,800 mm. The extra length is visible along the side profile, which features longer rear doors, satin-aluminium window surrounds, and flush door handles.
At the front, the SUV carries the brand’s signature kidney grille, Adaptive LED headlights with L-shaped daytime running lights, and a sculpted bumper with vertical air channels. The rear includes sculpted LED tail lamps and an integrated roof spoiler. The SUV sits on 18-inch alloy wheels and comes in four exterior paint shades: Carbon Black, Mineral White, Night Dusk Blue, and Skyscraper Grey.
Interior Comfort and Technology
BMW designed the cabin updates around rear-seat passengers. The rear seat base is 15 mm longer, and the stretched floorpan provides 109 mm of extra kneeroom. The rear seatbacks recline for added comfort, and the boot space offers 540 litres of cargo volume, expandable to 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded down.
The front dashboard features a curved display panel housing a 10.25-inch digital driver information screen and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Other interior equipment includes a 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, a panoramic glass roof, wireless phone charging, dual-zone automatic climate control, and electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory settings.
Engine Specifications and Safety
BMW offers the X1 LWB exclusively with a 1.5-litre, 3-cylinder direct-injection turbo-petrol engine. The unit produces 156 hp and 230 Nm of peak torque, routing power to the front wheels via a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox. The SUV accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds. BMW also revised the suspension setup to deliver a softer ride for rear passengers.
Safety features include eight airbags, electronic stability control, antilock braking, ISOFIX child seat anchors, tyre pressure monitoring, and a 360-degree camera system. Driver assistance includes autonomous emergency braking and lane departure warnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the ex-showroom price of the BMW X1 Long Wheelbase in India?
A1. The BMW X1 LWB carries an introductory ex-showroom price of Rs 49.90 lakh.
Q2. Is the BMW X1 LWB available with a diesel engine?
A2. No, the BMW X1 LWB is available only with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine. The 2.0-litre diesel engine remains restricted to the standard-wheelbase X1.
Q3. How much longer is the BMW X1 LWB compared to the regular X1?
A3. The BMW X1 LWB is 116 mm longer overall, with a wheelbase extended by 108 mm to 2,800 mm.
Q4. Which cars compete directly with the BMW X1 LWB in India?
A4. The BMW X1 LWB competes in the entry-level luxury SUV segment against the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3.
