BMW X1 LWB launch on August 21

BMW will launch the X1 LWB in India on Friday, August 21. A stretched version of the standard X1 SUV and the ICE equivalent to the iX1 LWB – both of which are sold here too – the X1 LWB will serve as BMW’s most affordable combustion-powered long-wheelbase model for the Indian market. Like other long-wheelbase BMWs, the X1 LWB was originally conceived for the Chinese market, where the SUV has been on sale since 2023. 

BMW X1 LWB exterior design

116mm longer than standard X1

Stretching the tape at 4,616mm long, 1,845mm wide, 1,641mm tall, and with a wheelbase of 2,802mm, the X1 LWB is 116mm longer (110mm increase in wheelbase) and 11mm taller than its SWB counterpart. There are otherwise no changes on the styling front compared to the standard X1, so the LWB continues to offer sleek LED headlamps and tail-lamps, large kidney grilles up front, and a relatively low-slung crossover-esque profile.

The China-spec X1 LWB gets 19-inch alloy wheels as standard (20-inchers optional), but these could be downsized for the India-spec version in the interest of ride quality – the standard X1 and iX1 LWB come with 18-inchers here.

BMW X1 LWB interior and features

Increased rear legroom, higher bench and wider headrest cushions

Expectedly, the interior layout of the X1 LWB is identical to that of its SWB counterpart, save for an upgraded experience for rear occupants – generous increase in legroom, 27mm bump in seat height and 37mm wider headrest cushions. At 540 litres, the X1 LWB’s boot is also larger than the standard X1’s 476-litre capacity.

The features list includes a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display, a wireless charging pad, powered front seats, automatic climate control, a powered tailgate, a digital key, a Harman Kardon sound system, connected car tech, auto park assist and more.

BMW X1 LWB engine and gearbox options

2.0-litre turbo-petrol mill and 7-speed DCT

In India, the standard X1 is sold in two variants, sDrive18i and sDrive18d, offering 1.5-litre 3-cyl turbo-petrol and 2.0-litre 4-cyl diesel engines, respectively. However, the China-spec X1 LWB gets neither of those engines. Instead, it’s sold in sDrive25Li FWD and xDrive25Li AWD guises, and powered by a 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo-petrol motor that outputs 204hp and 300Nm – up 68hp and 70Nm over the sDrive18i – and is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic. 0-100kph comes up in 7.9 seconds for the FWD version and 7.7 seconds for the AWD X1 LWB. Top speed is rated at up to 229kph.

BMW X1 LWB price estimate and positioning

No direct rivals in the Indian luxury car market

Pricing for the standard X1 starts at Rs 50.9 lakh and tops off at Rs 52.9 lakh in India, so expect the X1 LWB to command a premium, especially if BMW offers it with the more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine. The X1 LWB will sit in a unique spot of the market, as there are no long-wheelbase entry-level luxury SUVs to rival it at the moment.

All prices are ex-showroom, India.