Gurugram: BMW India has launched the new BMW X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹49.90 lakh, giving its entry-level luxury SUV a longer footprint, significantly more rear-seat space, a more powerful petrol engine and an expanded suite of digital and driver-assistance technologies.
The new X1 LWB is being locally produced at BMW Group Plant Chennai and is available in India with a petrol engine. Bookings have opened across BMW dealerships.
At 4,616 mm long, with a 2,800 mm wheelbase, the new model is positioned by BMW as the longest vehicle in its segment. The stretched proportions have largely been put to work where Indian luxury-car buyers are likely to notice them most — in the rear seat.
BMW says the extended wheelbase, which is 108 mm longer, results in 150 mm additional legroom and 109 mm more kneeroom for rear passengers. The rear seats also gain 15 mm of additional cushioning and can recline by up to 28.5 degrees.
For a model carrying the “Long Wheelbase” badge, then, the extra metal is not merely decorative.
Hardeep Singh Brar, President and CEO, BMW Group India said, “The BMW X1 has redefined success in the luxury SUV segment in India by consistently delivering the perfect blend of performance, versatility and premium ownership. With the new BMW X1 Long Wheelbase, we have taken that winning formula further. Customers today want a vehicle that satisfies both practical needs and emotional aspirations, and the new X1 LWB does exactly that. It offers segment-leading space and comfort, advanced digital innovations and the unmistakable BMW driving pleasure. In a market where customers are no longer willing to compromise between luxury, technology and performance, the new BMW X1 Long Wheelbase is the SUV where the head and heart truly agree.”
More Power From 1.5-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine
Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre BMW TwinPower Turbo petrol engine, producing 115 kW/156 hp and 230 Nm of torque between 1,500 and 4,600 rpm.
The engine is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic dual-clutch transmission, with power sent to the front wheels. BMW claims a fuel-efficiency figure of 15.5 km/l.
The company says the X1 LWB retains 50:50 weight distribution, while a specially tuned Comfort suspension with increased caster travel has been designed to improve ride quality over uneven road surfaces — a specification that should find plenty of opportunities to prove itself on Indian roads.
Bigger Dimensions, Familiar BMW Design
The X1 LWB measures 4,616 mm in length, 2,104 mm in width and 1,641 mm in height, while its wheelbase stretches to 2,800 mm.
Up front, the SUV retains BMW’s signature kidney grille but adds Adaptive LED headlights with cornering functionality. A BMW High Beam Assistant automatically manages high-beam operation to reduce glare for approaching traffic.
Other exterior details include aluminium-satinated roof rails, squared-off wheel-arch contours and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels. At the rear, three-dimensional LED lighting and a large diffuser-style lower section give the X1 a broader appearance.
BMW is offering the SUV in Night Dusk Blue, Skyscraper Grey, Carbon Black and Mineral White exterior colours. Customers can choose Veganza Perforated upholstery in Castanea or dual-tone Smoke White and Atlas Grey.
Rear-Seat Space Takes Centre Stage
Inside, both front occupants get multi-way electrically adjustable Sport Seats, while the stretched rear cabin is one of the major changes over the standard-wheelbase formula.
Beyond the extra legroom, rear passengers receive longer seat cushions, additional bolstering and reclining backrests.
The cabin also features BMW’s Widescreen Curved Display, combining the brand’s digital interface with BMW Operating System 9.
The dashboard receives Aluminium Mesheffect trim, a Luxury Instrument Panel, a beige headliner, ambient lighting and Pearl Chrome detailing. An M Sport steering wheel is standard, while the centre console incorporates a floating armrest and control cluster.
A vertically mounted wireless smartphone charger is also included.
One of the more noticeable cabin features is the nine-square-foot panoramic sunroof, which BMW says is the largest in the segment.
The X1 LWB offers 540 litres of luggage capacity, expandable to as much as 1,700 litres with the rear seats folded.
A 12-speaker, 205-watt Harman Kardon audio system is also part of the equipment package.
BMW OS9, Digital Key Plus and Over-the-Air Updates
Technology upgrades are another major focus of the new model.
BMW Operating System 9 supports voice and touchscreen operation, while the company’s QuickSelect interface allows frequently used functions to be accessed without navigating through multiple submenus.
Remote Software Upgrades allow compatible functions and improvements to be installed over the air.
BMW’s Digital Premium package adds functions including enhanced navigation and traffic visualisations, proactive trip suggestions, welcome-light animations, Smart Window Opener and additional My Modes such as Digital Art, Expressive and Relax.
Third-party applications can also be integrated into the car’s digital environment.
Through the MyBMW App, owners can remotely monitor vehicle information and access connected functions.
The BMW Digital Key Plus system allows a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to serve as a vehicle key, enabling locking, unlocking and vehicle start functions using ultra-wideband technology. Digital access can be shared with as many as 18 users.
The upgraded Comfort Access 2.0 system can unlock the SUV as the authorised device approaches, removing the need to tap a smartphone or smartwatch against the door handle.
Parking and Driver Assistance Systems Expanded
The X1 LWB comes with front and rear Active Park Distance Control sensors and a reversing camera as standard.
Parking Assistant Plus adds a 360-degree surround-view system, while BMW’s Reversing Assistant can remember the previous 50 metres travelled and automatically guide the vehicle backwards along the same route.
Its driver-assistance package includes Lane Departure Warning, Blind Spot Assistant, Cruise Control with Braking Function, Automatic Emergency Braking, Pedestrian Protection and Attentiveness Assistant.
Standard passive and active safety equipment includes eight airbags, ABS with Brake Assist, Dynamic Stability Control, Dynamic Traction Control, Cornering Brake Control, an electric parking brake with Auto Hold, side-impact protection, crash sensors, a tyre-pressure indicator and ISOFIX child-seat mounting points.
An integrated emergency spare wheel is also provided.
Warranty and Ownership Plans
BMW is offering a standard two-year unlimited-kilometre warranty along with two years of 24×7 roadside assistance. Both benefits are transferable to a subsequent owner.
Service Inclusive packages start from three years/40,000 km and can be extended to as much as 10 years/100,000 km. Extended warranty coverage is available from the third year and can be taken up to a maximum of 10 years.
BMW India Financial Services is also offering financing under BMW Smart Finance. The company says monthly instalments can start at ₹44,444, with an assured buyback value of 60% after a four-year tenure, subject to applicable terms and financing conditions.
The ₹49.90 lakh introductory ex-showroom price includes applicable GST but excludes road tax, TCS, registration charges, local levies and insurance. BMW says the price applicable at the time of invoicing will prevail and that prices and options may change without prior notice.
With the new X1 LWB, BMW is leaning into a particularly Indian interpretation of compact luxury: keep the SUV manageable from the driver’s seat, but make sure the people in the back have considerably less reason to complain. More importantly, the longer X1 signals how luxury manufacturers are increasingly tailoring global products around India’s preference for rear-seat comfort without abandoning technology or driving performance.
