BMW X1 Long Wheelbase Set for India Launch on August 21 Bigger Cabin, More Power & Premium Features Expected

BMW India is all set to launch the BMW X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) on August 21, expanding its premium SUV lineup with a model focused on rear-seat comfort and practicality.

The upcoming SUV will serve as the internal combustion engine (ICE) counterpart to the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase, which is already available in the Indian market.

Originally developed for China, where it debuted in 2023, the X1 LWB is expected to become BMW’s most affordable long-wheelbase petrol SUV in India.

Larger Dimensions for Better Space

The BMW X1 LWB is significantly larger than the standard X1.

Its dimensions are:

• Length: 4,616 mm
• Width: 1,845 mm
• Height: 1,641 mm
• Wheelbase: 2,802 mm

Compared to the regular X1, the new model is:

• 116 mm longer
• 110 mm longer in wheelbase
• 11 mm taller

Despite the increased dimensions, the overall styling remains familiar, featuring BMW’s signature kidney grille, sleek LED headlamps, sculpted body lines, and coupe-inspired crossover profile.

Rear Seat Comfort Gets a Major Upgrade

The biggest advantage of the long-wheelbase version lies inside the cabin.

BMW has focused on improving comfort for rear-seat passengers by offering:

• More legroom
• 27 mm higher rear seat position
• 37 mm wider rear headrests

The SUV also offers a larger 540-litre boot, compared to 476 litres in the standard X1, making it a more practical option for families and long-distance travel.

Expected Premium Features

The cabin layout is expected to remain largely similar to the regular BMW X1 while offering a generous list of premium features.

Expected highlights include:

• 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system
• 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster
• Wireless phone charging
• Powered front seats
• Automatic climate control
• Powered tailgate
• Digital key functionality
• Harman Kardon premium audio system
• Connected car technology
• Automatic parking assist

These features are expected to position the X1 LWB among the most well-equipped luxury SUVs in its segment.

More Powerful 2.0-Litre Turbo-Petrol Engine Expected

Unlike the standard Indian-spec X1, which is available with a 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a 2.0-litre diesel, the long-wheelbase version is expected to receive a more powerful 2.0-litre turbo-petrol engine.

In international markets, the engine produces:

• 204 hp
• 300 Nm of torque

Power is transmitted through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

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BMW offers both front-wheel-drive (sDrive25Li) and all-wheel-drive (xDrive25Li) versions globally.

Performance figures include:

• 0–100 km/h in 7.9 seconds (FWD)
• 0–100 km/h in 7.7 seconds (AWD)
• Top speed of 229 km/h

It remains to be seen which drivetrain BMW introduces in India.

Expected Price in India

The standard BMW X1 is currently priced between ₹50.9 lakh and ₹52.9 lakh (ex-showroom).

Given its larger dimensions, more powerful engine, and additional features, the BMW X1 LWB is expected to carry a higher price tag.

Industry experts believe the SUV will occupy a unique position in the Indian luxury car market, as there are currently no direct rivals offering a long-wheelbase luxury SUV in the entry-level premium segment.

A New Choice for Luxury SUV Buyers

With its official launch just around the corner, the BMW X1 Long Wheelbase aims to attract buyers looking for greater rear-seat comfort without moving to a larger and significantly more expensive luxury SUV.

By combining a spacious cabin, premium features, and a stronger turbo-petrol engine, BMW hopes to strengthen its presence in India’s growing premium SUV market while carving out a niche of its own.