2026-08-12
BMW Car is preparing to expand its entry-level SUV line-up in India with the X1 Long-Wheelbase (LWB), and bookings for the new model are now officially open. The stretched SUV is scheduled to make its Indian debut on August 21, 2026. Positioned as the petrol-powered sibling to the BMW iX1 LWB, the X1 LWB is expected to bring more cabin space to BMW’s entry-level luxury SUV range.
The X1 LWB was originally developed with the Chinese market in mind, where buyers have a strong preference for rear-seat comfort and additional cabin room. It measures 4,616mm in length, 1,845mm in width and 1,641mm in height, while its 2,802mm wheelbase is substantially longer than that of the regular X1.
Compared with the standard X1, the long-wheelbase version gains 116mm in overall length and 110mm between the axles. The additional dimensions are primarily aimed at improving rear-seat accommodation rather than dramatically changing the SUV’s appearance.
Visually, BMW has retained the familiar X1 design language. The SUV features slim LED lighting, BMW’s signature kidney grille and a crossover-inspired silhouette. In China, it can be equipped with 19-inch wheels as standard, with 20-inch alloys offered as an option. For India, BMW could opt for a smaller wheel setup to strike a better balance between appearance and ride comfort.
The biggest difference inside the X1 LWB is the additional space available to occupants in the second row. BMW has increased rear legroom, while the seat position has been raised by 27mm. The wider headrest cushions, which are 37mm broader, are also intended to improve passenger comfort on longer journeys.
The extended body also creates additional luggage capacity. The X1 LWB offers up to 540 litres of boot space, compared with 476 litres in the standard X1.
The India-spec SUV is expected to feature a technology-rich cabin with a 10.7-inch central touchscreen and a 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster. Other expected equipment includes wireless smartphone charging, powered front seats, automatic climate control and an electrically operated tailgate.
BMW could also offer premium additions such as a Harman Kardon audio system, Digital Key functionality, connected-car features and an automatic parking assistant.
The powertrain strategy could be one of the major highlights of the India-spec X1 LWB. The regular X1 currently uses a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine producing 136hp and a 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel developing 150hp.
The China-market X1 LWB follows a different route. Its sDrive25Li and xDrive25Li variants use a 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine generating 204hp and 300Nm. The engine is paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The front-wheel-drive sDrive25Li can accelerate from 0-100kph in 7.9 seconds, while the all-wheel-drive xDrive25Li completes the same sprint in 7.7 seconds. Both versions have a claimed top speed of 229kph.
Whether BMW brings this 204hp engine to India remains an important detail that will be confirmed closer to the launch.
The standard BMW X1 currently sits in the Rs 50.9 lakh-Rs 52.9 lakh price bracket, ex-showroom. Given its larger dimensions, additional rear-seat space and potentially stronger engine, the X1 LWB is likely to be priced above the regular model.
If BMW introduces the 2.0-litre turbo-petrol powertrain, the price gap could be more noticeable. However, the SUV could benefit from having a relatively clear niche in India's luxury-car market, as there are currently few direct alternatives offering a long-wheelbase format at this entry-level luxury SUV size.
Like the X1 and iX1 LWB, the new X1 LWB is expected to be assembled locally at BMW’s Chennai manufacturing facility. With bookings already underway, more details on its India-specific specifications, variants and pricing should emerge ahead of its August 21 launch
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