BMW Expands India Luxury Line-Up With New X1 LWB Launch and i5 LWB Bookings

Khyati Sharma 2026-08-21


BMW Strengthens India Luxury Portfolio With X1 LWB Launch, i5 LWB Bookings

BMW cars India has expanded its locally manufactured luxury portfolio with two major developments: the launch of the new X1 Long Wheelbase at ₹49.90 lakh and the opening of bookings for the upcoming i5 Long Wheelbase electric sedan.

Both models have been developed with the Indian luxury market in mind, particularly the growing demand for greater rear-seat comfort and space. While the X1 LWB brings a longer and more feature-rich petrol SUV package, the i5 LWB will mark an important milestone for BMW as its first locally assembled electric sedan in India.

BMW X1 LWB Launched at ₹49.90 Lakh

The new BMW X1 Long Wheelbase has entered the Indian market at an introductory price of ₹49.90 lakh (ex-showroom). The SUV is manufactured locally at BMW Group's Chennai facility and is offered with a petrol powertrain.

 

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Under the bonnet is a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbo-petrol engine developing 156 hp and 230 Nm. Power is sent to the wheels through a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. BMW claims a fuel efficiency figure of 15.5 km/l.

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. The extended wheelbase is 108 mm longer than the standard X1, with much of the additional length dedicated to improving rear-seat accommodation.

More Rear Seat Space

BMW claims the X1 LWB offers approximately 150 mm of additional rear legroom and 109 mm more knee room. The rear seats also receive longer cushions and can recline by up to 28.5 degrees, making the SUV better suited to chauffeur-driven use.

Luggage capacity stands at 540 litres, which can be increased to 1,700 litres by folding the rear seats.

X1 LWB Gets a Significant Equipment Upgrade

The SUV features several exterior and interior updates, including Adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch M alloy wheels, aluminium-finished roof rails and redesigned LED lighting elements.

Customers can choose from four exterior colours:

  • Night Dusk Blue
  • Skyscraper Grey
  • Carbon Black
  • Mineral White

Inside, the X1 LWB features BMW's Widescreen Curved Display running Operating System 9. Other highlights include electrically adjustable front sport seats, a Harman Kardon 12-speaker sound system, wireless smartphone charging and a large panoramic sunroof measuring around 9 sq ft.

BMW Digital Key Plus allows a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to be used as a vehicle key. The SUV also features Comfort Access 2.0, which can automatically unlock the vehicle without requiring the device to be physically tapped against the door handle. Digital access can be shared with up to 18 users.

Safety and Driver Assistance

The X1 LWB comes equipped with a comprehensive safety package, including:

  • Eight airbags
  • 360-degree camera
  • Blind Spot Assistance
  • Lane Departure Warning
  • Automatic Emergency Braking
  • Cruise Control with braking function
  • Reversing Assistant

The Reversing Assistant can record the vehicle's previous path for up to 50 metres and automatically retrace it while reversing.

BMW i5 LWB Bookings Open in India

Alongside the X1 LWB launch, BMW India has opened bookings for the i5 Long Wheelbase. The electric sedan will also be assembled at the Chennai plant.

The model will become BMW India's first locally assembled electric sedan and the company's second locally produced EV in the country.

 

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The i5 LWB measures 5,175 mm long, 2,156 mm wide and 1,520 mm tall, with a substantial 3,105 mm wheelbase. BMW positions it as one of the largest and longest sedans in its segment.

i5 LWB Offers Up to 669 km Range

Power comes from a single electric motor producing 268 hp. The sedan can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in 6.7 seconds.

Energy is supplied by an 81.6 kWh battery pack, with BMW claiming a range of up to 669 km on the MIDC cycle.

The India-spec i5 LWB also gets adaptive rear-axle air suspension and increased ground clearance, features intended to improve ride comfort and usability on Indian roads.

i5 LWB First Edition Limited to 99 Units

BMW will initially introduce the i5 LWB in a special First Edition, limited to just 99 units in India.

The limited-run model gets a Carbon Black Metallic exterior complemented by Titanium Bronze detailing. Inside, it receives exclusive touches including rear-seat entertainment with a tablet and holder, BMW Individual Silver Bronze accents, Fineline open-pore fine-wood trim and a First Edition laser engraving on the dashboard.

BMW has not yet revealed the price of the i5 LWB. However, bookings are now open through authorised BMW dealerships across India.

BMW Targets India's Growing Luxury Car Market

The introduction of the X1 LWB and i5 LWB reflects BMW's increasing focus on products specifically suited to Indian luxury-car buyers. The additional rear-seat space in the X1 LWB and i5 LWB is particularly relevant in a market where chauffeur-driven ownership remains an important part of the premium segment.

The move also comes as competition between Germany's leading luxury carmakers continues to intensify. BMW has been expanding its locally manufactured line-up and strengthening its electric vehicle portfolio, while Mercedes-Benz continues to maintain a strong position in India's luxury-car market.

With the X1 LWB now available at ₹49.90 lakh and the i5 LWB preparing to enter the locally assembled EV portfolio, BMW is broadening its product offering across both conventional and electric luxury segments.

The i5 LWB's final pricing and launch details are expected to be announced closer to its market introduction

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