BMW iX1 LWB Launched in India at ₹49 Lakh – More Space, More Value, Made in India
The electric SUV game in India just got a masterstroke from BMW. Meet the new BMW iX1 LWB – a longer, more practical, and surprisingly affordable luxury electric SUV built right here in India. Priced at ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom), the iX1 LWB takes everything we loved about the standard iX1 and stretches it into a more family-friendly package without stretching your budget.
What is the BMW iX1 LWB?
The iX1 LWB (Long Wheelbase) is BMW’s answer to Indian families who want luxury, electric mobility, and rear-seat comfort in one package. While the standard iX1 has been discontinued, the LWB version replaces it with a compelling proposition: more space, localized assembly, and a price tag that undercuts most rivals.
BMW has strategically positioned the iX1 LWB to compete directly with premium electric SUVs like the Kia EV6 GT, Volvo XC40 Recharge, and Hyundai Ioniq 5, while offering the prestige of a BMW badge at a more accessible price point.
BMW iX1 LWB Design & Dimensions: Same DNA, Bigger Presence
At first glance, the iX1 LWB looks familiar. The overall silhouette and design language remain true to the standard iX1 – sharp lines, distinctive BMW kidney grille, and that modern electric SUV stance. But look closer, and you’ll notice the 116mm increase in overall length, making it 2,800mm long from bumper to bumper.
The wheelbase alone has been stretched by 108mm, and all that extra length has been cleverly added behind the B-pillar. The result? Balanced proportions that avoid the awkward “long-legs-short-torso” look some stretched vehicles suffer from.
Practical Design Upgrades
One of the most practical changes is the rear doors, which now open at a wider angle. This might sound minor, but it makes getting in and out significantly easier for elderly family members or when installing child seats.
In terms of size, the iX1 LWB now comes dangerously close to the previous-generation X3 – precisely the positioning BMW was targeting. You get the widest and tallest cabin in its segment, creating an airy, spacious environment that feels more premium than its price suggests.
BMW iX1 LWB vs Standard iX1 – Dimension Comparison
| Parameter | Standard iX1 | iX1 LWB | Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall Length | – | 2,800 mm | +116 mm longer |
| Wheelbase | – | 2,800 mm | +108 mm longer |
| Rear Legroom | Standard | +109 mm more | Best-in-class space |
| Seat Cushion Length | Standard | +15 mm longer | Better thigh support |
| Rear Door Opening | Standard angle | Wider angle | Easier ingress/egress |
Interior & Comfort: Rear Seat Revolution
Step inside the iX1 LWB, and the extra 109mm of rear legroom immediately makes its presence felt. Two six-footers can sit one behind the other without compromise – a rarity in this segment.
BMW has also extended the rear seat cushion by 15mm to improve under-thigh support. However, there is a slight compromise: the tall footboard (an unavoidable byproduct of converting an ICE platform to EV) can make the seating position feel a bit knees-up for some passengers.
Features: Well-Appointed but Missing Some Touches
The feature list remains impressive:
Premium materials throughout the cabin
Modern BMW iDrive system
Digital instrument cluster
Panoramic sunroof
Ambient lighting
What’s missing? We wish BMW had added separate rear AC blower controls and sunblinds for the rear windows. These would have been the perfect finishing touches for an otherwise excellent rear-seat experience.
Driving Experience: Single-Motor Magic
Here’s where BMW made a clever trade-off. To keep the price competitive, the iX1 LWB uses a single-motor front-wheel-drive setup instead of the twin-motor AWD configuration of the standard iX1.
Powertrain specs:
Battery: 66.4 kWh
Power: 204 bhp
Torque: 250 Nm
Drivetrain: Front-Wheel Drive (FWD)
How Does It Drive?
The single-motor setup produces a noticeable shove when you press the throttle, though it’s not as instantaneous or explosive as the twin-motor version. But here’s the surprise: the iX1 LWB feels lighter and more nimble.
With less weight and no drivetrain components at the rear, the dynamics feel sharper. There’s less understeer, and the SUV behaves more like a lukewarm hatchback than a heavy electric SUV. In relentless Indian traffic, it’s light, agile, and easy to throw around – making it surprisingly fun for daily commutes.
Performance Comparison: iX1 LWB vs Standard iX1
| Specification | iX1 LWB | Standard iX1 (Twin-Motor) |
|---|---|---|
| Battery | 66.4 kWh | Larger capacity |
| Power | 204 bhp | More powerful |
| Torque | 250 Nm | More torque |
| Drivetrain | FWD | AWD |
| Performance Feel | Lighter, nimble, agile | Instantaneous, explosive |
| Best For | Daily traffic, practicality | Performance enthusiasts |
Why the BMW iX1 LWB Makes Perfect Sense for Indian Families
The iX1 LWB is BMW’s most practical electric SUV for India yet. It offers:
1. Space Families Need
The stretched wheelbase transforms rear-seat comfort, making it a genuine five-seater for long journeys.
2. Made-in-India Advantage
Localized assembly means better pricing, faster deliveries, and easier service access.
3. BMW Badge at ₹49 Lakh
A luxury electric SUV with a BMW badge for under ₹50 lakh is unprecedented value. Most rivals cost significantly more.
4. No Compromise on Fun
Despite being family-focused, it doesn’t dilute BMW’s signature driving excitement. The lighter FWD setup actually makes it more engaging in city conditions.
5. Lower Running Costs
Electric powertrain means zero fuel bills, lower maintenance, and access to growing charging infrastructure.
Price & Rivals: The Value Proposition
At ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom), the iX1 LWB undercuts most premium electric SUVs while offering more space and the BMW prestige factor.
Rivals Comparison
| Model | Price Range (Ex-Showroom) | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| BMW iX1 LWB | ₹49 lakh | Best rear space, BMW badge, made-in-India |
| Kia EV6 GT | ₹60+ lakh | Performance, design |
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | ₹55+ lakh | Safety, Scandinavian design |
| Hyundai Ioniq 5 | ₹45-50 lakh | Value, unique design |
Pros & Cons: Quick Summary
Pros ✅
Exceptional rear legroom – best in segment
Affordable BMW electric SUV – starts at ₹49 lakh
Made in India – better pricing and service
Fun to drive – lighter, more agile than twin-motor version
Practical design – wider rear doors, large boot
Cons ❌
Single motor only – less performance than standard iX1
Tall footboard – compromises under-thigh support
Missing rear AC controls – noticeable omission
No sunblinds – reduces rear passenger comfort in summer
FWD only – no AWD option for enthusiasts
BMW iX1 LWB – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is the price of the BMW iX1 LWB in India?
The BMW iX1 LWB is priced at ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom), making it one of the most affordable luxury electric SUVs in India.
2. How much longer is the iX1 LWB compared to the standard iX1?
The iX1 LWB is 116mm longer overall, with the wheelbase stretched by 108mm, all added behind the B-pillar for maximum rear space.
3. Does the iX1 LWB have more rear legroom?
Yes, BMW has increased the rear legroom by 109mm and extended the seat cushion length by 15mm compared to the standard iX1.
4. Is the BMW iX1 LWB made in India?
Yes, the iX1 LWB is assembled in India, which helps achieve the competitive pricing of ₹49 lakh.
5. What is the battery capacity and range of the iX1 LWB?
The iX1 LWB comes with a 66.4 kWh battery pack. The exact ARAI-certified range will be announced by BMW India soon.
6. Is the iX1 LWB a front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive?
The iX1 LWB uses a single-motor front-wheel drive (FWD) setup, unlike the twin-motor AWD configuration of the standard iX1.
7. How powerful is the BMW iX1 LWB?
The single electric motor produces 204 bhp and 250 Nm of torque, offering adequate performance for daily driving and highway cruising.
8. What are the main rivals of the BMW iX1 LWB?
Key rivals include the Kia EV6 GT, Volvo XC40 Recharge, Hyundai Ioniq 5, and other premium electric SUVs in the ₹45-60 lakh range.
9. Does the iX1 LWB miss any features compared to the standard iX1?
The iX1 LWB misses separate rear AC blower controls and sunblinds for rear windows, which would have enhanced rear passenger comfort.
10. Is the BMW iX1 LWB suitable for families?
Absolutely. With best-in-class rear space, a practical boot, BMW safety standards, and an attractive price, the iX1 LWB is an excellent choice for luxury-seeking families wanting to go electric.
