BMW has given one of its most important models in India a meaningful update. The X1 Long Wheelbase retains the familiar strengths of the standard SUV while adding something increasingly important in the luxury car market: more rear-seat space.
Familiar on the outside
There are no major surprises in the design. The X1 LWB retains the same overall styling, with the large kidney grille, sharp LED headlamps and sporty detailing.
The difference is visible from the side, where the extended wheelbase has increased the length around the rear doors. The result is a larger cabin without significantly altering the X1’s familiar proportions.
Practicality remains intact as well, with a usable boot, space-saver spare wheel and an electrically operated tailgate.
More space where it matters
The longer wheelbase has created noticeably more legroom, while headroom and outward visibility remain good. Reclining rear seats add another layer of comfort, making the X1 LWB considerably better suited to chauffeur-driven use.
That is an important shift for India. Luxury SUVs are no longer bought exclusively by people who drive themselves. Many buyers want the flexibility to enjoy the rear seat as much as the driver’s seat, and the X1 LWB now delivers a more complete experience in that regard.
Familiar BMW cabin
The front cabin remains largely unchanged, which is not a bad thing. The curved display, iDrive interface and floating-style centre console continue to define the interior.
A new colour scheme adds freshness, while features such as the 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, panoramic sunroof and supportive seats strengthen the premium experience.
Smooth powertrain, impressive ride
The X1 LWB uses a 156hp turbo-petrol engine producing 250Nm, paired with a seven-speed dual-clutch gearbox.
The powertrain feels smooth and refined, but the suspension is arguably the more impressive part of the package. Despite the longer wheelbase, the SUV remains composed over uneven roads and avoids the harshness often associated with European luxury cars.
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Verdict
The X1 LWB is not a reinvention. It is a carefully considered update.
BMW has retained everything that already worked, the design, premium cabin, practicality, and refinement, while improving the one area that makes it more relevant to Indian buyers: rear-seat comfort.
