At Auto Expo 2025, BMW unveiled the BMW iX1 LWB for the Indian market, accompanied by a price point that defied expectations. The iX1 LWB provides enhanced rear-seat space compared to its standard counterpart, offering an attractive value proposition. The vehicle will be locally assembled during the first six months of its production, marking its introduction as the first BMW EV in India to be assembled via a CKD (Completely Knocked Down) import process.
BMW iX1 LWB: Exterior and Design
The additional 116mm in length is immediately noticeable to owners of the standard model but goes unnoticed by new viewers. This extra 116mm doesn’t significantly affect the car’s appearance, unlike the stretched 5 Series. The extra height gives this model better proportions than the standard iX1, which has exaggerated headlights, taillights, and grill designs.
Also read: Hyundai Creta Electric Review: Can It Live Up to the Hype of the Iconic Creta?
The wheels remain the same 18-inch size as before, with the same design. This size doesn’t quite fill the large square wheel arches, making them seem small. The additional 108mm length is entirely from the extended wheelbase (up to 2,800mm), yet BMW ensures the upgraded ground clearance helps it easily clear speed bumps with minimal cargo load.
The iX1 LWB shares the same visual design as the standard model, including the M Sport package. The added length gives the vehicle more character and prevents it from looking too plain. While some styling features, like the grill and taillights, may divide opinions, the overall design is still distinctive.
BMW iX1 LWB Interior and Features
The iX1 model’s additional length is added to the rear, providing remarkable legroom. The raised seating position, combined with the battery placement, no longer creates any issues, as you now have ample horizontal space to stretch comfortably. The 15mm extension of the seat base and the new softer seat padding subtly improve the seating experience. The seat backrest also reclines up to 28.5 degrees.
This setup delivers superior luxury during automated driving, with expanded interior dimensions that surpass most other models in the market. A fixed panoramic sunroof (replacing the previous openable sunroof) with an extended glass area, along with the longer windows, adds to the feeling of space. A rear window blind would have been a good addition to this model, but like the 5 Series, it is still absent.
The beige upholstery option has been discontinued, leaving mocha brown as the only choice. Some features have been removed from the new model, including boost control through paddle shifters and front seat massaging systems. While other features remain, BMW now requires extra payments or subscriptions to access onboard navigation, drive modes, and the spare wheel.
BMW iX1 LWB Performance and Range
The BMW iX1 no longer uses a rear motor between its wheels and now operates with front-wheel drive instead of all-wheel drive. The sDrive20 powertrain’s output has been reduced to 204hp from 313hp, and torque has dropped to 250Nm from 494Nm. However, BMW has improved the range certification, increasing it from 440km to 531km.
Even with the same 66.4kWh battery, the performance figures have dropped from 5.49 seconds to 8.31 seconds. Our brief test period didn’t allow us to fully test the battery range.
The performance now feels softer compared to the previous xDrive30 version. The 200hp engine works harder to propel the heavier vehicle, especially during passing maneuvers. The vehicle now produces an “entry-level engine” sound, but the trade-off is that the increased range compensates for the reduced performance.
The longer wheelbase results in more relaxed handling, and the slower power delivery discourages fast driving, unlike the standard xDrive30 version. BMW offers excellent ride quality, which seems to have been inspired by its main competitor, Mercedes. Although some bumps produce a hollow-sounding “thunk,” the suspension absorbs impacts smoothly, keeping the vehicle stable and precise.
Specifications:
| Battery Capacity | 64.8 kWh |
| Power Output | 150 kW |
| Max Torque | 250 NM |
| Max Power | 201 BHP |
| Battery Type | Lithium lon |
| Range | 531KM |
| Transmission Type | Automatic |
| Gearbox | 1-Speed |
| Boot Space | 490 liters |
| Top Speed | 180 KM |
| Acceleration | 0 to 100 km/h in 8.6 seconds |
| Dimensions | Length: 4,500 mm; Width: 1,845 mm; Height: 1,642 mm; Wheelbase: 2,692 mm |
| Price | ₹49,00,000 (approximately $59,000) |
Price and Verdict
There aren’t many changes to the front cabin besides some positive and negative elements. The cabin features useful and enjoyable center console elements but displays inconsistent interior quality. The complicated iDrive 9 control system has taken over too many functions (this is an area where Mercedes has an edge over BMW).
The driving experience primarily affects the driver, as the iX1 LWB focuses on rear-seat comfort above all else. BMW created this car to address complaints about small exterior dimensions on luxury models and Mercedes-Benz’s dominance in the upscale segment, leaving a gap in the entry-level market. Its purpose becomes clearer if we compare the iX1 LWB to the 3 Series Gran Limousine.
The Bavarian brand uses this car to express its intent to establish dominance in the region. With an ex-showroom price of Rs 49 lakh (approximately $59,000) in India and outstanding rear-seat comfort, the iX1 LWB could potentially revive the declining entry-level luxury segment.
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