Photographs by Siddharth Dadhe
Long wheelbase (LWB) models have been steadily gaining traction among manufacturers in India, as they offer a great blend of luxury, space, and practicality. BMW began introducing LWB models in India with its sedans, starting with the 7 Series and 5 Series. The success of these models paved the way for more LWB variants from the brand, and the latest addition to this line-up is the BMW iX1 Long Wheelbase. The regular iX1 electric SUV impressed with its driving dynamics but fell short on range, and the iX1 LWB promises to address that concern, with enhanced practicality and performance, all while being attractively priced for its segment. BMW has hit the nail on the head with its pricing strategy for the iX1 LWB. At ₹49 lakh (ex-showroom), the locally assembled model is considerably cheaper than its direct competitors, including the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo EX40 Recharge, and Volvo C40 Recharge.
The exterior of the BMW iX1 LWB largely mirrors its ICE-powered sibling, with a few subtle but distinctive touches that set it apart as an electric vehicle. One of the standout features is the grille. While it retains the signature kidney grille design, it has been reimagined with a modern twist. The grille now boasts a textured finish with small golden triangles, giving it a futuristic feel. This design change is a nod to the EV nature of the iX1, while maintaining the brand’s iconic design language.
The front also features BMW’s signature twin LED projector headlights, which add to the aggressive yet elegant front end styling. From the side, the iX1 LWB presents the look of a typical SUV, with its robust proportions and muscular stance. The 18-inch multi-spoke alloy wheels provide a refined aesthetic, while the rear is identical to the regular X1. However, BMW has added a bold diffuser, enhancing the sporty appeal. Additional design highlights include aluminium roof rails, which offer a streamlined appearance. The car also features flush door handles, which don’t pop out; they operate like regular door handles when pulled, making the car more aerodynamic and contributing to its sleek design. BMW offers the iX1 LWB in five metallic colours: Mineral White, Skyscape Grey, M Carbon Black, M Puma Blue, and Sparkling Copper Grey. The M Carbon Black, which we tested, gave it a Darth Vader-esque look, making you feel like you’re ready to join the dark side.
As a LWB model, the iX1 measures 4616 mm in length, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm. This makes it the longest vehicle in its segment, and 112 mm longer than the regular X1. The additional length contributes to an improved road presence, making it feel even more commanding.
Inside the cabin, the iX1 LWB continues the tradition of BMW’s premium interiors. While it shares much of its design with the regular X1, the LWB variant takes things up a notch in terms of space and comfort. One of the standout features is the 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and the 10.7-inch high-resolution touchscreen infotainment system, both of which are seamlessly integrated into the dashboard. The infotainment system is packed with all the functionalities you’d expect from a BMW, including smartphone connectivity via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It also allows users to select various driving modes, customise display themes, and control ambient lighting settings to suit their moods.
In terms of audio quality, the iX1 LWB offers an exceptional Harman Kardon surround sound system, with 12 speakers delivering crystal-clear audio. This is especially noteworthy for a vehicle in this segment, where top-tier audio systems are often reserved for higher-end models. The cabin is finished with high-quality leatherette upholstery, and the panoramic sunroof allows natural light to flood the cabin, making it feel airy and spacious. BMW has paid attention to comfort, with seats that offer excellent support and a plush feel. The front seats are particularly noteworthy, as they provide ample lumbar support, ensuring a comfortable ride even on long journeys.
For rear-seat passengers, the iX1 LWB is very spacious, offering ample legroom and a sofa-like seating experience. The extra length of the long-wheelbase version truly makes a difference in the rear compartment, providing a more relaxed experience for passengers. Even with the centre armrest down, the rear seats remain comfortable, and the generous legroom adds to the luxurious feel of the cabin.
The iX1 LWB is powered by a 201 bhp electric motor that produces 25.49 kgm of torque. This powertrain allows the iX1 to sprint from 0 to 100 kph in a respectable 8.6 seconds, making it quick enough to satisfy most driving enthusiasts. The iX1 LWB’s electric motor is paired with a 66.4 kWh battery that provides a claimed range of 531 kilometres on a single charge; in real-world conditions, you can expect around 450 km, which is more than adequate for most urban and highway commutes.
The battery also supports active and adaptive recuperation, which enables one-pedal driving, a feature many EV owners appreciate for its convenience in stop-and-go traffic. Although the iX1 LWB no longer features the ‘boost’ paddle from the previous generation, the driving experience remains entertaining, with the car’s instant torque delivery providing a smooth and responsive drive. The SUV can be charged via an 11 kW AC charger, which takes around 6 hours and 30 minutes for a full charge. However, for faster charging, the car supports DC fast charging up to 130 kW, allowing for a quicker top-up when needed.
As expected from a BMW, the iX1 LWB excels in the ride and handling stakes. The car’s low centre of gravity – thanks to the placement of the battery pack beneath the floor – contributes to its excellent dynamic characteristics. The low weight distribution minimises body roll, even when taking corners at higher speeds, and the car feels nimble and responsive. In the city, the iX1 LWB is a breeze to drive. The instant torque on offer makes it easy to navigate through traffic, and it accelerates effortlessly when the light turns green. On the highway, the iX1 LWB remains composed, offering a comfortable ride that soaks up bumps and imperfections in the road with ease. The suspension is well-tuned, and there is little intrusion of road noise or sharp jolts into the cabin. In terms of safety, the iX1 LWB doesn’t skimp on features. It comes equipped with eight airbags, including front, side, and curtain airbags, as well as Level 2 ADAS features such as lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, and collision warning with emergency braking.
This car offers exceptional value for money in the electric SUV segment. It competes head-to-head with more expensive rivals like the Mercedes-Benz EQA and Volvo EX40 Recharge, but offers a more attractive price point without compromising on quality, luxury, or performance. The iX1 LWB provides impressive range, a refined driving experience, and a spacious, well-appointed interior, making it a very strong contender in the segment. BMW has done a great job with this car, and it deserves to shake up the segment.
