BMW has decided to wage quite a pricing war with the new iX1 LWB. Essentially an electrified X1 that’s been stretched, it is now not only bigger but also cheaper than its regular sibling. At ₹49 lakh (introductory ex-showroom for first 6 months), this locally assembled EV undercuts the iX1 Short Wheelbase by a whopping ₹18 lakh. Heck, it pretty much wipes the floor with the Mercedes-Benz EQA (₹ 67.20 lakh) and Volvo EX40 (₹ 56.10 lakh) on price. And all this is thanks to local assembly. This is the first BMW EV to be built in India as a CKD. And clearly, at that price point, it looks like a steal! But is it? Let’s figure that out!
It’s a Caa…ar!
At first glance, the iX1 LWB looks just like the standard iX1. But look closer, and you’ll spot a few key differences—starting with the grille. Gone are the traditional vertical slats, replaced by a pixel pattern inspired by the larger iX. It certainly gives the electric X1 its own distinct face. As for everything else, well, that stays pretty much unchanged. The stylish 18-inch dual-tone alloys are the same, as are the sleek 3D LED taillights. Even the adaptive LED headlamps remain untouched—because, let’s be honest, they were good to begin with. A small differentiating factor comes courtesy a new “eDrive20L” badge on the tailgate.
Obviously, all the difference gets immediately apparent the moment you lay your eyes on the side profile. .The iX1 LWB has grown by 116 mm in length and 108 mm in wheelbase, bringing its total footprint to a whopping 4616 mm. But a good bit here is that the car doesn’t look out of proportion. All that extra length blends so well with the original design that one would be hard pressed to realise that the aesthetics are a derivative of the shorter car. More importantly, sit inside, and you’ll feel every extra inch that has gone into stretching the vehicle. So, while the design updates are minimal, the added size is where the iX1 LWB truly flexes its advantage.
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Finally, an X1 for the Chauffeur-Driven
Step inside the BMW iX1 LWB, and it’s all very familiar—because it’s nearly identical to the regular iX1. Same dashboard layout, same mocha vegan leather seats, and the same curved display running BMW’s latest iDrive software. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, right? The floating center console is still there, with a handy vertical wireless charger and two USB-C ports. But let’s talk about what really matters—the rear seat. With the extra wheelbase, there’s noticeably more room to stretch out. BMW has also tweaked the seats for added comfort, making them plusher for the Indian market. The under-thigh support, though, has room for improvement if you’re over 6-feet tall. Of course, you get rear AC vents and USB-C ports, but there’s a surprising lack of storage space.
However, much of this clearly means the iX1 LWB can be a great chauffeur-driven option, something we can’t say about any other BMW to have ever worn the X1 insignia. Now, the massive panoramic glass roof is another highlight, making the cabin feel even airier – quite important consider the overall dark ambiance of the setup. But here’s the weird part—no retractable sunshades, and no heated front seats either. In a car meant for chauffeur-driven comfort, the former comes across as a surprising miss. However, it ain’t a deal breaker, right?
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Less Fun but More Practical
Performance-wise, the BMW iX1 LWB has gone on a diet—but not the kind enthusiasts would cheer for. The rear motor is gone, making this a front-wheel-drive SUV, and power has dropped significantly. From the xDrive30’s 313hp and 494Nm, we’re now down to 204hp and 250Nm. That means the 0-100 km/h sprint now takes over 8 seconds instead of a brisk sub-6-seconds time of the SWB. But there’s a silver lining— and an important one at that – the range has shot up from 440 km to 531 km. This is simply due to the same 66.4 kWh battery being used.
Overall, the performance is pretty adequate for a vehicle of this price. It does have enough EV punch right from the onset but you will miss the snappier acceleration of the SWB version. The throttle response is smooth but don’t expect a gut-wrenching performance. It’s clear that BMW has prioritized efficiency over outright performance. Surely, that makes sense for daily driving, but it does take away some of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ we expect from the Bavarian brand. The added length has even made the iX1 not as fun in the corners. Well, this is quite inevitable, considering the increase in the wheelbase. It’s even something we experienced on the longer 3’er. Don’t get me wrong, the vehicle is feels confident while corner-carving, but it doesn’t feel as agile anymore. But let’s not forget the ride quality is excellent. Apart from the occasional hollow thud over sharp bumps, the suspension is plush and well-damped. So, while it’s no longer the most fun-to-drive electric SUV, it’s definitely a more practical one.
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Not Perfect, but TOTALLY Worth It!
The BMW iX1 LWB is like a well-tailored suit—sharp, comfortable, and undeniably premium. It ticks the right boxes for an entry-level luxury EV: more cabin space, enough features, and a respectable driving range. Sure, performance purists might shed a tear over the drop in power, but let’s be real—this isn’t a track weapon. It’s a plush, silent, and efficient cruiser that does its job with German precision. And in city traffic, that instant EV torque still makes it feel lively enough. But the real talking point? The price tag. Because luxury is great, but value matters too. With BMW getting the pricing really right, the iX1 LWB could be the go-to choice for those looking to step into the world of premium electric mobility. So, is the BMW iX1 LWB the ultimate entry-level luxury EV? Well, it’s close unless you can’t get over the more fun, albeit, costlier Short Wheelbase version. Space, comfort, sophistication in a package that screams VFM: That’s the new iX1 Long Wheelbase for you!
