BMW India has expanded its locally produced luxury car portfolio with the launch of the BMW X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) and the opening of bookings for the upcoming BMW i5 Long Wheelbase electric sedan. The X1 LWB has been launched at an introductory price of ₹49.90 lakh, while the i5 LWB will be launched later.
Both models focus heavily on rear-seat space, making them particularly relevant to India's chauffeur-driven luxury car market. The X1 LWB gets a petrol engine, while the i5 LWB will become BMW India's first locally assembled electric sedan.
BMW X1 LWB Price in India
The BMW X1 LWB price in India is ₹49.90 lakh, introductory, for the newly launched long-wheelbase SUV.
The X1 LWB is locally produced at BMW Group's Chennai plant and is powered by a 1.5-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine.
The engine produces:
- 156 hp power
- 230 Nm torque
- 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission
- Claimed fuel efficiency of 15.5 km/l
BMW X1 LWB Dimensions and Rear Seat Space
The BMW X1 LWB measures 4,616mm in length, 2,104mm in width and 1,641mm in height.
Its wheelbase measures 2,800mm, which is 108mm longer than the standard X1. BMW has primarily used the additional length to increase rear-seat space.
BMW claims:
- 150mm additional rear legroom
- 109mm additional knee room
- Longer rear-seat cushioning
- Rear-seat recline of up to 28.5 degrees
- 540-litre boot
- Up to 1,700 litres with rear seats folded
BMW X1 LWB Features
The new BMW X1 LWB gets several premium features and technology upgrades.
Exterior highlights include Adaptive LED headlights, 18-inch M alloy wheels, aluminium-finished roof rails and redesigned LED lighting. The SUV will be offered in Night Dusk Blue, Skyscraper Grey, Carbon Black and Mineral White.
Inside, the SUV gets BMW's Widescreen Curved Display with Operating System 9.
Other features include:
- Electrically adjustable front sport seats
- Harman Kardon 12-speaker audio system
- Wireless charging
- 9-square-foot panoramic sunroof
- BMW Digital Key Plus
- Comfort Access 2.0
BMW Digital Key Plus allows a compatible smartphone or smartwatch to work as the vehicle key. The digital key can also be shared with up to 18 users.
BMW X1 LWB Safety Features
The BMW X1 LWB comes with an extensive safety package.
It includes:
- Eight airbags
- 360-degree camera
- Blind Spot Assistance
- Lane Departure Warning
- Automatic Emergency Braking
- Cruise Control with braking function
- Reversing Assistant
The Reversing Assistant can remember the last 50 metres driven and automatically retrace that route in reverse.
BMW i5 LWB Bookings Open in India
Alongside the X1 LWB launch, BMW India has opened bookings for the BMW i5 Long Wheelbase.
The upcoming electric sedan will also be assembled at BMW's Chennai plant. According to the source, it will become BMW India's second locally produced EV and its first locally assembled electric sedan.
BMW i5 LWB Specifications
The BMW i5 LWB measures:
- Length: 5,175mm
- Width: 2,156mm
- Height: 1,520mm
- Wheelbase: 3,105mm
BMW claims the i5 LWB is the largest and longest sedan in its segment.
The electric motor produces 268 hp, allowing the sedan to accelerate from 0 to 100km/h in 6.7 seconds.
It gets an 81.6kWh battery, with a claimed range of up to 669km on the MIDC cycle. The car also features adaptive rear-axle air suspension and increased ground clearance for Indian road conditions.
BMW i5 LWB First Edition Limited to 99 Units
BMW will introduce the i5 LWB with a special First Edition limited to only 99 customers.
The First Edition gets a Carbon Black Metallic exterior with Titanium Bronze accents.
Inside, it features:
- Rear-seat entertainment with tablet and holder
- BMW Individual Silver Bronze accents
- Fineline open-pored fine-wood trim
- "FIRST EDITION" laser engraving on the dashboard
The BMW i5 LWB price in India has not yet been announced. Bookings are currently open through authorised BMW dealerships across India.
BMW X1 LWB vs BMW i5 LWB
| Feature | BMW X1 LWB | BMW i5 LWB |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Luxury SUV | Electric sedan |
| Powertrain | 1.5L turbo petrol | Electric motor |
| Power | 156 hp | 268 hp |
| Torque | 230 Nm | Not specified in source |
| Battery | — | 81.6kWh |
| Claimed Range | — | Up to 669km MIDC |
| 0-100 km/h | Not specified | 6.7 seconds |
| Wheelbase | 2,800mm | 3,105mm |
| India Price | ₹49.90 lakh | Not announced |
| Bookings | Launched | Open |
BMW Takes Aim at Luxury Car Market
The X1 LWB launch and i5 LWB booking announcement come as BMW continues expanding its locally produced portfolio in India.
The company is also increasingly focusing on models designed around the requirements of Indian luxury-car buyers, particularly rear-seat comfort and chauffeur-driven use.
BMW is simultaneously closing the gap with Mercedes-Benz in India's luxury-car market. Mercedes-Benz continues to hold the lead by volume, but BMW's recent sales growth has made the competition increasingly close.
The Bottom Line
The BMW X1 LWB has launched in India at ₹49.90 lakh, bringing a longer wheelbase and additional rear-seat space to BMW's luxury SUV lineup. Meanwhile, bookings for the BMW i5 LWB are now open, with the electric sedan set to become BMW India's first locally assembled electric sedan.
The i5 LWB will initially arrive as a 99-unit First Edition, while its India price is yet to be announced.
