All You Need To Know About The Surprise Element At Auto Expo 2025: BMW iX1 LWB

BMW Group India unveiled a raft of new cars and motorcycles at the Bharat Mobility Global Expo 2025 and the new iX1 long wheelbase (LWB) was one of them. It is offered with an appealing price tag of Rs 49 lakh (introductory, ex-showroom) and is locally assembled at the BMW Groupe Plant in Chennai. The entry-level electric crossover from the German automaker has a considerably longer wheelbase than the standard wheelbase model, plus it delivers an extended range. Here are the top things to know.

BMW iX1 LWB: Dimensions

The new iX1 long wheelbase mimics the overall design of the erstwhile iX1, featuring a sleek and sporty look. However, the length and wheelbase of the model are different from the standard iX1. It now comes in 5 metallic paint options: Mineral White, Skyscraper Grey, M Carbon Black, M Portimao Blue, and Sparkling Copper Grey. However, it carries over the same 18-inch alloy wheels.

The new iX1 LWB is longer by 116 mm and 108 mm in terms of length and wheelbase compared to the regular iX1. The extended wheelbase means a roomier cabin, particularly the rear seat.

BMW iX1: Powertrain

While the highlight of the iX1 LWB is its longer wheelbase, it has also received longer-range capability. The secret behind the extended range lies in its powertrain. The erstwhile iX1 was available as the iX1 xDrive30 – an all-wheel drive setup thanks to the dual motors. As a result, its WLTP range was rated at 440 km. On the flip side, these motors produced 313 PS and 494 Nm. With this, it was able to accelerate from 0 to 100 kmph in 5.6 seconds and provide a top speed of 180 kmph.

Coming back to the iX1 LWB, the newly launched electric crossover is now available with the iX1 eDrive20L – a single-motor setup. This offers an MIDC range of 531 km. The motor generates 204 PS and 250 Nm, allowing it to reach 100 kmph from a standstill in 8.6 seconds. It supports charging speeds up to 130 kW for DC and up to 11 kW for AC wall box.

It also must be noted that the 440 km range of the erstwhile is as per WLTP, while the 531 km range has been rated by MIDC.

The added weight and complex system of the dual-motor results in a potentially lower range, plus there are two motors drawing power from the battery. Whereas the single motor delivers better range possibly due to its reduced weight and simpler drivetrain setup.

BMW iX1 LWB: Interior And Features

Inside, the interior layout of the iX1 LWB remains identical to the standard model. The seats are draped in Veganza leather upholstery in a mocha theme, unlike the two-colour theme of the standard iX1. The dual-screen setup comprises a 10.7-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a 10.25-inch driver display.

Notable key features include adaptive LED headlights, ORVMs with anti-dazzle function, rain sensors and auto headlights, dual-zone AC, a panoramic roof, NFC card key with digital key plus, wireless charging pad, and a 12-speaker, 205W Harman Kardon sound system. Safety features are 8 airbags, an electronic parking brake with auto-hold, a basic ADAS functionality, a parking assistant package with a reversing assistant and lateral parking aid, and tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS).

BMW iX1 LWB: Competition

The BMW iX1 LWB competes against the Mercedes-Benz EQA, Volvo EX40, and Hyundai Ioniq 5. It is also an economical alternative to the Kia EV6.

At the appealing price of Rs 49 lakh (ex-showroom), the new BMW iX1 long wheelbase not only has a competitive edge over its rivals but on paper, offers a value-for-money proposition with its roomier cabin and longer range. However, the power output has gone down significantly and so has the advantage of having an all-wheel drive setup. But it may not be a deal-breaker for most buyers.