BMW iX1 LWB Review: More On Space, Less On Power

The Bavarians have quite literally stretched their legs, taking everyone by surprise with the launch of the BMW iX1 LWB at Auto Expo 2025. It’s the first BMW SUV in India to receive the long-wheelbase (LWB) treatment, following its debut in Shanghai. Interestingly, while China got it first, India is the first right-hand-drive market to welcome this extended iteration. And with this iteration, the iX1 LWB is also assembled in India, bringing down the price by Rs 17 lakh! 

So, does more space mean more grace, or has the iX1 lost some of its dynamic charm?

Design: If It Ain’t Broke…

From the outside, the iX1 LWB doesn’t scream “EV!” at the top of its battery-powered lungs (or kidneys), and that’s a good thing. It carries the familiar X1 design language, with understated elegance rather than flashy, futuristic gimmicks. 

The kidney grille remains, albeit closed off (because, well, EVs don’t need radiators). The 3D tail lamps jut out with an assertive stance, and the sculpted rear bumper adds to its strong presence. 

The iX1 LWB comes in just one trim, i.e. the M Sport Package and BMW has sprinkled in enough sporty bits to keep things interesting. There’s an M-specific bumper design with glossy black inserts, which also extend to the rear bumper. There’s even an M badge on the sides and 18-inch M Sport light alloy wheels, just in case someone needed a reminder. Fancy enough? You bet.

It’s handsome, but not trying too hard, kind of like that friend who always looks good without making an effort.

Interior: Classy, But Not Without Flaws

Step inside, and the iX1 LWB welcomes you with the asymmetric dashboard. It hasn’t changed much from the outgoing iX1 yet it feels fresh, and the tan upholstery combined with an open centre console makes the cabin airy and premium. 

The sporty treatment continues with M-branded front entry sills, an M leather steering wheel, and M Door Projectors to add a little extra flair every time you step in.

Material quality? Top-notch. Soft-touch surfaces feel even softer, and BMW’s attention to detail is evident in the unique textures like the dotted dashboard trims, grained speaker covers, and chamfered gear selector edges.

However, the front passenger air-conditioning vent placement remains a quirk and the rear passengers might feel the cooling isn’t as efficient as it should be. Storage is another mixed bag; while there’s plenty of space, most of it isn’t secured, meaning your belongings might have their own little adventure while you drive.

The vertical wireless charger is a thoughtful touch, keeping your phone within sight and clipped securely.

Infotainment: Great Screens, But Why So Complicated?

BMW has loaded the iX1 LWB with a 10.25-inch driver’s display and a 10.7-inch curved infotainment screen, both running the latest iDrive OS9. While the screen quality is fantastic, the user interface is needlessly complicated. Simple tasks, like adjusting regen settings, require a mini expedition through multiple sub-menus (Settings > Vehicle Settings > Drivetrain & Chassis > Regen Modes — really, BMW?).

The OS9 gives you the option of wireless Apple CarPlay as well as Android Auto, which does work seamlessly.

On the bright side, the system offers ‘Modes’ that tweak cabin ambience, which is a neat touch. Still, BMW could’ve made the interface a bit more user-friendly because tech should enhance the experience, not make you wish for an old-school button fest.

Performance & Handling: Less Wild, More Mild

This is where things get a bit mild and the BMW purists might not like it. In the transition from the previous iX1 xDrive30 (all-wheel drive) to this new eDrive20L (front-wheel drive), some sportiness has been traded for sensibility. The power and torque figures are slightly lower, but in return, you get a better range, which in all is a fair trade for what’s intended to be an urban commuter.

The throttle response is quick, like typical EVs but it's not mind-boggling in any manner. In fact, it does nought to 100 kmph in 8.6 seconds. Not the quickest by a long shot, but just about enough to have you let out an occasional giggle. It’s easy to get used to, whether you intend on ambling about inside the city or cruising down a highway. For anyone with a relaxed driving style, performance will feel adequate. 

That being said, it still handles like a proper BMW. The steering remains quick and precise, giving the iX1 LWB a nimble feel despite its larger footprint. Weight distribution which is BMW’s signature forte is as usual, spot on. 

With the battery pack’s weight well distributed, it helps the iX1 LWB hold its line through corners better than you’d expect. The ride is firm but far from bone-rattling; a few potholes might send subtle reminders of road imperfections, but at higher speeds, it smooths out beautifully.

Stopping power is confidence-inspiring, with a seamless transition between regenerative and mechanical braking. You can drive in ‘B’ mode, which essentially functions as a single-pedal drive and proves to be a boon in stop-and-go traffic. There’s also an adaptive regen mode that uses traffic and navigation data to optimize braking, but it’s a bit like a moody co-driver, sometimes spot on, other times out of sync with what you actually need.

Range & Efficiency: Pune to Mumbai And Back, No Sweat

With a 66.5 kWh battery, BMW claims a 531 km range (MIDC-rated). Charging from 10 to 80 percent takes approximately 30 minutes with a 130 kW DC fast charger, while a full charge from 0 to 100 percent takes about 6.5 hours using the supplied 11 kW wall box charger.

We put it to the test on a Pune-Mumbai-Pune run, and guess what? It managed the near 300km round trip with about 100 km of range still left in efficiency mode, mind you. So yes, long trips are possible, but they require a disciplined driving approach.

There’s even a ‘max-range’ mode (which too has to be activated from the touchscreen), which basically limits the top-speed to 90 kmph, almost shuts-down the air-conditioning and keeps the regen to maximum.

Cabin Comfort: More Space, But That’s It

The longer wheelbase translates to better rear-seat comfort but with a T&C’s apply. Since this isn’t a ground-up EV but a converted ICE platform, the battery placement raises the floor height, leading to a slightly awkward seating angle. While it’s an improvement over the outgoing iX1, the issue hasn’t been entirely eliminated. However, the backrest recline angle adds to the comfort factor, allowing passengers to find a more relaxed seating posture.

The seats are well-cushioned and supportive, offering ample thigh and lumbar support, making long journeys more comfortable. The extra length ensures better knee and legroom, allowing passengers to stretch out without feeling cramped. The cabin’s width also means three occupants can sit comfortably in the rear, though the slightly higher floor might be a mild inconvenience for taller passengers. Nevertheless, the overall backseat experience is plush, and the added space certainly makes a noticeable difference.

Boot space? 490 litres, which means you can easily fit 3-4 cabin-sized trolleys plus some smaller backpacks. But, as is the case with many modern EVs, there’s no spare wheel, thanks to the battery and there’s no frunk, which is an odd miss.

Features: Hits & Misses

The iX1 LWB is equipped with features like panoramic glass roof, and dual-zone climate control with rear vents, while on the tech front, there’s the BMW signature curved display which houses a 10.25-inch digital driver’s display and a 10.7-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.

A 12-speaker Harman Kardon sound system, ambient lighting, a wireless charger, and powered front seats with memory functions round out the premium experience.

The BMW iX1 LWB packs a suite of safety features, including ABS, EBD, ESP, Traction Control, Lane Departure Warning, as well as Blind Spot Detection. It also offers conveniences like auto-dimming rear and side view mirrors and TPMS. Rear-seat safety is ensured with a middle headrest, a 3-point seatbelt with seat belt warning for all occupants.

For all its premium appeal, the iX1 LWB does miss out on a few features that you’d expect at this price. No heads-up display, no ventilated seats, and no full-fledged ADAS suite. You get basic collision warning, lane keep assist, and auto parking, but adaptive cruise control and autonomous emergency braking are absent. Given that even some non-luxury EVs now offer these, BMW could have done better here.

Verdict: Should You Buy One?

Here’s BMW’s trump card. With prices starting at Rs 49 lakh (ex-showroom, introductory), the iX1 LWB is the cheapest luxury EV in India, undercutting its nearest segment rival by Rs 6 lakhs. 

It’s spacious, premium, efficient, and almost the perfect entry-level luxury EV. If you’re chauffeur-driven, the LWB space boost makes it all the more logical. If you’re okay with a few missing features, this is a BMW that stretches practicality while keeping some fun intact. And at this price, that’s a hard bargain to beat.

Does the long-wheelbase Beemer lure you enough? Let us know in the comments below!