BMW X1 LWB review: Why the long-wheelbase X1 makes sense for India

The X1 has traditionally been the entry point into BMW’s X family, but the long-wheelbase version changes the proposition considerably. It takes what was already a reasonably practical luxury SUV and adds a significant dose of everyday usability, particularly for those who will spend time in the rear seat. Crucially, that extra space does not come at the expense of the BMW experience either, which is what makes the X1 LWB particularly interesting.

I spent time with the X1 LWB around Mumbai, including on roads that had taken a fair beating during the monsoon. This is where the car immediately begins to make a strong case for itself. The ground clearance is reassuring, helping it deal with broken surfaces and undulations without the nervousness that can accompany a low-slung luxury car. More importantly, the ride quality is outstanding. The extended wheelbase, combined with the comfort-oriented suspension, gives the X1 LWB a remarkably planted and composed character over rough roads.

There is a sense of solidity to the way it moves that makes the car feel considerably more substantial than its compact SUV dimensions might suggest. Body roll is well controlled and the steering retains the familiar BMW characteristic of being nicely weighted, giving the driver a reassuring sense of connection with the road. It is not trying to be an out-and-out performance SUV, but there is enough BMW character here to make a weekend drive enjoyable while still being perfectly suited to the daily commute.

The engine might initially appear modest on paper, with a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol unit producing 156 hp and 230 Nm, but the numbers don’t tell the whole story. BMW’s TwinPower Turbo technology gives the engine plenty of willingness, and there is a useful spread of torque from 1,500 to 4,600 rpm. It certainly does not feel like a small engine, and interestingly, the typical characteristics associated with a three-cylinder motor are barely noticeable from behind the wheel.

The engine is paired with a seven-speed Steptronic automatic transmission with dual clutch technology. The gearbox is smooth and quick with its responses, and does a good job of keeping the engine in its useful power band. With a claimed 0-100 km/h time of 9.3 seconds, the X1 LWB is not designed to be a rocket, but it has more than enough performance for Indian driving conditions. Overtaking is easy, cruising is relaxed and the different driving modes allow the character of the car to suit the road and your mood.

The X1 LWB’s extended wheelbase brings added space to the rear seat
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Special Arrangement

The other major part of the X1 LWB’s appeal is its cabin. BMW has done a good job of making the interior feel modern without making it unnecessarily complicated. The curved display is neatly integrated into the dashboard and is intuitive to use, with a 10.25-inch digital instrument display and a 10.7-inch central display running BMW Operating System 9. Wireless smartphone integration, navigation with real-time traffic information, the BMW Intelligent Personal Assistant and the MyBMW app with remote services add to the convenience.

Equipment levels are generous, too. The cabin gets a panoramic glass roof, ambient lighting, electrically adjustable front seats with driver memory, rear air-conditioning vents and reclining rear seat backs. The rear bench is split 40:20:40, allowing the additional space to be used in a variety of ways, while the 2,800 mm wheelbase is central to the X1 LWB’s impressive rear-seat accommodation.

For passengers, this is perhaps where the X1 LWB makes its strongest argument. The additional length has not simply been used to create a larger boot. It has been deployed where Indian buyers are likely to appreciate it most, in the rear compartment. There is genuine legroom and a sense of openness that makes longer journeys far more comfortable. At the same time, the boot offers 540 litres of luggage capacity, making the X1 LWB a genuinely useful family car rather than simply a compact luxury SUV with a premium badge.

The BMW X1 LWB combines everyday practicality with BMW’s driving dynamics
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Special Arrangement

BMW has also packed in technology that adds meaningful convenience rather than simply increasing the equipment list. Comfort Access with Digital Key Plus allows compatible smartphones to be used as a vehicle key, while Parking Assistant Plus brings automated parking functions, front and rear parking sensors, a reversing assistant and a surround-view camera system with 360-degree, top, panorama and 3D views.

Safety is equally comprehensive. The X1 LWB gets eight airbags, including side airbags for the second row, along with Lane Departure Warning, Front Collision Warning with brake intervention, Blind Spot Assistant, Rear Collision Warning, Evasion Assistant and an Attentiveness Assistant. The electronic safety systems are complemented by BMW’s Dynamic Stability Control and related braking and traction functions.

Visually, the X1 LWB gets the M Sport treatment, giving it a more assertive appearance without making it look overdone. The M-specific bumpers, black high-gloss detailing, M leather steering wheel, Pearl Chrome kidney frame and 18-inch M light-alloy wheels give it the right amount of visual aggression. At the same time, the overall design remains clean and recognisably BMW.

What ultimately makes the X1 LWB so convincing is how well all these elements come together. It is comfortable enough to tackle with India’s increasingly challenging urban roads, spacious enough to work as a family car, equipped well enough to feel properly premium and engaging enough to remind you that you are still driving a BMW. The 50:50 weight distribution and well-controlled chassis add to that sense of balance, while the comfort suspension ensures that everyday usability has not been sacrificed in the pursuit of driving dynamics.

The 1.5-litre turbo-petrol engine delivers 156hp and 230Nm
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Special Arrangement

Most importantly, the X1 LWB feels like a BMW that has been configured around the realities of the Indian customer rather than simply adapted for the market. That makes a difference. You can buy it because you want the badge, the design and the driving experience. But you can also justify it on the basis of space, comfort, technology, safety and everyday practicality.

And that may be the X1 LWB’s biggest strength. It is a BMW you can buy with your heart while giving the practical side of your brain plenty of reasons to agree.

The BMW X1 sDrive18Li M Sport is priced at INR 49.90 lakh.

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Published – September 11, 2026 09:15 am IST