The electric iX1 has been a quiet sensation for BMW in India. Stretched for extra legroom and priced sharply, it ran away with the luxury EV market almost as soon as it landed. Now, BMW is betting the same trick will work with petrol power. Enter the X1 Long Wheelbase, a stretched version of its smallest SUV, aimed at buyers who spend more time being driven than driving and don’t want to be slaves to a plug.
At ₹ 49.90 lakh, the X1 LWB actually undercuts the outgoing standard-wheelbase petrol X1 by a lakh. Step into the back, and the point of this car becomes obvious. The rear doors open wide, and the space is genuinely surprising for a compact luxury SUV. The backrest reclines a touch, and the seat has softer cushioning and better under-thigh support. A vast fixed-glass roof and big windows flood the cabin with light, making it feel airier still. It is best enjoyed by two; a third passenger has more leg room than before but still straddles a tall central tunnel. Much is forgiven when you hear the price. More space for less money is rare in the luxury world. It out-lounges the Mercedes-Benz GLA and Audi Q3 with ease and makes a fine case as the thinking buyer’s chauffeur-driven compact SUV.
