From the Apex · Launch Mode · 2026-08-21

BMW built an X1 for people who don't drive their X1.

108 mm more wheelbase, a reclining rear seat, the same 156 hp engine, ₹49.90 lakh, made in Chennai.

• The BMW X1 LWB costs ₹49.90 lakh ex-showroom, introductory, in one fully specified sDrive18Li M Sport trim.
• It is 116mm longer overall and carries 108mm more wheelbase than the standard X1.
• It is built at BMW Group Plant Chennai, and petrol is the only option for now.
• The engine is unchanged. Every rupee of the stretch went into the back seat.

BMW stretched the car that sells best for it in India, and handed the entire benefit to the person who is not driving.

BMW India launched the X1 Long Wheelbase on 21 August 2026 at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹49,90,000, in a single sDrive18Li M Sport specification built at BMW Group Plant Chennai. The engine carries over untouched: a 1.5-litre three-cylinder TwinPower Turbo petrol making 156hp and 230Nm through a seven-speed dual-clutch. The changes are all architectural. Overall length grows 116mm to 4,616mm and the wheelbase by 108mm, the rear seat base is 15mm longer and the backrest now reclines. Standard kit runs to a curved display pairing a 10.25-inch cluster with a 10.7-inch touchscreen on BMW OS9, adaptive LED headlights, a panoramic sunroof BMW measures in square feet, a 360-degree camera, twelve Harman Kardon speakers, eight airbags and lane-keeping with autonomous emergency braking.

BMW calls it the only long-wheelbase car in its segment, against the Mercedes-Benz GLA, Audi Q3 and Mini Countryman. True, and also a confession: at this price, in this country, the entry-luxury SUV is increasingly bought by someone who sits behind the driver rather than in front of the wheel.