The long-wheelbase avatar is for those who love to have a chauffeur-driven experience
I recently got the opportunity to drive and review the new BMW X1 LWB for India. As the name suggests, the long wheelbase SUV is meant primarily for those who love to travel around in the back seat. In fact, in comparison to the regular X1, the additional 4 inches (101 mm) have mainly gone into extending the wheelbase, which directly improves the rear passenger legroom. Apart from that, the cabin continues to offer luxurious elements and upholstery, although the 1.5-litre turbo petrol mill could be an issue for enthusiastic drivers. In any case, let us delve deep into the details of the new luxury SUV.
New BMW X1 LWB – Exterior
The new SUV carries forward the familiar design language from BMW. This means that it gets that massive Kidney Grille at the front, flanked by LED lighting and a sporty bumper. On the sides, it gets 18-inch alloy wheels inspired by the M Sport Division. Also, that extended wheelbase becomes apparent from the side profile. Finally, the tail section looks sleek with striking LED taillamps, a roof-mounted spoiler and a rugged bumper. All in all, the SUV certainly looks modern and oozes an imposing road presence.
New BMW X1 LWB – Interior, Safety, Features
Next up, we experienced the interior of the BMW X1 LWB. Stepping inside, the cabin feels highly premium, featuring a widescreen curved display that integrates the digital instrument cluster and infotainment system. The interior showcases new colour schemes like Ivory and Tan, along with updated aluminium and piano-black trims.
- Rear Comfort:ย The extended wheelbase translates into generous rear legroom, making it an excellent choice for those who are chauffeur-driven. However, a prominent transmission tunnel can limit comfort for a middle passenger.
- Tech & Safety:ย The cabin is well-equipped with a dual display (infotainment and driver’s instrumentation), a 12-speakerย Harman Kardonย sound system, wireless charging with a phone clamp, 8 airbags,ย ADASย features, and an automatic parking assistant.
- Utility:ย It offers a practicalย 540-litre bootย that can be expanded toย 1,700 litresย with the rear seats folded.
New BMW X1 LWB – Specs and Driving Impressions
This might be the biggest issue for a whole bunch of potential buyers. The BMW X1 LWB is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine producing 153 hp and 230 Nm of peak torque. This mill comes mated to an automatic transmission. While the specs sheet might look a bit weak on paper, the real-life experience is not too disappointing.
- Driving Experience:ย While it does not feel underpowered, it is tuned for a mild, comfortable experience rather than high-performance excitement. Acceleration, particularly from 100-100 km/h, is less punchy than expected, and the three-cylinder unit lacks the refinement of larger engines.
- Ride Quality:ย The suspension is clearly biased toward comfort, effectively soaking up speed bumps and road undulations, making it a very plush car to travel in.
- Overall Handling:ย It is not designed for aggressive cornering or “apex hunting,” as its larger size and comfort-first setup prioritize a smooth ride over sharp, sporty dynamics.
Editor’s Note
After driving the BMW X1 LWB, it is clear that the additional length is primarily about making the rear seat experience more comfortable rather than enhancing driving dynamics. The generous legroom, premium cabin and long list of features make it a compelling option for buyers who prefer being chauffeured around. However, the 1.5-litre three-cylinder petrol engine does not quite deliver the punch or refinement one might expect from a BMW. Overall, the X1 LWB prioritises comfort and practicality over outright performance, and that makes it a very different proposition from the standard X1.
Also Read: New BMW X5 Revealed, Gets ICE, EV, PHEV and Hydrogen Engines
