TL; DR
- BMW confirms August 21 as the India launch date for the long-wheelbase X1 LWB.
- The SUV is 116mm longer than the standard X1, with a 540-liter boot.
- China-spec version uses a 204hp 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, up from the standard car’s 136hp.
Finally, the BMW X1 LWB goes official in India on August 21, 2026, and it’s an important launch for the brand. This launch marks the introduction of the long-wheelbase version of BMW’s entry-level SUV in a market that currently has no direct rival, and where luxury SUV sales have picked up over the last few years.
Also Read: SIAM Flagged Fuel Contamination Damaging Vehicle Parts, Then Pulled The Letter Back
BMW X1 LWB Will Come With Revised Dimensions
An interesting fact before we dive into the details. The BMW X1 LWB was originally developed for China: it has been on sale there since 2023. Coming back to the SUV, the X1 LWB stretches to 4,616 mm in length and has a 2,802 mm wheelbase, which makes it 116 mm longer overall and 110 mm more between the axles than the standard X1 sold in India.
Though the dimensions change significantly, exterior styling carries over unchanged. However, the extra length translates into a larger 540-liter boot space, a 27 mm taller rear bench, and wider headrest cushions for back-seat passengers (for added comfort). That is what we know for now, though.
Also Read: 2026 Mahindra Scorpio-N Facelift Launched At ₹13.69 Lakh, Gets Panoramic Sunroof And New Screens
The China-spec SUV rides on 19-inch wheels, but the Indian unit may come with slightly smaller 18-inch units to preserve ride comfort. The rim size could also match the standard X1 and iX1 LWB already sold here.
BMW X1 LWB: Powertrain Options (Speculated)
Where things get actually interesting is under the hood. For those catching up, India’s regular X1 uses a modest 1.5-liter turbo-petrol engine, which produces 136hp of power. However, the China-spec X1 LWB instead features a 2.0-liter turbo-petrol engine, which makes 204hp and 300Nm (a jump of 68hp over the standard car).
If the Chinese powertrain is carried over to the Indian market as is, it will make the SUV more fun to drive for enthusiasts.
| Spec | BMW X1 (Standard, India) | BMW X1 LWB (China-spec) |
| Length | 4,500mm | 4,616mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,692mm | 2,802mm |
| Boot Space | 476 litres | 540 litres |
| Engine | 1.5L turbo-petrol | 2.0L turbo-petrol |
| Power/Torque | 136hp | 204hp / 300Nm |
| Gearbox | 7-speed DCT | 7-speed DCT |
| 0-100kph | — | 7.7-7.9 seconds |
| Price (India, standard X1) | ₹50.9-52.9 lakh | Expected premium over this |
Also Read: Mahindra August 15 Event: Here’s Everything Mahindra Plans To Unveil This Independence Day
Standard equipment on the China car includes a 10.7-inch infotainment display, a 10.25-inch digital cluster, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless charging, and auto park assist.
In my opinion, think the bigger story here isn’t the added rear legroom but whether BMW brings the more powerful engine to India. If that happens, it will be the quickest, most powerful entry-level BMW SUV in the country.
Also Read: Kia’s First Hybrid SUV For India Is Here, And Pre-Bookings Are Already Open
You can follow Smartprix on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Google News. Visit smartprix.com for the latest tech and auto news, reviews, and guides.
