BMW’s entry-level SUV has grown up – quite literally. The X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB), launched at Rs 49.9 lakh (ex-showroom), shifts its focus entirely towards practical family hauling and rear-seat luxury, instead of ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ – BMW’s decades-old global slogan developed around the fact that Bimmers are almost ultimate driving machines.
What’s new?
Visually, the X1 LWB retains the bold, boxy stance of the standard model, but its profile is noticeably stretched. Up front, the kidney grille is flanked by adaptive LED headlights that wrap neatly into the wings.
The headline, however, is all about the rear seat. Stretched to 4,616 mm with a 2,800 mm wheelbase (108 mm over older X1), the X1 LWB delivers rear space that rivals an X3. Rear passengers get 109 mm more kneeroom, 15 mm longer seat cushioning, and backrests that recline up to 28.5 degrees. Unlike the electric iX1 LWB – which has a flat floor – this petrol model has a tall transmission tunnel that restricts legroom for the middle passenger.
The cabin features a 9 sq-ft panoramic glass roof, BMW’s Curved Display with OS9, and a 12-speaker Harman Kardon system. However, there are compromises up front: you lose the extendable under-thigh support and lumbar controls found in the standard wheelbase car.
How does it drive?
The upgraded 1.5-litre 3-cylinder petrol engine now produces 156 hp and 230 Nm, and can accelerate from 0-100 km/h in a claimed 9.3 seconds via a 7-speed dual-clutch gearbox. While the extra power makes city commuting peppier, it lacks the punch of the 2.0-litre 4-cylinder rivals like the Audi Q3, which does the 0-100 km/h in just 7.3 seconds.
If you love driving, you might also notice that the X1 LWB doesn’t have steering-mounted paddle shifters, and the gear selector has the city-focused L (Low) mode, instead of S (Sport).
It drives well, but isn’t a track weapon. With 50:50 weight distribution and accurate steering, it is tuned for composure, and handles broken roads well and keeps body roll controlled during sudden lane changes or sharp corners.
Verdict
The BMW X1 LWB is no longer about lap times, but is an executive lounge. By trading raw speed for segment-leading rear legroom, it’s a luxury cruiser for those who prefer to be driven. ‘Sheer Driving Pleasure’ can take the backseat.
