Stretching Boundaries: BMW Launches X1 LWB at ₹49.90 Lakh and Opens i5 Bookings

Backed by official corporate disclosures in New Delhi, the luxury automaker has expanded its regional portfolio with a new long-wheelbase SUV and localized electric vehicle bookings.

Expanding Local Manufacturing with the New X1 Long Wheelbase

The luxury automotive sector in India has welcomed a significant addition focused on interior cabin space and passenger comfort. According to official corporate announcements released by BMW India in August 2026, the company has officially launched the BMW X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹49.90 lakh.

Locally produced at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai, the new variant is engineered specifically to cater to buyers prioritizing rear-seat legroom and sophisticated packaging. The vehicle features a wheelbase stretched by 108mm to a total of 2,800mm, while its overall length increases by 116mm to 4,616mm compared to standard global configurations. This structural adjustment successfully frees up an additional 109mm of rear kneeroom and incorporates a longer seat cushion with adjustable recline angles.

Opening Order Books for the Locally Produced BMW i5 LWB

Alongside the market debut of the X1 LWB, BMW India has broadened its electrification roadmap by opening official bookings for the BMW i5 LWB. Following its production announcement, the locally manufactured electric long-wheelbase sedan represents a major step toward expanding accessible high-end electric mobility in the domestic market.

The X1 LWB itself is offered in a single well-appointed sDrive18Li M Sport petrol variant, powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 154 horsepower and 230 Nm of torque paired with a 7-speed dual-clutch transmission. Key interior features include BMW’s curved display housing the digital instrument cluster and infotainment interface, a panoramic glass roof, wireless smartphone charging, and advanced driver assistance systems.

Why It Matters

The practical implications of these announcements touch luxury car buyers, chauffeur-driven commuters, and the broader domestic electric vehicle market. By pricing the locally assembled X1 LWB competitively at ₹49.90 lakh—making it slightly more accessible than standard global models—BMW lowers the entry barrier to executive long-wheelbase packaging while scaling domestic EV production.

Key Facts at a Glance

• X1 LWB Launch Price: Introduced at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹49.90 lakh.

• Manufacturing Facility: Locally produced at the BMW Group Plant in Chennai.

• Dimension Improvements: Wheelbase stretched by 108mm, delivering 109mm of extra rear kneeroom.

• Electric Expansion: Official bookings opened for the upcoming locally manufactured BMW i5 LWB.

FAQ Section

What is the price of the newly launched BMW X1 LWB in India?

The BMW X1 Long Wheelbase starts at an introductory ex-showroom price of ₹49.90 lakh.

Where is the BMW X1 LWB manufactured?

The luxury SUV is manufactured locally at the BMW Group Plant located in Chennai.

What engine options power the X1 LWB?

It is powered by a 1.5-litre three-cylinder turbocharged petrol engine mated to a 7-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

How can customers book the upcoming BMW i5 LWB?

Bookings for the locally produced electric i5 LWB can be placed directly through authorized BMW dealerships across India or via the official BMW India online platform.

Source: BMW India Media Portal, CarWale, HT Auto