New Delhi: At an introductory price of Rs 49.90 lakh (ex-showroom), BMW has introduced the new X1 Long Wheelbase (LWB) in India. The new SUV is manufactured locally at BMW’s Chennai plant for customers who wish to enjoy luxury car features combined with extra space and comfort particularly for the rear-seat occupants.
The main difference between the BMW X1 LWB and other luxury vehicles in this class is its long wheelbase. The SUV is equipped with a 108mm longer wheelbase than the standard X1, to achieve a length of 2,800mm. This extra length has primarily been utilised in enhancing the rear seat interior. BMW says the X1 LWB provides up to 150mm of extra legroom in the rear and some 109mm of extra kneeroom, making it an attractive choice for family drivers or those who regularly have a chauffeur.
More Rear-Seat Space Than Rivals
There are several of the reasons why people might want going to consider a luxury SUV like the Audi Q3 or Mercedes-Benz GLA in this price range. But none of them have a long-wheelbase variant in India at the moment. That’s the BMW X1 LWB’s edge for those who value rear-seat comfort highly.
The rear seats of X1 LWB also can be reclined as far as 28.5° backward. Extra cushioning for the seats and increased legroom for passengers with a larger cabin. This gives the SUV a more luxurious and bigger appearance while maintaining its tiny SUV proportions.
Premium Features and Technology
BMW has also equipped the X1 LWB with a number of desirable options. It will feature a 9-square-foot panoramic sunroof, a curved digital display with BMW Operating System 9, a Harman Kardon audio system with 12 speakers, wireless charging and ambient light. It also supports BMW Digital Key Plus, so that the car key can be replaced by a smartphone or smartwatch.
The SUV additionally offers attributes consisting of Parking Assistant, 360-degree video camera and Reversing Assistant. Safety equipment features an array of airbags, lane departure warning, blind spot assistance and automatic emergency braking.
Petrol Engine With Everyday Focus
BMW X1 LWB is powered by a 156 hp, 230 Nm 1.5-litre turbo-petrol and a six-speed manual transmission. It is also powered with a 7-speed dual clutch automatic transmission and front-wheel drive. BMW stated that its fuel consumption is 15.5 km/l.
Overall, this latest BMW’s X1 LWB is outstanding for the combination of luxury, technology and extra rear-seat space in a relatively compact SUV. Although rivals like the Audi Q3 and the Mercedes-Benz GLA play more in their traditional compact luxury SUV league, BMW is shooting at customers in India who would appreciate a more comfortable rear cabin without having to step up to the much larger SUV world. This puts the X1 LWB in a class of its own in India’s luxury SUV market, at Rs 49.90 lakh.
